Open-Deck Capacity for Side-Loaded Freight
Open deck capacity for steel, machinery, building materials, crane unloads. Securement done right.
What Is Flatbed Trucking?
Open-deck capacity for freight that won't fit inside a dry van or cannot be dock loaded.
Flatbed trucking is designed for freight that loads from the side, top, or rear, or simply won't fit inside an enclosed trailer. When your shipment requires forklift access from both sides, overhead crane loading, or the kind of chain-and-strap securement that only an open deck allows, flatbed transportation is often the best solution.
Laufer's flatbed fleet operates out of Hartford, Wisconsin, hauling the kinds of loads where securement expertise matters as much as on-time delivery. Our drivers take pride in their craft, treating straps, chains, edge protection, and tie-downs as critical components of a safe and successful shipment — not an afterthought.
| Open-deck trailer | Usable deck length | Usable width | Deck height | Max freight height | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard flatbed | 48–53 ft | 102 in | 60 in | 102 in | 48,000 lb |
* Accommodates freight up to 102″ high including dunnage or pallet underneath freight.
Flatbed Dimensions and Capacity
Standard flatbed and step deck specs side by side.
Laufer's standard flatbed offers 47 to 53 feet of usable deck length depending on the trailer, 102 inches of usable width, and a maximum payload of 48,000 pounds. These trailers can accommodate freight up to 102″ (8′ 5″) high including dunnage, pallets or anything that would sit under the freight.
For freight that sits too tall for a standard flatbed, our step deck flatbed drops to a lower rear deck, adding vertical clearance while keeping the same open-deck loading access. Please see our step deck equipment page for more details.
When a Flatbed Is the Right Choice
A flatbed is the right choice when your freight needs to be loaded from the side, top, or rear, or when it simply doesn't fit inside an enclosed trailer. Without walls or a roof, flatbeds provide the flexibility needed for freight that is oversized, irregularly shaped, or requires specialized loading and securement.
A flatbed is best for carrying maximum weight of all the available flatbed types and can carry more weight than a conestoga, but would require hand tarping if your load needs to be protected from the elements.
