Flatbed Trailers vs. Comparable Trucking Carriers
Flatbed vs. Step Deck Carriers
Direct Drive Logistics often utilizes flatbed shipping when delivering I-beams and machinery to construction sites, warehouses and facilities nationwide. Flatbed trucks are very useful for many types of cargo, but a full truckload (FTL) of a flatbed trailer usually cannot have the cargo stand higher than 8 ft 6 in.
A single drop (SD) step deck carrier is basically the same as a flatbed carrier. However, its lowered deck allows you to haul slightly taller cargo. Step deck carriers give you an additional 3-4 feet of height to work with. With a maximum flat bed load height of 13’6” (sometimes 14’ even), sometimes you need every inch you can. Step deck trailers offer greater versatility.
Direct Drive Logistics is here to help you connect to reliable step deck freight carriers nationwide to ensure on-time delivery of the fundamentals of your company’s success!
Flatbed Carriers vs. Dry Vans
While flatbed carriers tend to only be useful in hauling cargo such as I-beams, pipes, and machinery, dry vans are better to carry palatalized loads. Flatbed trucks generally haul oversized or overweight loads dry vans can’t handle. Dry vans offer more security for cargo since the truck bed is covered by more than just a tarp. Dry vans also tend to be cheaper than flatbed carriers in the long run since they don’t carry as much and require less maintenance.
When it comes to the specialized transportation needs of dry vans, Direct Drive Logistics has the best solution for you.
Flatbed vs. Double Drop Deck Carriers
Flatbed trailers are very versatile carriers and are a common asset for transportation specialists all over the nation. Double drop trailers are very similar to flatbed trucks, except the double drop trailer has a deck which dips below the trailer’s axles. Double drop carriers give you even more leeway than a single drop carrier, which drops only from the front of the trailer.
This deck is useful when transporting tall construction equipment, forklifts, cars, trucks, or tanks. Flatbed trucks are unable to transport vehicles like double drop carriers can due to height restrictions, but flatbed trailers can generally haul more overweight items.
Flatbed vs. Pickup Bed
Heavy loads of machinery and construction equipment are most commonly transported on flatbed trucks, but when you need smaller loads transported, pickup beds are often times more useful and cost-effective. Direct Drive ensures your freight is being utilized on the proper trailer—we don’t waste shipping costs using a flatbed to ship truckload freight easily handled by a smaller and less expensive OTR shipping option.
Pickups are usually a bit smaller than flatbed trailers, and the cargo doesn’t need to be strapped down to the trailer bed. For large jobs to haul a lot of overweight cargo, however, flatbed trailers are the way to go.
Flatbed vs. Chassis
A chassis is a metal frame with wheels designed to carry intermodal containers securely and at a low cost. They are generally used by shipping lines to bring large containers to customers, but a downside to chassis trailers are they need to have some means of lifting the cargo on and off it, like a forklift. Flatbed trailers are a bit more expensive, but they are easier to use when loading and unloading heavy loads.
Flatbed vs. Conestoga
Conestoga trucks are cargo beds with a rolling tarp system used to cover the trailer and give protection to the freight. These types of trucks are often used to haul steel, lumber, machinery, and palletized loads across the nation.
While flatbed trailers are a poor option for palletized loads, they can handle much heavier freight than Conestoga curtain side trailers.
When it comes to safe deliveries nationwide, you can trust Conestoga freight shipment and flatbed shipment through Direct Drive Logistics. No matter where you are shipping your cargo, your freight is in the best of hands with Direct Drive Logistics!