{"id":31830,"date":"2023-01-01T06:01:39","date_gmt":"2023-01-01T06:01:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/?p=31830"},"modified":"2023-08-20T15:05:23","modified_gmt":"2023-08-20T15:05:23","slug":"flatbed-trailer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/flatbed-trailer\/","title":{"rendered":"Flatbed Trailer"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"31830\" class=\"elementor elementor-31830\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-16f9ed49 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"16f9ed49\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-70809338\" data-id=\"70809338\" 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.elementor-toc__list-item-text{white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}.elementor-toc__list-items--collapsible>.elementor-toc__list-wrapper>.elementor-toc__list-item>.elementor-toc__list-wrapper{display:none}.elementor-toc__heading-anchor{position:absolute}.elementor-toc__body .elementor-toc__list-item-text{color:var(--item-text-color);-webkit-text-decoration:var(--item-text-decoration);text-decoration:var(--item-text-decoration)}.elementor-toc__body .elementor-toc__list-item-text:hover{color:var(--item-text-hover-color);-webkit-text-decoration:var(--item-text-hover-decoration);text-decoration:var(--item-text-hover-decoration)}.elementor-toc__body .elementor-toc__list-item-text.elementor-item-active{color:var(--item-text-active-color);-webkit-text-decoration:var(--item-text-active-decoration);text-decoration:var(--item-text-active-decoration)}ol.elementor-toc__list-wrapper{counter-reset:item}ol.elementor-toc__list-wrapper .elementor-toc__list-item{counter-increment:item}ol.elementor-toc__list-wrapper .elementor-toc__list-item-text-wrapper:before{content:counters(item,\".\") \". \"}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of Contents\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__body\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64db4a4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"64db4a4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.2 - 11-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<h3>What is a Flatbed Trailer<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Flatbed trailer is a type of open trailer with a flat, level &#8216;bed&#8217; with no sides or roof, which is used for transporting heavy or oversized loads, as well as loads that require loading and unloading from the sides or above.<\/strong><br \/>Here&#8217;s what you need to know as a truck driver about flatbed trailers.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Dimensions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The standard dimensions for are typically 48 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, but 53-foot trailers are also common. The legal height limit for loads is 8.5 feet, but lowboy flatbeds can carry loads up to 12 feet high.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Types of Loads<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Flatbed trailers are versatile and can carry a wide range of cargo, including heavy machinery, large equipment, construction materials, lumber, steel coils, and even vehicles.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Loading and Unloading<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<p>It can be loaded from the top, sides, or rear, which makes them ideal for bulky or oddly-shaped loads. However, this process can be more time-consuming and requires more physical labor compared to <a href=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/dry-van-trailer\/\">dry van<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/refrigerated-trailer\/\">reefer<\/a> trailers.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Securing Cargo<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<p>Because the cargo is exposed, it&#8217;s crucial to secure it properly to prevent it from shifting or falling off during transit. This often involves using chains, straps, and tarps. Drivers need to be knowledgeable about proper load securement procedures and regulations set forth by the <a href=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration-fmcsa\/\">Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)<\/a>.<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/cargo-straps\/\">Learn about Cargo Straps here.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Tarps<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Many loads need to be covered with tarps to protect them from weather and road debris. Handling tarps can be physically demanding, as they can be heavy and awkward to position. Video about tarping at the end of this article.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Safety<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Flatbed driving can be more hazardous compared to other types of trucking. There is a risk of falling from the trailer deck while loading or securing cargo, and shifting loads can cause balance issues while driving. It&#8217;s important to use personal protective equipment and follow safety protocols at all times.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Training and Skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Drivers usually require additional training in load securement and handling, as well as a good understanding of weight distribution and balance.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Weather Impact<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Since flatbed loads are often exposed to the elements, weather can play a bigger role in their operations. Rain, snow, and wind can all affect load securement and safety.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Inspections<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Drivers must regularly inspect the load to ensure it&#8217;s still secure. The FMCSA requires that drivers inspect their cargo within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip, and then every 150 miles or every 3 hours, whichever comes first.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Pay<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Flatbed drivers often earn more than a dry van or reefer drivers, in part due to the additional skills required and the physical demands of the job.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, operating a flatbed trailer comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Always prioritize safety, and ensure you&#8217;re trained and comfortable with all aspects of flatbed operations before taking on a flatbed job.<br \/>Now that you know what is a flatbed trailer, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3sHEHweM7eA&amp;t=530s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here is a video about tarping by driven trucking.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>To learn more about the types of trailers used in the trucking industry <a href=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/types-of-trailers\/\">click here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a8a2c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7a8a2c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.2 - 11-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Listen to The Article<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1717461 elementor-widget elementor-widget-mdp-audier-elementor\" data-id=\"1717461\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"mdp-audier-elementor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<!-- Start Audier for Elementor WordPress Plugin -->\n                    <div \n                        class=\"mdp-audier-elementor-box mdp-audier-elementor-not-playlist\"\n                        data-controls=\"[&quot;playpause&quot;,&quot;current&quot;,&quot;progress&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;,&quot;volume&quot;]\"\n                        data-player-bool-settings=\"{&quot;loop&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;pauseOtherPlayers&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;enableKeyboard&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;hideVolumeOnTouchDevices&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\"\n                        data-player-settings=\"{&quot;audioVolume&quot;:&quot;horizontal&quot;,&quot;startVolume&quot;:0.8}\"\n                        data-source=\"self-hosted\"\n                    ><div class=\"mdp-audier-elementor-audio-wrapper\">\n                        <audio id=\"mdp-audier-elementor-player-1717461\" width=\"100%\" >\n                            <source src=\"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Flatbed-Trailer-Everything-you-need-to-know-Truckers-Wiki-Audio-Article.mp3\" type=\"audio\/mp3\">\n                        <\/audio>\n                    <\/div><\/div>\n                   <!-- End Audier for Elementor WordPress Plugin -->\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"tmnf_excerpt\"><p>Table of Contents What is a Flatbed Trailer Flatbed trailer is a type of open trailer with a flat, level &#8216;bed&#8217; with no sides or roof, which is used for transporting heavy or oversized loads, as well as loads that require loading and unloading from the sides or above.Here&#8217;s what you need to know as &hellip;<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[102,120],"tags":[121,108,109,105,129],"class_list":["post-31830","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-trucks-and-trailers","category-audio-articles","tag-audio-article","tag-flatbed","tag-flatbed-trailer","tag-trailer","tag-what-is"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31830","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31830"}],"version-history":[{"count":47,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31830\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40859,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31830\/revisions\/40859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31830"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31830"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckers.wiki\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31830"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}