The Different Types of Flatbed Trailers

There are several types of flatbeds, each suited to a specific purpose. Understanding how the different flatbed types optimize your workflow is essential to choosing the right option for your application. Some common types of flatbeds include the following:

1. Standard Flatbed

A standard flatbed is the most common type, often used for hauling cargo such as machinery and lumber. This option is favored across the country for open-deck freight. It has no frills attached and provides several transportation options for many applications.

Standard flatbeds have damps, a rack and stake pockets to secure a load during transit.

2. Lowboy Trailer

Lowboy flatbeds have a lowered bed in front of the rear axles, allowing for the transportation of tall and heavy loads such as machinery and construction equipment. They commonly sit lower than standard trailers and have two drops in height to accommodate cargo too tall for standard trailers.

Lowboys have lower ground clearance than standard trailers. They can have a well between the trailer and tractor axles to carry high cargo.

3. Removable Gooseneck

As the name suggests, the removable gooseneck (RGN) has a removable gooseneck and a drop deck, making them versatile options for long and tall loads, such as construction equipment and machinery. RGNs are detachable — you can drop the trailer to the ground to form a ramp to drive heavy equipment onto the deck.

In short, RGNs let you carry loads unsuited to standard trailers. You can attach a bulkhead to the front of the trailer to secure your load, and the unique design ensures quick loading and unloading of heavy cargo. The RGN is a popular option nationwide due to its versatility in transporting loads of various dimensions.

4. Drop Deck

Drop deck trailers — also known as step decks — have a top and bottom deck, and are often used to transport cargo that’s too wide or tall for other flatbed options. It has a bed design featuring a deck that drops lower than standard flatbeds to accommodate elevated loads under height restrictions.

The deck design also allows for easy loading and unloading of large and heavy cargo, making it a popular option for transporting equipment like tractors.

5. Double Drop

Double drop trailers have a front and back deck and a well in the middle. The first deck is close to ground level, and the second is slightly higher, so you can load quickly with ramps. They let you load oversize freight and items up to 10 feet tall without worrying about low bridges and headroom restrictions.

You may require cranes and other loading equipment and have a safety rack for transporting tall items.

6. Extendable Drop Deck

This type of flatbed is similar to the drop deck in design but has an extendable deck to accommodate longer loads. These trailers are preferred for transporting loads too long to fit onto other flatbeds, as they can haul cargo such as pipes and wind turbine blades without overhang. However, large loads may still require a permit and escort vehicle, depending on the payload.

7. Stretch Single-Drop Deck

These trailers feature a unique design, with a single drop deck and a long stretch between the cap and the rear. They have ramps for easy loading, and the deck aligns with the ground to improve accessibility when transporting heavy cargo. They’re ideal for heavy loads, low bridges and areas with height restrictions.

Stretch single-drop deck trailers are a safe transportation option, as the bed design focuses on even distributing heavy loads across the trailer’s length.

8. Side Kit

Side kits — also known as racks or top tarps — have a unique bed design installed over several panels. Unlike other types of flatbeds, they have sides to protect cargo from the elements while in transit. They are robust and easy to install and provide a fantastic option for hauling various types of freight in inclement weather.