This guide will help you choose the right flatbed trailer type, truck trailer height, and weight capacity for carrying your load.
It is important to take note the high bed trailer specification, flatbed trailer sizes, the flatbed weight limit or total weight of the freight as well as the dimensions of a particular type for proper and accurate flat bed & specialized trucking rates.
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Different Regulations for Each Type of Flatbed Trailer
The tools you employ are special just like your company. Knowing exactly which kind of CMV and trailer you’ll be driving is crucial when it comes to adhering to the legal dimensions for a flatbed load because the rules and regulations change depending on the specific trailer.
To help you plan your freight and loads more effectively, let’s examine each type of commercial flatbed trailer and the corresponding weight and dimension capacity. Generally speaking, the combined weight of the truck, trailer, and cargo cannot exceed 80,000 pounds. The maximum cargo weight may be impacted by heavier trucks, such as sleepers.
Standard Flatbed Trailer Dimensions
Unlike dry vans or storage containers, a flatbed trailer is designed to transport goods outside of a designated enclosure. They are a huge hit in the trucking industry because they are perfect for transporting wide or large items that need to be loaded from the side with a forklift or from the top with a crane.
- Maximum freight dimensions
- 47–53 feet in length.
- Height: 8.5 ft.
- Width: 8.5 ft.
- Maximum freight weight
- 48,000 – 52,000 lbs.
Single Drop Flatbed Trailer Dimensions
Single drop deck trailers have a lower deck than standard trailers to accommodate taller loads. The bottom and top decks are especially made to haul cargo that can’t be carried or transported on a standard flatbed, typically because of height restrictions.
- Maximum freight dimensions
- Main deck
- 37 to 43 feet in length.
- Height: 10 ft.
- Width: 8.5 ft.
- Front deck
- Length: 11 ft.
- Height: 8.5 ft.
- Width: 8.5 ft.
- Maximum freight weight
- 48,000 – 52,000 lbs.
- Main deck
Double Drop Trailer Dimensions
In comparison to single drop trailers, double drop trailers have a lower main deck and an additional rear deck. With this trailer, you can transport objects that are up to 11.5 feet tall. on the main deck, 8.5 ft. on the front deck, and 9ft on the rear deck.
- Maximum freight dimensions
- Main deck
- Length: 29 ft.
- Height: 11.5 ft.
- Width: 8.5 ft.
- Front deck
- Length: 10 ft.
- Height: 8.5 ft.
- Width: 8.5 ft
- Rear deck
- Length: 9 ft.
- Height: 10 ft.
- Width: 8.5 ft.
- Maximum freight weight
- 45,000 lbs.
- Main deck
Extendable Flatbed Dimensions
A standard flatbed’s dimensions are almost exactly the same as those of an extendable flatbed, but the main deck can be extended up to 80 feet. in length depending on the model. The length of this flatbed exceeds the length of conventional trailers by the legal dimension.
- Maximum freight dimensions
- 48 – 80 feet in length.
- Height: 8.5 ft.
- Width: 8.5 ft.
- Maximum freight weight
- 45,000 lbs.
Single Drop Extendable Flatbed Dimensions
63 feet can be added to the main deck of a single drop extendable flatbed. Loads that are too long to be transported by a single drop flatbed can be carried by these trailers.
- Maximum freight dimensions
- Main deck
- 38-61 feet in length.
- Height: 10 ft.
- Width: 8 ft.
- Front deck
- Length: 10 ft.
- Height: 8.5 ft.
- Width: 8 ft.
- Maximum freight weight
- 45,000 lbs.
- Main deck
Double Drop Extendable Flatbed Dimensions
The main deck of a double drop extendable flatbed can be extended to accommodate longer cargo. This trailer is perfect for transporting cargo that is unusually long and cannot be carried by a standard double drop trailer.
- Maximum freight dimensions
- Main deck
- Length: 29-50 ft.
- Height: 11.5 ft.
- Width: 8.5 ft.
- Front deck
- Length: 10 ft.
- Height: 8.5 ft.
- Width: 8.5 ft.
- Rear deck
- Length: 9 ft.
- Height: 10 ft.
- Width: 8.5 ft.
- Maximum freight weight
- 40,000 lbs.
- Main deck
Key Considerations for Oversized Loads & Wide Loads
In order to plan for the appropriate type of equipment and make the delivery in accordance with the customer’s expectations, it’s critical to know the precise dimensions and weight of your shipment before beginning to move any flatbed load.
Here are the five key areas shippers need to consider as they prepare to transport a wide or oversized load:
Know the legal limits for flatbed loads
The legal restrictions on shipments in the United States are well known and largely uniform from state to state. These restrictions apply to all varieties of flatbed trailers, according to this flatbed equipment guide.
Typically, the legal maximum load width is 8.5 feet (102 inches), and the legal maximum load height is 102 inches. Legal lengths typically range from 48 to 53 feet, and the maximum weight is around 46,000 pounds. Although some trucks might be able to scale higher, the norm is typically 46,000 pounds.
How to find out if your load is oversized
Weight limitations are based on each axle. Although a shipment might not go over the total weight limit, it might exceed the per-axle limits. In this situation, the shipment can be made legal without the need for special permits by simply changing the load.
The more common measurement that pushes shipments into the “oversize” category is width. Oversized loads are anything wider than 8.5 feet, and flatbed trucks may need one or two pilot vehicles in the front or back for shipments wider than 12 feet.
Just keep in mind that flatbed drivers are in charge of getting the permits, and they cannot get an oversize permit for any load that can be reasonably broken down in size or weight.
Learn the rules for when you need travel escorts
In many states, shipments over 12 feet wide require travel escorts (or “pilot vehicles”). Shippers typically pay for hotels and other incidentals, known as accessorials, and would be included in the total freight costs in addition to variable per-mile rates.
Travel escorts’ job is to alert flatbed drivers to unusual situations, such as traffic jams, construction zones, bridges, low wires, and other hazards that call for cautious driving. They also inform people of the presence of an oversized vehicle.
Understand the factors that will impact your schedule
Most states only allow oversized loads with travel escorts to be on the road Monday through Friday, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Driving restrictions or prohibitions exist in many states during holidays and weekends.
Before a load is put on the road, drivers need permits for each state visited with precise travel directions. Shippers trying to keep to schedules face particular difficulties as a result of all of these factors, particularly the drive time limitations.
Know the meaning and requirements for special marketings
Flags or lights on the tractor or trailer are required depending on the size of the item being shipped. For oversized loads, red flags and amber lights are typically necessary to ensure visibility to other traffic. It’s common to require flags and/or lights for travel escorts that are accompanying an oversize shipment.
Final Thoughts
Even though shipping oversized loads can be difficult, there are times when it is the most effective way to move all of your goods from one location to another. It’s crucial to stay informed because there are numerous regulations and laws governing the transportation of wide loads. The best practices listed above will assist you in making sure your oversize loads are safe and legal.
