The flatbed used in freight transportation is essential for transporting bulky or irregular goods through the supply system.
Flatbeds are a distinctive type of trailer. They enable loading and unloading in any position due to an even and open surface. They are ideal for transporting large goods that cannot fit into other categories of carriers, such as shipping containers. Flatbed trailers are favored for transporting construction materials and equipment, heavy machinery, and prefabricated structures since they can accommodate such products.
Unlike enclosed carriers, flatbed carriers do not have any roofs or sides, and they are most suitable for cargo that requires access from all sides. They are also adaptable to bulky or unconventional commodities like steel bars, windmills, construction machinery, etc. There are various subcategories of flatbed trailers, such as standard flatbeds, step deck trailers, and double drop trailers. Each of these variations is intended to carry out certain types of loads. For instance, step-deck trailers are meant for tall loads that may not fit on a flatbed carrier, while double-drop trailers are suitable for extremely large or heavy loads to be placed low to the ground.
Versatility makes flatbed trailers attractive for transporting freight.
The most important aspect that makes flatbed freight crucial to transportation is versatility. These trailers are utilized to transport goods that cannot be shipped in standard closed boxcars or trailers in one way or the other. These trucks have a flatbed structure, ideal for holding large and heavy loads such as steel bars and beams for construction work or manufacturing machinery for factories. A big benefit is that the time taken to load and unload the drugs is reduced through the use of conveyor belts.
Being fully open, flatbed trailers do not require cargo to be loaded or unloaded from one side of the trailer or the top and rear, as with these trailers, saving time that would otherwise be spent on loading docks or job sites. This is particularly relevant for industries where time is of the essence, like the construction and energy industries. Moreover, the capacity to load and unload quickly affects the general supply chain since speed in this area minimizes delays and brings cost benefits.
Major industries using flatbed transportation
The flatbed freight market is primarily fueled by the construction, manufacturing, energy, and military defense sectors. Flatbeds are integral to transporting heavy machinery, construction materials, and building materials within the construction sector. The manufacturing sector utilizes flatbeds to transport cumbersome apparatus, production, and manufacturing parts and materials. In a similar way, flatbed trailers are used to transport wind turbines, solar panels, and oilfield equipment to the site in the oil and energy sector. Flatbed freight is also used to move tactical trucks and other heavy, oversized equipment that needs special transportation for the military.
Specialized handling may be required for flatbed transportation.
Some guidelines are to be observed when transporting goods on a flatbed during the transport process for convenience and safety. First and foremost, it’s necessary to secure the load appropriately. Chains, tarpaulins, and straps are used to restrain the loads so that they do not shift during transportation as they move to fulfill predetermined legal requirements. Secondly, the cargo’s size and weight must be considered to ensure transport without a permit or overloading. Specific training is required for flatbed drivers to handle and transport fragile cargo because they are exposed entirely. Finally, the pre-trip checks of flatbed trailers are essential to ensure everything is in order and nothing happens on roads.
Despite these two drawbacks, heavy-duty logistics will still be the most important, as flatbed freight is flexible, efficient, and best for heavy cargo. Without flatbed trailers, most industries that deal with huge, bulky, or asymmetric freight would be stuck. However, these measures can be implemented, and the oversized freight can be delivered quickly and easily with specialist freight carriers.
