Whether you are looking to move a full load of products or a less-than-truckload shipment, there are a few reasons why flatbed shipping is the best way to ship your cargo.

Quicker & Easier for Heavy Loads

Depending on the nature of your business, flatbed shipping may be an excellent resource for you. It can help you transport your cargo virtually anywhere.

Whether you’re hauling heavy machinery, industrial equipment, or any other kind of large load, flatbed shipping can be the perfect solution.

Flatbed shipping can also save you time and money. The rates you pay will depend on the type of cargo you’re hauling. Usually, the heavier the load, the more expensive the rate, due to wear and tear on the equipment as well as fuel usage. Flatbeds are excellent for transporting building materials, as this type of freight can be challenging to ship—particularly when you’re dealing with a manufactured home or a heavy load of lumber.

Shipping Oversized Cargo

In addition to the usual suspects, the flatbed shipping industry has also seen a resurgence as more businesses begin to use digital channels to drive business growth. The average cost of a flatbed shipment is estimated to be around $3 per mile.

Flatbed shipping is an ideal method for shipping oversized cargo. The cargo is safely secured while being transported and can even be loaded from the top.

Traditionally, flatbed trucks have been used for forklift shipping. However, there are many different kinds of flatbed equipment available, and choosing the best one is important.

Flatbed shipping trucks are usually 48 to 53 feet long and have a capacity of around 48,000 pounds. More specialized flatbed types include step decks, RGNs, and double drops.

Getting a flatbed shipment delivered in a timely manner is not always easy. It’s not just the size and weight of the cargo that needs to be taken into consideration. It’s also the security of the cargo. If the shipment is not secure, there is a serious safety hazard. Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) National Safety Code (NSC) has a lengthy section on securement. It covers every type of cargo and the methods used to secure it.

Third-Party Logistics & Fleet Optimization

Another challenge for flatbed carriers is fleet optimization. Because of the capital expenditures involved in running a fleet, it is often difficult to determine the best way to use them. The fleet may be too heavy or too long for one mode of transportation.

In these cases, it may be better to use a different method. A third-party logistics company (or 3PL) like the professionals at Lot Logistics can take care of this for you. We use technology to perform a specific cost analysis for each part of the supply chain, meaning you can save on the cost of shipping and improve your shipping and logistics efficiency.

Flatbed Shipping, LTL & Logistics Experts

With years of proven experience in flatbed shipping, LTL freight shipping, and much more, Lot Logistics is your go-to source for cutting-edge logistic services built to drive your business into the future with strong growth. Call today at 1-800-790-3387 to learn more about our services and how we can help optimize your supply chain logistics.