October 22, 2024 - BY EagleLogistics LLC
As a manufacturer, one of the most important logistics decisions you will make is how to efficiently and safely transport your goods. Whether you're shipping oversized loads like machinery, construction materials, or large industrial components, the right transportation method can impact everything from your timeline to your bottom line.
Enter flatbed shipping — a versatile, efficient, and reliable method for moving large loads that don't fit the mold of traditional freight shipping. Flatbed trucks, with their open design, offer unique advantages for manufacturers with cargo that’s too big, bulky, or oddly shaped for standard trailers. In this blog, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of flatbed shipping, highlight its key advantages, and offer insights into why it’s the smart choice for manufacturers looking to streamline their logistics.
At Eagle Logistics, we understand the nuances of flatbed shipping and work with manufacturers across industries to ensure their freight gets from Point A to Point B safely and on time.
What is Flatbed Shipping?
Flatbed shipping refers to the transportation of goods on a flatbed trailer — a large, open truck bed that does not have sides or a roof. This makes it ideal for loading, transporting, and unloading oversized or irregularly shaped items that wouldn’t fit in enclosed trailers. Unlike standard box trailers, flatbed trucks allow for loading from all sides, including the top, giving manufacturers flexibility in how they manage their freight.
Flatbeds come in various sizes and configurations, such as standard flatbeds, step decks, and double-drop trailers, each designed to handle specific types of freight based on height, weight, and load requirements. From raw materials like steel beams and lumber to prefabricated components and large machinery, flatbed shipping covers a wide range of heavy-duty freight needs.
Why Manufacturers Should Consider Flatbed Shipping
Flatbed shipping is more than just a way to move large loads; it's a strategic solution for manufacturers with specialized freight needs. Here are some reasons why flatbed trucking is an advantageous choice for manufacturers:
1. Versatility for Large, Bulky, and Irregular Loads
Not all cargo fits neatly into a box. Flatbed trucks provide the flexibility needed to transport goods that are large, oddly shaped, or heavy. Items like construction materials, heavy equipment, pipes, and prefabricated sections of buildings often exceed the size limits of traditional trailers. With a flatbed, these constraints are eliminated.
The open structure of a flatbed allows cargo to be loaded from any angle, making it easier to secure oversized loads that would be impossible to fit into an enclosed trailer. This versatility makes flatbed shipping the go-to solution for manufacturers handling freight that simply doesn’t fit the norm.
2. Time-Efficiency in Loading and Unloading
Loading and unloading traditional trailers can be a time-consuming process, especially when dealing with large or awkward items. With a flatbed, the process is simplified, as freight can be loaded and unloaded from the sides, back, or even with cranes overhead. This flexibility speeds up the logistics process, reducing downtime and keeping your supply chain moving efficiently.
For manufacturers, time is money, and quicker load times can mean faster turnaround times for getting products to market or fulfilling critical project deadlines. Choosing flatbed shipping helps minimize logistical bottlenecks, allowing you to focus on production and client satisfaction.
3. Ideal for Oversized and Heavy Haul Freight
Flatbeds are specifically designed to carry oversized loads that exceed the dimensions or weight limits of standard trailers. When transporting large, heavy equipment or materials, adhering to height, width, and weight regulations is crucial. With flatbed trailers, these restrictions are more easily managed, as specialized flatbeds (like step decks or double drops) are built for these exact scenarios.
Manufacturers in industries such as construction, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing frequently need to move heavy, oversized machinery or materials. Flatbed trucks offer a safe, compliant, and reliable way to transport these goods without the risk of delays due to non-compliance or improperly loaded freight.
4. Access to Hard-to-Reach Locations
Manufacturing and construction projects often take place in areas that are not easily accessible by standard enclosed trucks. Flatbeds can be loaded and unloaded in areas without loading docks, which is particularly advantageous for construction sites or rural locations. For manufacturers with projects or clients in remote areas, flatbed shipping provides the flexibility to deliver freight to even the most hard-to-reach places.
Flatbeds are also suitable for last-mile delivery when dealing with large industrial equipment or materials that need to be dropped off at the final site, which may not be truck-accessible in traditional ways.
What to Consider When Choosing Flatbed Shipping
While flatbed shipping offers significant benefits for manufacturers, it’s important to consider a few critical factors to ensure your freight arrives safely and on time.
1. Proper Securing of Freight
Because flatbeds are open, proper securing of cargo is essential to prevent damage or loss during transit. Heavy-duty straps, chains, and tarps are typically used to secure freight. It’s crucial that the driver and the logistics team are experienced in securing large and awkward loads. Poorly secured cargo can lead to safety hazards and delays, so choosing a reputable logistics partner like Eagle Logistics ensures your goods are handled with care and expertise.
2. Weather Exposure
Unlike enclosed trailers, flatbed trucks leave your cargo exposed to the elements. This makes it important to consider the type of freight you're shipping and how it might be affected by rain, snow, or extreme heat. If your goods are susceptible to weather damage, protective measures such as tarps can be used to shield the cargo. Planning for weather exposure is a key part of any flatbed logistics plan, and Eagle Logistics is experienced in mitigating these risks.
3. Compliance with Regulations
Flatbed shipping is subject to strict regulations regarding load height, weight, and width. Manufacturers must ensure their freight complies with these regulations, which may require special permits or routing considerations for oversized loads. Partnering with a logistics company that is well-versed in these regulations ensures that your shipments stay compliant, avoiding delays or fines.
Flatbed Shipping and Supply Chain Efficiency
For manufacturers, optimizing the supply chain is a constant challenge. Flatbed shipping can play a pivotal role in improving supply chain efficiency by providing a versatile and reliable solution for moving large and heavy loads. With faster load times, access to difficult-to-reach locations, and the ability to carry oversized freight, flatbed shipping helps manufacturers meet tight deadlines, reduce costs, and stay competitive in their markets.
Eagle Logistics is committed to helping manufacturers streamline their shipping processes by offering expert flatbed transportation services. Our experienced team works closely with you to understand your specific shipping needs, ensuring your freight is delivered on time, within budget, and in perfect condition.
Choosing the Right Logistics Partner
Flatbed shipping requires careful planning, coordination, and expertise. As a manufacturer, choosing the right logistics partner is critical to your business’s success. At Eagle Logistics, we pride ourselves on offering tailored flatbed shipping solutions that meet the unique needs of manufacturers. Our team has the knowledge and experience necessary to handle complex freight, and we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service at every step of the process.
For manufacturers dealing with large, heavy, or irregularly shaped loads, flatbed shipping is not just a convenient option — it’s often the smartest one. From versatility and time efficiency to the ability to handle oversized freight and access challenging locations, flatbed trucks offer a range of advantages that can enhance your supply chain and keep your business running smoothly.
When it comes to flatbed shipping, you need a partner who understands the intricacies of your freight needs. Eagle Logistics offers the experience, reliability, and dedication to ensure your shipments arrive safely and on schedule. Let us help you take the complexity out of flatbed shipping and give you the peace of mind that your freight is in capable hands.