When Do You Need a Flatbed Truck?
Flatbed trucks are perfect for hauling cumbersome loads that require more space than enclosed trailers can provide. If you need to haul oversized building materials like lumber or scaffolding, scrap metal, heavy equipment, and large sacks of fertilizer, grains and seeds, then a flatbed truck has an open design with enough space to accommodate your cargo. If you need to protect your cargo from the elements, then flatbed trucks have limited protection with tarps – otherwise, enclosed trailers are what you need.
Different Types of Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks come in two basic types:
- Standard Flatbed – A normal truck can handle a max freight weight of 48,000 pounds and a mx freight weight of 53 feet.
- Extendable Flatbeds – These “stretch” flatbeds are made for extra-long freight that would be left hanging over standard flatbed trucks. They have a max freight weight of 43,000 pounds (which less than standard flatbeds) and a max freight length of 80 feet.
A flatbed truck can have up to four axles:
- Single Axle – The best maneuverability, but least hauling capacity.
- Tandem Axle – Trades some maneuverability for extra stability and more hauling power.
- Tri-Axle – Capable of handling even heavier loads.
- Quad Axle – For the biggest cargo and largest heavy equipment.
Find Flatbed Trucks With My Little Salesman
Since 1994, My Little Salesman has been the online marketplace for flatbed trucks that are ready to deliver your extra-heavy and extra-wide loads. Whether it’s on a construction site, around the farm, on the highway, or anywhere else, you'll find great flatbed truck listings to take your next payload exactly where it needs to be.