Flatbed & Step Deck Freight Shipping
Freight that needs open-deck equipment deserves a detailed quote request. Share your cargo dimensions, weight, route and loading requirements with Logistics Worldwide so our team can review the equipment needs for your shipment.
Oversized, overweight or RGN freight? Get a Specialized Freight Quote.
Start With the Dimensions. Plan for the Load.
Open-deck shipments depend on exact measurements, loading access and securement. We start with your cargo details, then review the trailer, tarping and handling requirements for the move.
Trailer Matched to the Cargo
Flatbed or step deck, depending on the loaded height, width, length and weight of your freight.
Compare trailers →Securement and Tarping Reviewed
Chains, straps, coil racks and tarps all depend on the cargo. Our team reviews securement and tarping needs with you.
Securement and tarping →A Team You Can Reach
We respond within one hour during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. After-hours requests are answered the next business day.
Call 1-844-488-SHIP (7447) →Which Trailer Should You Request?
Flatbed trailers provide an open deck for freight that requires loading access beyond a standard enclosed trailer. Step deck trailers have a lower deck section that may suit certain taller loads. The appropriate equipment depends on the complete loaded dimensions, weight and route.
| Option | Often a fit when | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Flatbed | Freight up to about 8 ft 6 in tall and 8 ft 6 in wide that needs side, top or end loading | A 48- to 53-ft deck about 5 ft off the ground. Freight within these dimensions typically stays within legal limits. |
| Step deck | Taller freight, up to about 10 ft tall on the lower deck | A lower main deck adds height clearance. The upper deck is shorter, so the length of tall pieces matters. |
| Specialized | Wider than 8 ft 6 in, or over legal height or weight | Usually needs permits, and some loads need escorts or RGN, lowboy or other specialized equipment. |
Not sure which to choose? Describe the cargo and loading setup in your request so our team can review the requirements with you. For larger loads, see Specialized / Oversized / Overweight services.
Freight That Commonly Ships on Open Decks
Open-deck trailers suit freight that is too tall, heavy or awkward to load through the doors of an enclosed trailer. Equipment suitability must be confirmed for each shipment.
Lumber and Building Materials
Bundled lumber, trusses, roofing, drywall and other construction materials that may need tarping.
Flatbed / Step Deck quote form →Steel and Pipe
Steel coils, beams, plate, rebar and pipe that require chains, straps or coil racks for securement.
Flatbed / Step Deck quote form →Machinery and Equipment
Industrial machinery, construction equipment and crated equipment within legal dimensions.
Flatbed / Step Deck quote form →Oversized / Overweight
Freight beyond legal dimensions or weight, including RGN and heavy-haul loads that may need permits or escorts.
Specialized Freight quote form →Details That Help Us Review Your Load
Include the dimensions of packaging or supports where they affect the load. Tell our team if photographs or drawings are available for review.
- Exact length, width, height and weight of each piece
- Number of pieces and a description of the cargo
- Pickup and delivery locations and requested dates
- How the freight will be loaded and unloaded
- Tarping, weather protection and special handling requirements
- Any known over-dimensional requirements or site restrictions
Request Your Flatbed / Step Deck Quote
Share your piece dimensions, weight and loading setup. A quote request starts the review; you confirm the rate, equipment and timing with our team before anything is booked.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 1-844-488-SHIP (7447) or email info@shiplw.com.
Get a Flatbed / Step Deck QuoteFrom Quote Request to Delivery
Four steps to move your open-deck freight.
Share Your Load
Send piece dimensions, weight, route, dates and loading method through the quote form.
We Review It
Our team reviews the trailer type, securement, tarping and any over-dimensional requirements.
Confirm and Book
Confirm the rate, equipment, timing and loading details with our team.
Pickup to Delivery
Your freight is loaded and secured for the move, and our team stays reachable until it delivers.
Loading, Securement and Tarping
Open-deck freight is loaded and secured differently from enclosed freight. Sharing how your cargo will be handled helps our team review the equipment and securement the load may need.
- Loading method at both ends: crane, forklift, side loading or top loading
- Securement needs such as chains, straps or coil racks
- Whether the freight needs tarps or other weather protection
- Pallets, crates, dunnage or supports that add to the loaded height
- Site access, hours and any equipment available on site
- Photographs or drawings of the cargo, if available
Moving Oversized or Overweight Freight?
Share your loaded dimensions, total weight, route and loading requirements for specialized equipment review.
Specialized / Oversized / Overweight services
Four questions to ask before choosing a freight service
Guides for Planning Your Shipment
Practical help from our Resource Library and blog.
Resource Library
Quote checklists and planning tools to help you prepare your shipment details.
Visit the library →Before Pickup Checklist
What to confirm before pickup so your shipment goes as planned.
Read the checklist →Shipping Terms Glossary
Plain-English definitions for common freight and shipping terms.
Search the glossary →All Freight Services
Compare our eight freight services and choose the right quote form.
View all services →Common Questions
Can you quote a load if I am unsure of the equipment type?
Yes. Start with the details you know and identify anything still to be confirmed. Equipment selection should follow a review of the load requirements.
What about oversized or overweight freight?
Use our Specialized / Oversized / Overweight quote form for oversized, overweight, RGN and heavy-haul requests. Equipment, route and any permit or escort requirements need to be reviewed before a shipment is booked.
Should I mention tarping or special loading needs?
Yes. Include them in your initial request so they can be considered when reviewing the shipment and pricing.
What is the difference between a flatbed and a step deck?
As a general guideline, a flatbed has a single deck about 5 ft off the ground and suits freight up to about 8 ft 6 in tall. A step deck has a lower main deck that allows freight up to about 10 ft tall. Your loaded dimensions decide the best option.
When does a load need permits?
Loads wider than 8 ft 6 in, or over legal height or weight, usually need permits, and some also need escorts. Requirements vary by state and route, so share your loaded dimensions and weight for review.
Do photos or drawings help?
Yes. Photographs or drawings help our team understand the shape, support points and loading method of your cargo. Mention in your request that they are available for review.
How quickly will I hear back?
We respond within one hour during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Requests received after hours are answered the next business day.
Tell Us About Your Open-Deck Shipment
Use the dedicated form to start your Flatbed / Step Deck quote request, or call 1-844-488-SHIP (7447).
