Flatbed Freight Shipping for Oversized and Non-Stackable Loads
Flatbed freight uses open deck trailers to ship oversized, heavy, or non-stackable cargo that cannot fit inside a standard enclosed trailer. AMZ Prep flatbed freight rate shops 35+ carriers per shipment for ecommerce brands, manufacturers, and distributors shipping across the US and Canada.
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Based on 93 verified reviews
What Is Flatbed Freight?
A flatbed trailer has no walls, roof, or doors. This open deck design allows loading from the top, sides, or rear. Cranes, forklifts, and overhead gantries can place cargo directly onto the deck.
AMZ Prep flatbed freight serves brands that ship lumber, steel, machinery, construction materials, and oversized products. Standard flatbed trailers are 48 or 53 feet long with a maximum payload of 48,000 pounds.
Flatbed hauling requires specialized load securement. AMZ Prep coordinates blocking, bracing, and tarping for every flatbed shipment. Carriers in the AMZ Prep network carry the right equipment for the job.
- AMZ Prep rate shops 35+ flatbed carriers per shipment for the best rate on each lane
- Standard flatbed trailers carry up to 48,000 pounds across 48 or 53 foot decks
- Flatbed freight handles oversized, heavy, and non-stackable cargo that enclosed trailers cannot
- Step deck, double drop, and Conestoga trailer options available through AMZ Prep
- Cross-border flatbed shipping between US and Canada includes customs brokerage
Flatbed Trailer Types and Dimensions
AMZ Prep matches your cargo to the right trailer type. Four flatbed trailer configurations cover most oversized and heavy freight needs.
| Trailer Type | Length | Max Weight | Deck Height | Max Cargo Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Flatbed | 48 or 53 ft | 48,000 lb | 60 in | 8.5 ft | Lumber, steel, pipe, machinery, palletized goods |
| Step Deck (Drop Deck) | 48 ft | 48,000 lb | 42 in (lower) | 10 ft | Taller cargo, equipment, vehicles |
| Double Drop (Lowboy) | 48 ft | 42,000 lb | 24 in (well) | 11.5 ft | Extra tall or heavy equipment, transformers |
| Conestoga | 48 or 53 ft | 44,000 lb | 60 in | 8.5 ft | Weather-sensitive cargo needing flatbed access |
Standard flatbed trailers are the most common. They work for cargo up to 8.5 feet wide and 8.5 feet tall above the deck. Loads exceeding these dimensions require oversize permits.
Step deck freight trailers have a lower rear section. This lower deck height gives about 2 extra feet of vertical clearance. Taller cargo ships on step decks without oversize permits.
Double drop (lowboy) trailers sit the lowest. The well section drops to 24 inches above the road. This design handles the tallest and heaviest equipment.
Conestoga trailers combine flatbed loading with enclosed protection. A retractable tarp system slides back for top and side loading. The tarp slides forward to fully cover the cargo during transit.
How AMZ Prep Flatbed Freight Works
AMZ Prep manages every step from load details to delivery. Four steps, one provider, no carrier contracts to negotiate.
Share Your Load Details
Share your load dimensions, weight, commodity type, and loading requirements. AMZ Prep provides a competitive flatbed freight quote within 24 hours.
Rate Shop 35+ Flatbed Carriers
AMZ Prep compares rates from 35+ flatbed carriers, step deck carriers, and open deck freight providers. You receive the best rate without managing carrier contracts.
Book and Coordinate Loading
AMZ Prep books the winning carrier and handles permits, escort coordination for oversized loads, and load securement planning. All documentation is generated automatically.
Delivery with Real-Time Tracking
Track your flatbed freight shipment in real time from pickup through delivery. AMZ Prep provides proof of delivery confirmation and monitors transit for exceptions.
Why AMZ Prep Flatbed Freight Rates Beat Standard Brokers
AMZ Prep is not a traditional freight broker. It is a fulfillment network with 50+ fulfillment centers across 6 countries, flatbed carrier partnerships, and volume buying power from 5,000+ brands.
Flatbed-Specific Carrier Pool
AMZ Prep maintains a network of carriers with flatbed, step deck, and lowboy equipment. Every carrier is vetted for load securement and safety compliance.
Permit and Escort Coordination
AMZ Prep handles oversize and overweight permits across all 48 states and Canadian provinces. Pilot car and escort services are booked when required.
Cross-Border Flatbed Shipping
AMZ Prep ships flatbed freight between the US and Canada. Customs brokerage, tarping compliance, and cross-border permit coordination are included.
Load Securement Expertise
AMZ Prep plans blocking, bracing, and tarping per FMCSA rules. Proper securement prevents cargo damage and avoids roadside inspection violations.
AMZ Prep vs Standard Flatbed Freight Brokers
AMZ Prep is not a traditional flatbed freight broker. It is a fulfillment network with integrated freight. That structural difference produces better rates and better service.
| Feature | AMZ Prep Recommended | Standard Flatbed Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier Rate Shopping | 35+ flatbed carriers rate shopped per shipment | 3 to 5 carrier average |
| Permit and Escort Coordination | AMZ Prep handles all permits and escorts | Shipper responsibility |
| Cross-Border US and Canada | Included with customs brokerage | Separate broker required |
| Load Securement Planning | AMZ Prep plans blocking, bracing, tarping | Carrier responsibility only |
| Tracking and POD | Real-time tracking and POD confirmation | Manual check calls |
| Clutch Rating | 4.9 out of 5.0 (93 verified reviews) | Unrated |
What Products Ship on Flatbed Freight
AMZ Prep flatbed shipping serves four primary cargo categories across its 50+ fulfillment centers. Each requires open deck access for loading or exceeds enclosed trailer dimensions.
Building Materials and Lumber
Construction lumber, steel beams, pipe, rebar, roofing materials, and structural components. Top loading with cranes or forklifts is standard.
Machinery and Equipment
Manufacturing equipment, industrial components, generators, and heavy machinery. Step deck or lowboy trailers handle extra tall units.
Oversized Ecommerce Products
Large furniture, outdoor structures, pergolas, gazebos, and oversized fixtures. Products too wide or tall for van trailers ship on flatbed.
Top or Side Loading Cargo
Palletized goods requiring crane or forklift loading from the top or sides. These loads cannot pass through standard rear trailer doors.
Flatbed Freight Between US and Canada
AMZ Prep ships flatbed freight cross-border between the United States and Canada. Customs brokerage, ISF filing, and all border documentation are included in the freight service.
Cross-border flatbed transportation requires coordination on both sides. Oversize permits must be obtained for each state and province on the route. Tarping requirements differ between US and Canadian regulations.
AMZ Prep handles the full cross-border process. Duty calculation, customs clearance, and permit coordination happen before the truck reaches the border. No separate customs broker is needed.
Customs Brokerage Included
Licensed customs brokers file all documentation. No separate brokerage contract or per-entry fees required for cross-border flatbed loads.
Tarping Compliance
AMZ Prep ensures tarping meets both US and Canadian load securement standards. Proper tarping prevents fines and cargo damage during cross-border transit.
Multi-Jurisdiction Permits
Oversize flatbed loads crossing the border need permits in every state and province. AMZ Prep coordinates the full permit chain from origin to destination.
Brands That Ship Flatbed Freight with AMZ Prep
Frequently Asked Questions
Flatbed freight uses open deck trailers for oversized, heavy, or irregular cargo. These loads do not fit inside standard enclosed trailers. Loads are secured with straps, chains, and tarps.
Flatbed freight rates depend on load dimensions, weight, distance, and permit requirements. AMZ Prep rate shops 35+ flatbed carriers per shipment to find the most competitive rate for each lane.
A standard flatbed has a single deck height of about 60 inches. A step deck drops to about 42 inches on the lower section. Step decks carry taller cargo without requiring oversize permits.
Products that are oversized, oddly shaped, or require top or side loading need flatbed shipping. Common flatbed cargo includes lumber, steel, machinery, construction materials, and large equipment.
Standard flatbed trailers carry up to 48,000 pounds. Maximum dimensions are 48 to 53 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 8.5 feet tall. Loads exceeding these limits require oversize permits.
Yes. AMZ Prep coordinates oversize and overweight permits, pilot car escorts, and route planning for loads exceeding standard dimensions. For Amazon FBA inbound freight, AMZ Prep middle mile handles final delivery.
Yes. AMZ Prep ships flatbed freight cross-border between the US and Canada. Customs brokerage, tarping compliance, and oversize permit coordination across both countries are included.
Use flatbed freight when cargo is too tall, wide, or heavy for an enclosed trailer. Flatbed is also required for top or side loading. For smaller palletized loads, consider LTL freight. For temperature-sensitive cargo, use reefer freight.
Get Your Competitive Flatbed Rate
AMZ Prep rate shops 35+ flatbed carriers for every shipment. Most quotes delivered within 24 hours.
