Equipment
Flatbed Freight
Flatbed freight takes more skill to load, secure, and deliver, and it pays accordingly. We find open-deck loads that match your trailer, your gear, and your experience.
Common setup
48- or 53-foot flatbed or step deck
Overview
Flatbed freight follows construction, manufacturing, and energy, industries with a strong presence around Houston and across the Gulf Coast.
Every flatbed load is different, so the details matter more than on almost any other trailer. We confirm dimensions, weight, tarp requirements, and loading conditions before booking, and we negotiate for the extra work that securement and tarping take.
What Is Flatbed Freight?
A flatbed is an open trailer with no sides or roof, usually 48 or 53 feet long. Because the deck is open, freight can be loaded from the sides or from above with forklifts and cranes, the only practical option for many large or irregular items.
Step deck trailers, with a lower rear deck, carry taller freight while staying within legal height limits. Loads that exceed legal width, height, length, or weight need oversize permits, and some require escorts.
What We Haul
We book open-deck freight for construction, industrial, and energy customers, including:
- Lumber and building materials
- Steel, pipe, and rebar
- Machinery and construction equipment
- Oilfield and energy equipment
- Roofing, drywall, and precast products
- Oversized loads, with permits
Why Choose a Flatbed?
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Pay that reflects the work
Securing and tarping freight takes skill and time, and flatbed rates generally account for it.
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Less competition
Fewer carriers have the gear and experience to run open deck, which helps experienced operators stand out with brokers and shippers.
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Room to grow
Step decks, oversize permits, and specialized freight open up higher-value loads as your experience grows.
What You Should Know
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Cargo securement
FMCSA cargo securement rules set the minimum number of tie-downs and their working load limits. Carry enough straps, chains, binders, and edge protection for the loads you accept.
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Tarping
Some loads require tarps, often specified by drop size. We confirm tarp requirements and any tarp pay on the rate confirmation before you commit.
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Oversize permits and routes
Oversize loads need state permits and must follow approved routes and travel times. We confirm dimensions and who handles permits up front.
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Job site deliveries
Construction sites can mean rough ground and tight unloading windows. We pass along site contacts and delivery notes so there are no surprises.