A standard flatbed trailer is commonly used because it is versatile. It is ideally used when there is no accessible dock. Sometimes products can requireside or crane loading which makes the flatbed trailer great for this type of job.
Standard Flatbed Specs:
- 48 feet long
- 8 feet 6 inches wide
- 60 inches high
- 48,000 lbs weight capacity
The amount of weight on a flatbed trailer truck cannot violate the 80,000 lbs weight capacity limit set for US and Texas roads.Federal law also sets a weight limit on each single axle to 20,000 lbs. Foraxles, placed 40 inches, but no more than 96 inches apart, there is a set limit of 34,000 lbs.
5 Common Flatbed Trailers Brands:
- Doepker
- East Manufacturing Company
- Great Dane
- Fontaine Trailer Company
- Mac Trailer
4 Common Haul Categories for Flatbed Trailer Trucks
Construction Materials
This includes: steel frames, recycled concrete, piping, backhoes, bobcats, and the likes. Flatbed trailer trucks also handle bricks, lumber, scaffolding, and other similar use materials.Trusses can be used when haul needs to hang over the edge of the flatbed which would not fit in an enclosed space.
Landscaping Materials
Since the flatbed trailer truck is long, this makes it ideal for transporting landscaping materials like mature trees, river rock, large tools and equipment. Mature trees would stand upright on a flatbed — this would mean that damage can be avoided.
Baled Tires
A single bale is equivalent to 100 tires. This weighs about 1 ton which makes flatbeds ideal for their transportation due to their specs and unenclosed space.
Equipment
Equipment used by ranchers, the military, and aerospace are great for being transported by flatbed trailer trucks. Airplane parts and humvees can even be loaded more safely onto flatbed trailers than other options.
Generally, equipment on the larger side will need to go on a heavy haul trailer.
Flatbed Trucking Operating Hours
Intrastate
In Texas, there are certain hours of service rules for truck drivers who are traveling within state lines. There are different rules that are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) which apply to interstate traveling, but we’ll talk about those in more detail later.
For truck drivers who stay within Texas and do not need to do business within other states, the Texas hours of service rules are the following:
- Truck drivers can drive at any time of day or night, as long as they have 8 consecutive hours off duty before starting their shift.
- Drivers can only be on duty for 15 consecutive hours. This limit includes all trucking responsibilities, not just driving.
- During the 15 hours on duty, drivers can only stay on the road for a maximum of 12 consecutive hours.
- Over a period of 7 days, drivers cannot be on duty for more than 70 hours. This period can only be restarted after 34 consecutive off-duty hours.
Interstate
Interstate operating hours are determined by the FMCSA to apply across all states. They are a bit stricter than the Texas rules, but many restrictions are similar. If a truck needs to cross state lines, the FMCSA requires the following:
- Truck drivers must have 10 consecutive hours off duty before their shift starts.
- Drivers can only be on duty for 14 consecutive hours. Like the intrastate rules, this limit includes all trucking responsibilities in addition to driving.
- During the 14 hours on duty, drivers can only stay on the road for 11 hours total.
- Drivers must take a 30-minute break for every 8 consecutive hours of driving.
- Over a period of 7 days, drivers cannot be on duty for more than 60 hours. Over a period of 8 days, drivers cannot be on duty for more than 70 hours. These periods can only be restarted after 34 consecutive off-duty hours.
However, there are some exceptions to these FMCSA rules:
- In case of poor weather that causes difficult driving conditions, the 11-hour driving limit can be extended to 13 hours.
- During the winter holiday season (Dec. 10-25), driving limits are less strict for drivers who are making department store deliveries within a 100-mile radius of the location where they report for work.
What Kind of Equipment Can Flatbeds Haul?
Fit for a flatbed:
Equipment used by ranchers, the military, and aerospace are great for being transported by flatbed trailer trucks. Airplane parts and humvees can even be loaded more safely onto flatbed trailers than other options. In addition, flatbeds are especially helpful in the construction and farming industries. Some examples of equipment that can be shipped on flatbeds include lumber, cement, and other materials, and heavy farming supplies such as sacks of grain and feed and even some farming equipment.
Lumber
Lumber is used for a variety of purposes, including for residential and commercial construction. Therefore, there has to be a reliable way to transport differently-sized trees, timber, and other lumber—and a flatbed is the best way to do it. Flatbeds can handle the uneven shapes and the weight to make moving lumber simple and efficient.
Cement
Cement is an essential part of the construction industry, and it can be transported in a number of ways. However, flatbeds are often recommended for moving cement because of their durability when moving heavy loads.
Grain and Feed
Sacks of grain and feed can be too heavy for a classic pickup truck when they come in large quantities. In these cases, a flatbed is perfect to transport the sacks from a production facility directly to a farm. Flatbeds can also easily adapt to farming terrain because they have a double tire setup that can drive on muddy and rough road.
Farming Equipment
Farming equipment such as ATVs, small plows, and hay—can all be transported via flatbed. While some vehicles and equipment would be considered oversized loads, equipment on the smaller side can easily fit on a flatbed.
Not Fit for a Flatbed:
Generally, equipment on the larger side will need to go on a heavy haul trailer. This includes vehicles such as cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, and farming trailers.
Cranes
Cranes are large and awkwardly shaped, making them difficult to fit on your average flatbed. Instead, they require a specialized heavy haul trailer that can move them from storage to the job site. In addition, they are labeled as an oversized load.
Bulldozers
Bulldozers are another large piece of equipment and also require specialized heavy haul trailers to transport them. Their proportions are awkward and bulky and are therefore more fit for a trailer.
Backhoes
Backhoes, like cranes and bulldozers, have an awkward shape that make them perfect for projects like excavation, but challenging to transport. Therefore, they are not fit for a flatbed and generally need to be transported as an oversized load.
Farming Trailers
Farming trailers are another bulky piece of machinery that are not fit for transport by flatbeds. While trailers can be driven on their own over short distances, they do not move very quickly and would need to be hauled over long distances.
Conclusion
It is important that you work with a reputable, reliable business for your hauling needs — whether long-term or short-term. For hauling services, call Twisted Nail to receive a fast quote. Just answer questions on the dimensions, weight, starting point and destination of your haul.
Twisted Nail specializes in high quality freight solutions and offers better control over the flow of materials while listening attentively to your needs. You can also use our contact page to get in touch and receive a competitive quote. There is even flat rate pricing to key cities, compared to others who may overcharge. Billing and dispatch is simplified so that you can stay within your time constraints.
Sometimes, things go wrong and which is why Twisted Nail has a strong network of backup equipment — these precautions are learned from years of experience. If you call Twisted Nail, you will speak with a knowledgeable company rep or just fill out the form online.
Twisted Nail is located in Texas and hauls to: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, Temple, Waco, Fort Worth, Mauriceville and beyond.
Contact the best Texas flatbed hauling today with Twisted Nail.
FAQ’s
What is a freight brokerage, and how can it help me transport my cargo on a flatbed trailer in Texas?
A freight brokerage acts as a valuable intermediary in the transportation industry, connecting customers with qualified owner-operators to move cargo between locations. In Texas, a reputable freight broker will market your cargo to carriers, ensuring competitive pricing and service. They handle all logistics, ensuring your cargo is transported efficiently on a flatbed tractor-trailer. By leveraging their expertise, you can enjoy convenience and peace of mind knowing that your cargo is being transported according to your preferences.
What types of cargo can a freight brokerage handle for me?
Experienced freight brokerages have a vast network of equipment at their disposal, allowing them to handle a wide range of freight, including heavy hauls and other specialty loads. They can facilitate the transportation of various items, from construction and landscaping materials to farming vehicles and equipment. Additionally, freight brokers can handle dry and refrigerated goods, hazardous materials, live animals, and virtually anything else you need to move from point A to point B.
What are the benefits of hiring a freight brokerage to handle my flatbed trailer transport needs in Texas?
Some of the benefits that come with hiring a freight brokerage include expertise and someone to take care of the logistics of finding the right carrier to handle your flatbed cargo. Brokerage agreements allow you to sit back while brokers handle permits, insurance, negotiating rates, and other paperwork. In addition, brokers provide advice to help you navigate the complexities of shipping.
How does a freight brokerage determine the cost of transporting my cargo on a flatbed trailer?
Several aspects influence the cost of transporting your cargo on a flatbed trailer truck, including distance, weight, size, type, and market conditions. Based on these factors, a freight brokerage will provide you with a quote, though the ultimate cost may fluctuate depending on the actual weight and size of the cargo, as well as any special pick-up, delivery, or handling instructions.
How do I track my cargo during transport on a flatbed?
To track your cargo during transport on a flatbed, you can contact the drivers assigned to your shipment for updates. Unfortunately, if there are no tracking capabilities available, direct communication with the drivers remains the primary method of tracking your cargo’s progress and obtaining status updates.
