Transporting freight on a flatbed truck is a common practice when it is impossible to fit the cargo into a regular truck trailer. Cranes, forklifts, and other equipment can reach flatbeds easily for loading and unloading.
Various flatbed cargo types include:
- Lumber
- Oversized Pipes
- Steel Coils
- Vehicles
- Equipment
- Mobile Homes
- Heavy Machinery
- Tow Trucks
- Livestock
- Plastics
- Aluminum
#1: Load Variety
Flatbed trucking offers versatility for individuals who drive trucks (pun intended). Despite the fact that the cargo categories are the same, loads are rarely the same. Every trip is typically memorable for the flatbed truck drivers who enjoy transporting goods of all sizes and kinds.
#2: Forces Safety First
Naturally, a greater sense of safety is facilitated by the variety of flatbed loads as well as the securing and tarping of cargo. In order to protect the cargo, the vehicle, the driver, and the general public from potentially hazardous conditions, pre- and post-inspections become essential.
#3: Active Work
Driving flatbed often entails the driver being in charge of covering and securing cargo. For truckers, loading and unloading are often busy times. Thus, flatbed trucking is ideal for drivers who like to keep busy in between deliveries.
#4: Higher Pay (on average)
Many shippers and carriers pay fees for an operation like tarping because of the demanding nature of flatbed shipping and how much weather affects shipments. According to some sources, dry van drivers might make up to $13,000 less per year than flatbed truckers. Flatbed drivers' annual take-home pay might vary depending on a variety of criteria, including experience, the distance of a load, and the rate per mile that a carrier offers.
#5: Dedicated Means Secured and Tarped
The additional benefit of not needing to secure and tarp cargo during loading and unloading is provided by the fact that many carriers offer dedicated routes. Imagine enjoying all the benefits of flatbed trucking without having to spend extra time moving cargo.
#6: Gateway to Oversized Loads
Flatbed truck drivers can prepare for chances with enormous loads, hazmat cargo, and tanker truck endorsements by transporting odd-shaped and-sized freight. The highest paid truckers are typically those with endorsements for hazardous and tankers.