Equipment fit and shipment planning
Flatbed Trucking Service for Open-Deck Freight
Our nationwide flatbed trucking service starts with matching your freight to an open deck and planning how it will be loaded, protected, and unloaded. Standard flatbeds suit shipments that need access beyond an enclosed trailer, provided the dimensions and weight fit the equipment and route.
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.
Share the commodity, packaged dimensions, total weight, and pickup and delivery requirements before equipment is assigned. We use those details to coordinate deck space, securement gear, weather protection, and site appointments.
Freight suited to a standard flatbed
- Steel, lumber, and building materials
- Crated machinery, equipment skids, and fabricated components
- Palletized freight and jobsite materials that can travel on an open deck
Equipment and freight fit
- Length, width, height, piece count, and total weight, including packaging
- Usable space on a 48' or 53' flatbed and the freight's support requirements
- Confirm legal dimensions and weight for the equipment and route; flag oversize needs before booking
Loading and unloading
- Confirm forklift side access or crane access from above at both locations
- Describe rear or dock loading needs so deck height and site access can be checked
- For ground-level freight, identify the lifting equipment available; do not assume a standard flatbed has ramps
Securement and protection
- Identify freight requiring chains or straps and any manufacturer handling restrictions
- Discuss edge protection, dunnage, and sensitive surfaces before pickup
- Specify tarp coverage and weather sensitivity; protection and securement must suit the actual load
Pickup and delivery coordination
- Provide appointment windows, site contacts, and access restrictions
- Confirm who supplies the loading and unloading equipment and when it is available
- Share jobsite rules, handling notes, and schedule changes with the shipment coordinator
Plan the right service
- Company and coverage overview
See the broader nationwide flatbed service offering.
- Step deck options
Explore lower deck height for taller freight.
- Double drop equipment
Review deep-well options when height or clearance needs more planning.
- Extendable decks
Consider additional deck length for long components.
- Flatbed partials and LTL
Explore options for shipments using less than a full deck.
- Request Flatbed Pricing
Send your shipment details when you are ready for pricing.
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
When is standard flatbed service the right fit?
It is a useful option for freight needing side or top access, including steel, lumber, crated equipment, and fabricated products. Dimensions, weight, packaging, and loading access determine whether a standard deck is suitable.
Can a shipment move as a partial instead of a full truckload?
Smaller shipments may suit flatbed LTL or partial service when deck space, handling needs, and timing align. A full truckload is appropriate when the shipment needs the available deck space or a dedicated trailer. Share the footprint and schedule so the options can be assessed.
What should I provide before pickup?
Provide packaged dimensions and weight, piece count, loading and unloading methods, tarp needs, handling restrictions, site contacts, and appointment windows. Confirm these details at both ends of the shipment.
When should a different trailer be considered?
Tall freight may need a step deck or double drop, long pieces may need an extendable deck, and dense freight may need a different axle setup. Equipment selection depends on the complete load and route, not just one dimension.