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Flatbed and Open Deck Carriers in the U.S.

Find and compare flatbed and open deck carriers by trailer type, load securement capability, permit handling, and the commodities they routinely haul.

375 providers listed nationwide

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Flatbed and Open Deck Carriers

375 providers (showing 30)

All providers

30

RD Logistics

West Chester, OH

Long Haul / Truckload Freight · Flatbed Trucking / Open Deck Freight

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LS Cross Logistics

Liberty, MS

Construction Materials Freight · Drayage / Port Trucking

Facility size
20,000 sq ft
Dock doors
2
Integrations
Zoho
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ArdentX

Jacksonville, FL

Flatbed Trucking / Open Deck Freight · Food & Beverage 3PL

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ARL Network

Pittsburgh, PA

Long Haul / Truckload Freight · Flatbed Trucking / Open Deck Freight

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See all 375 Flatbed and Open Deck Carriers

What Flatbed and Open Deck Carriers do

Flatbed trucking (open deck freight) moves cargo that cannot fit in a dry van because of its size, shape, or the need to load from the side, top, or by crane. These carriers haul freight on open trailers such as flatbeds, step decks, and lowboys, and are responsible for securing and often tarping the load.

When you need this type of provider

  • Your freight is too tall, wide, or long for a standard dry van.
  • You ship steel, lumber, pipe, or building materials that load by forklift or crane.
  • You are moving machinery or equipment that must be chained and strapped down.
  • Your load exceeds legal dimensions and needs oversize or overdimensional permits.
  • You need weather protection on open freight and require tarping.

What to compare

  • Trailer types available (flatbed, step deck, RGN or lowboy, Conestoga)
  • Deck length and legal weight capacity
  • Tarping capability and tarp types
  • Load securement equipment (chains, straps, edge protectors)
  • Oversize and overdimensional permit handling
  • Pilot or escort car coordination
  • Experience with your specific commodity
  • Crane or forklift loading requirements at pickup and delivery
  • Multi-state routing and lane coverage
  • Insurance limits for high-value equipment

Questions to ask before requesting a quote

  • Which trailer types do you operate, and what are their deck dimensions and weight limits?
  • Do you provide tarping, and what is the added cost?
  • How do you handle oversize permits and escort cars for overdimensional loads?
  • What securement equipment do you use for my type of freight?
  • Have you hauled this commodity before, and how do you protect it?
  • What are your insurance limits, and do they cover the value of my equipment?

Flatbed and Open Deck Carriers by state

Illinois45Texas33Florida21Ohio16Pennsylvania16California15Georgia13Indiana13Michigan13Alabama12Oregon12Wisconsin12New York11Colorado10Minnesota10Iowa9

Related categories

Heavy Haul / Oversized Load TransportConstruction Materials FreightLong Haul / Truckload FreightFreight Brokerage / Managed TransportationIntermodal / Rail Freight

Flatbed and Open Deck Carriers: frequently asked questions

What does a flatbed carrier do?

It transports freight that cannot ship in an enclosed dry van, using open trailers like flatbeds, step decks, and lowboys. The carrier loads the freight (often by crane or forklift), secures it with chains and straps, and tarps it when weather protection is needed.

When do I need a step deck or lowboy instead of a standard flatbed?

A step deck (drop deck) sits lower to carry taller freight within legal height, and an RGN or lowboy is used for very tall or heavy machinery that must be driven or rolled on. Match the trailer to your cargo height and weight.

Do flatbed loads need permits?

Loads within legal size and weight limits do not, but oversize or overdimensional freight requires state permits and sometimes escort vehicles. Ask the carrier to handle permitting and confirm who covers the cost.

What should I include in a quote request?

Share the commodity, exact dimensions and weight, how it loads and unloads, whether it needs tarping, and pickup and delivery locations so the carrier can select the right trailer and price permits.