Equipment guide
Flatbed Loading & Unloading Guide
Loading method drives equipment selection, scheduling, and cost—and it is one of the first questions in our quote form. Share the details below so we can price accurately on the first reply.
Forklift loading/unloading
What we need to know:
- Forklift capacity and fork length
- Dock or ground-level loading, yard space, and surface condition
- Appointment windows or live load requirements
Common issues to flag early:
- Short forks for deep pallets or long crates
- Uneven or soft ground where trailers may sink
- No forklift available at delivery (need liftgate or crane instead)
Crane loading/unloading
Share this up front:
- Crane appointment window and onsite contact
- Lift points, rigging requirements, and any spreader bars
- Street/permit constraints or time-of-day limits
Why it matters:
- Being ready keeps drivers out of detention
- Correct rigging prevents rework and keeps the schedule
Side load vs rear load
Side loading is common when fencing, walls, or tight yards block the rear. Rear loading can be faster at docks or where freight is staged on the ground. Call out which side of the trailer is accessible and if there is a turn or backing constraint.
Top pick only
Top pick means overhead lift is required for pickup and/or delivery. Flag this early so we select trailers that keep the deck clear for cranes and plan securement accordingly. If only one end needs top pick, tell us which.
What to include for fast pricing
- Origin and destination ZIPs plus pickup date
- Dimensions, weight, and piece count
- Acceptable trailer type (flatbed/step deck ok?)
- Pickup load method and delivery unload method
- Handling constraints: side load, rear load, top pick
- Appointments, extra stops, port/TWIC, cross-border needs
Ready to book?
Share loading details and get a quote
We match trailers to your loading method, site constraints, and timing.