Shipment workflow
Flatbed Shipping from Booking Through Delivery
Flatbed shipping involves more than assigning a trailer. Once shipment requirements are agreed, the next steps are confirming the booking, aligning pickup and delivery appointments, and keeping site contacts informed as the load moves.
Planning Montana moves?
See our Montana flatbed coverage and the Montana oversize permit guide for escorts, curfews, and MDT references.
FlatbedTrucking.com is the flatbed/open-deck brand operated by Streamline LLC. FreightMonster is Streamline LLC's specialized heavy-haul brand. About our company
Claims handled by an experienced logistics team.
Need COI, W-9, or compliance docs?
Request insurance certificates, W-9, carrier packet/compliance documents, or claims info.
Request documentsReady to ship?
Fast pricing for shippers — flatbed, step deck, double drop, and oversize.
Need coverage into or out of Montana? We service Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Butte with flatbed, step deck, and double drop capacity.
Use this page to prepare for the shipment workflow, from dispatch through delivery. For equipment selection, freight fit, and loading requirements, use our detailed flatbed trucking service guide.
Confirm the booking
- Review the agreed shipment details, pickup window, and delivery requirements
- Confirm shipper and receiver contacts and any appointment references
- Report changes to the freight or schedule before dispatch
Prepare for pickup
- Have the freight and shipping paperwork ready for the agreed pickup window
- Confirm site access and loading crew availability with dispatch
- Share updated contact details or access instructions before the truck arrives
Coordinate while in transit
- Keep dispatch informed if receiving hours or appointments change
- Coordinate schedule updates with the receiving contact
- Raise shipment questions with the coordinator so pickup and delivery teams have consistent information
Prepare for delivery
- Confirm the receiving team and unloading appointment
- Have the receiving contact available for arrival coordination
- Record delivery exceptions on the shipment paperwork and notify the coordinator promptly
Plan the right service
- Flatbed equipment and freight-fit guide
Review service requirements before booking.
- Loading and unloading preparation
Prepare the pickup and receiving sites.
- Request Flatbed Pricing
Send shipment details when you need a rate.
Equipment & Securement
Equipment provided
- Pipe stakes
- A-frames
- Dunnage and cribbing
- Tarps
- Straps
- Chains
- Binders
Typical equipment
- 48' flatbed
- 53' flatbed
- Extendable / stretch decks
- Step deck
- Double drop
Often 40k–48k payload depending on lane/legal/commodity.
Shippers we serve
- Jobsites
- Manufacturers
- Fabricators
- Retail distribution centers
Tell us dimensions/weight and whether tarps/pipe stakes/A-frames are needed for accurate pricing.
Common flatbed freight
Oil & gas pipe / tubulars
Steel coils & metal
Structural steel & fabrication
Construction materials
Stone / granite
Machinery & equipment
Containers & project freight
Vehicles & rolling stock
Curtain-side / Conestoga freight
Frequently asked questions
What happens after shipment details are confirmed?
Booking and dispatch coordination align the pickup window, site contacts, and delivery requirements. Keep your coordinator informed of changes before the truck is dispatched.
What if a pickup or delivery appointment changes?
Contact the shipment coordinator as soon as possible with the new window and site contact. Revised timing needs to be checked against truck availability and the receiving schedule.
Who should be available at pickup and delivery?
Provide a contact at each location who can confirm access, paperwork, and crew availability. Let dispatch know if those contacts change.
Where can I check which flatbed equipment I need?
The flatbed trucking service guide covers freight dimensions, equipment fit, loading access, and protection needs. Resolve those requirements before confirming the shipment.