Flatbed Trucks

A flatbed truck is a type of commercial truck that is manufactured with a large open-air bed. Flatbed trucks are similar to their counterparts, flatbed trailers, except that the truck version is all one vehicle. A flatbed truck is ideal for transporting goods that don’t need to be contained inside a cargo box, making it perfect for oversized hauling. 

Some flatbed trucks come equipped with fence-like sides. These flatbeds are referred to as stake body trucks. Stake bodies contain sockets alongside their edges where the stakes are inserted to form the fence-like sides. Due to the stakes along the sides, this version of a flatbed truck earned the name stake body truck.

Flatbed trucks are a true workhorse. They are capable of transporting heavy loads across long or short distances. How much a flatbed truck can carry depends on the size of the truck and legal limits. In general, you can expect most flatbeds to haul around 46,000 lbs. 

Understanding the legal limits of load weights is critical in the trucking industry. Load weights are strictly enforced through the use of weigh stations located along major highways. Before hauling any cargo, it is important to understand what your legal weight limitations are for that particular commercial truck. As you go about purchasing a flatbed truck, be sure to let your sales representative know what type of hauling you will be doing. This will ensure they can point you to the right flatbed for your needs.

The length of a flatbed truck is generally around 48 ft. Longer flatbeds are available, including the impressive 53-ft. long flatbed, but this is not the norm. 

Standard flatbed trucks also have legal limitations on how wide and long the cargo can be. For this reason, it is important to learn more about the regulations across the region you plan to haul goods. Not only that, but you need to also ensure that you have an accurate method for measuring the length and width of your cargo. 

Flatbed trucks are extremely versatile in use. With an open cargo bed, they are a favored choice in the trucking and transportation industry. The following are just a few of the most common industries that utilize flatbed trucks:

• Construction
• Oil and gas
• Agriculture
• Scrapping

Investing in a flatbed truck should involve careful research. Not all commercial trucks are built the same. Be sure you start the process by considering what manufacturers offer the best truck for your needs. Certain names, such as Freightliner and Western Star, have a proven track record backed by years of designing premium quality flatbed trucks. 

You should also consider what size flatbed you will need. Generally, most flatbeds will be 48 ft. long. Finally, consider whether or not you need a standard flatbed truck or a stake body truck. A stake body truck offers the added benefit of fence-like walls. This is ideal for hauling cargo that requires a more secure structure than a wide-open flatbed.