Discover the Most Profitable and In-Demand Flatbed Freight Types Every Owner-Operator and Small Fleet Should Know

Flatbed transportation is one of the most vital aspects of the freight industry, it is the spine that keeps the wheels of America’s infrastructure in motion. From lifting steel beams to build all-new bridges to moving large pieces of machineries for farming and power generation, flatbeds actually keep cities expanding.

At Dexter Dispatch Services, we have had the pleasure of working side-by-side with flatbed owner-operators and small fleets for many years pairing them up with top paying, secure, and compliant loads. Flatbed freight isn’t about raw power and horsepower – it’s about skill, take responsibility, and know exactly what to haul and when.

This comprehensive guide analyzes the top five trucking freight types that are ideal for flatbed trucking, presents several bonus types, explores safety practices and offers cautious reminders on how skilled dispatching can assist you to drive more again per dollar.

What Is Flatbed Trucking?

Flatbed trucking is actually driving a basic feat of flat platform with no sides or a roof. These trucks are super handy for moving things that are oversized/oddly-shaped/ really heavy that wouldn’t fit into a dry van or refrigerated unit.

Types of Trailers used in Flatbed Trailers

• Standard Flatbed: These are of 48 to 53 feet length and are used to handle general heavy loads

• Step Dee of Drop Deck: Great for Higher Value of Cargo as long as you keep your cargo below the height

• Double Drop / Lowboy: Best for super tall/ultral heavy loads -Think big Machines

• RGN (Removable Gooseneck): Ideal for equipment that requires to be driven behind it such as a dozer or excavator.

Why Flatbed Freight Matters in the U.S. Market

Flatbed freight drives sectors like construction, manufacturing, oil energy, agriculture and honestly it’s a gigantic value of the economy.

According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), 25% or more of all freight tonnage consists of materials or equipment more appropriately loaded in flatbeds; so that’s a tremendous portion of the market.

Flatbed shipments usually include higher rates per mile due to the following reasons:

• – The difficulty of securement is adding complexity,

• – Specialist driver skill is required,

• – Increases in seasonal demand in construction and industrial production add to earnings.

Basically, flatbed carriers form the backbone of infrastructure development and with the right dispatching, they can close in consistent, profitable loads throughout all seasons.

The Top 5 Freight Types Ideal for Flatbed Trucks

Building and Construction Materials

The most common stuff flatbeds haul, for example, is quite wide indeed:

• Concrete pipes precast panels

• Roofing materials, Insulation materials, Scaffolding

• Structural steel and beams

• Asphalt paver and asphalt paving materials

Why it’s ideal:

Flatbeds allow you that crazy flexibility and easy open load access that we need to move all of that bulky and weird shaped stuff to and from construction sites. You can use forklifts and crane on any side, this saves a ton of time and cuts the labor.

Example:

Imagine a Houston concrete beams producer shipping 45,000 lbs of concrete beams to a highway project in Dallas directly to the customer by a flatbed driver. With tight deadlines and not a lot of storage space at the work sites getting dispatch coordinated smoothly is a matter of life and death.

Machinery and Heavy Equipment

This includes freight like:

• Bulldoggers, diggers, backhoe machines

• Farming equipment (tractors, harvesters etc)

• Industrial pressing machine/ generator

Why it’s ideal:

Flatbeds and RGNs (Removable Goosenecks) carry equipment that is taller and heavier than a standard trailer, makes them like the antitrust for heavy equipment. Adjustable necks and loading ramps include with your machine so you can drive the tool right on to the trailer just like bringing your laptop right to a group work without breaking anything.

Example:

Think back to the stepdeck driver in Oklahoma trucking an oil pump all the way to a North Dakota drilling site-high value, experience and permits-required freight that demands much more than basic transportation-that esoteric research report after finals is more akin to big game planning.

Tip:

Remember, securement of cargo requires the use of chains, binders, edge protectors, etc., which appear faithfully incorporated into 49 CFR 393.130 of the FMCSA-“safety chapters”-and therefore, your textbooks and equipment are a bit like your lab instruments that have to be secured in their cases before the ride in the campus bus.

Steel, Metal, and Industrial Coils

Flatbeds with no storage overhead make great units for transport:

• Steel coils, sheets, and rebar

• Aluminum, copper and industrial metals.

• Pipe and tubing bundles

Why it’s ideal:

Heavy metals require heavy trailers — and trailers are not feasible in enclosed environments. Coils especially need special coil racks and securement system to avoid load shift during the braking.

Example:

Carrier located in Midwest hauling steel coils from Gary, IN to auto plants in Detroit. It’s an ongoing, profitable running lane however one that calls for accuracy in securement.

Challenges:

Drivers need to be aware of load balance – wrong coil position can lead to trailer flex/r settles leading to rollover.

Lumber, Timber, and Prefabricated Homes

Flatbeds are preferred in lumber and housing materials in the application areas of:

• – Cut lumber and plywood

• – Framing packages

• Roof trusses and Publicly available walls

• – Prefabricated home modules

Why it’s ideal:

The open deck makes stacking of long or wide lumber easy; also it is economical multiple deliveries can be made on one regional run almost like a tight bus schedule.

Example:

Regional flatbed trucking in Georgia is short-haul with few deadhead miles and runs daily loads of lumber from mills to Atlanta construction sites.

Vehicles and Oversized Loads

Flatbeds also move:

• Industrial (cranes, fork lift trucks, buses)

• Vehicles of a military entity or a construction vehicle

• Oversized modular freight

Why it’s ideal:

If the cargo is more than the standard limit (80,000 lbs gross or 13 ft 6 in height), flatbeds or RGNs are needed.

Example:

A truck loaded with a 65-ft wind turbine blade from in Texas into Iowa. An operation like that would need oversize permits, pilot cars and routing – all of which can be done by a good dispatcher.

Specialized Flatbed Freight (Bonus Categories)

• Oilfield equipment means pumps, pipes, tanks, serious money for sure but typically in isolated locations.

• Aerospace freight: massive aircraft parts that gotta be escorted

• Ag imposes: large but lightweight loads, normally seasonal in nature.

• Solar panels and wind parts: There’s a constant stream of valuable cargo from the green-energy boom.

Equipment and Securement: What Flatbed Drivers Must Know

Essential Securement Tools

• Chains, binders, straps, corner protectors
• Coil racks, dunnage, and edge guards
• Heavy-duty tarps for weather protection

FMCSA Load Securement Rule (49 CFR 393):
Drivers must secure each item independently to prevent movement in all directions.

Pro Tip:

Invest in high-quality tarps — damaged cargo claims can easily cost more than the tarp set itself.

Seasonal Trends in Flatbed Freight

Flatbed rates are highly seasonal.

Smart dispatchers plan lanes that align with these seasonal surges to keep trucks full year-round.

Challenges and Safety Tips for Flatbed Drivers

Challenges

• Exposure of the freight to weather can totally spoil the deliveries.

• Physical labor during securement is not easy.

• Over dimension freight compliance is a whole other thing.

• No parking spaces for long trailers? Finding a spot is tough.

Safety Tips

• Always inspect straps and chains before loading – you do not want to be surprised later so.

• Use PPE (gloves, boots, safety vests) – be safe, be fashionable!

• Don’t climb on top of freight without fall protection or you will not be believed when you do so.

• Jumpstart permits before you go anywhere – nobody enjoys a red light from the regulatory.

How Dispatch Services Help Flatbed Carriers Maximize Profits

Flatbed dispatching requires more than just finding loads — it’s about matching equipment, driver experience, and safety requirements.

Dexter Dispatch Services Provides:

• Custom load matching: We find the best freight for your trailer type and location.
• Compliance monitoring: Verify permits, HOS limits, and load weights.
• Broker communication: Handle rate negotiations, setup packets, and confirmations.
• Route optimization: Plan efficient hauls with minimal deadhead miles.
• Weather and load tracking: Real-time updates for clients and drivers.

Our dispatchers specialize in flatbed and step-deck freight, ensuring you stay booked, compliant, and profitable.

Real-World Examples of Flatbed Loads

1. Construction Beam Haul:
   Dexter Dispatch coordinated a 48,000 lb steel beam delivery from Kansas City to Denver within 36 hours, managing permits and escort vehicles.
2. Agricultural Machinery Load:
   A 2-truck fleet we dispatched hauled tractors from Iowa to Tennessee, using step-decks and securing return loads to minimize deadhead miles.
3. Wind Turbine Component:
   We arranged an RGN haul for a wind turbine hub from Texas to New Mexico — requiring pilot cars and height clearance coordination.

How Dexter Dispatch Services Supports Flatbed Carriers

At Dexter Dispatch Services, we understand the flatbed industry from the ground up.

Here’s how we support drivers and small fleets:

• High-paying freight connections from trusted brokers and shippers.
• 24/7 dispatch availability for urgent loads or emergencies.
• Paperwork handling — BOLs, invoices, PODs, and broker setup.
• Market analysis — find the most profitable lanes for your equipment.
• Compliance assistance — permits, insurance verification, and updates.

Whether you’re hauling lumber in-state or steel cross-country, Dexter Dispatch keeps your trailer loaded and your operations compliant.

Conclusion

Flatbed trucking is not only a job – it is a craft. It requires precision, brute strength and intelligent logistics. The rewards? Higher pay, less idle time and the satisfaction of hauling America’s most important freight.

At Dexter Dispatch Services, we enable flatbed drivers and fleets to capitalize on challenges to create successful time and time again. From construction loads to heavy equipment, there is no reason for your trailer to ever go empty when we are in charge of dispatching your load.

If you’re ready to take your flatbed business to the next level – Dexter Dispatch Services is here to keep your wheels turning and your profits growing.

Frequently Asked Questions