Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers are multipurpose open trailers that commercial entities use to ship various products and materials. A flatbed is the most basic of trailer equipment out there in the platform transport section. Indeed, this trailer is excellent for carrying all kinds of freight. From commodities like steel coils, pipe, and lumber to machinery, equipment, and all things in between. Loading is typically done by forklift from the side or overhead by crane. One of its advantages is its maximum continuous deck space. No other trailer offers so much deck space.

Below you will see equipment dimensions followed by maximum legal commodity dimensions.

Flatbed Trailer Dimensions

Legal Restrictions on Load Size

Understanding the legal restrictions on load size will also help in choosing the proper trailer for your load.

Maximum Load Length: The length limit differs depending on whether the load travels on U.S. highways, the Federal Interstate System, or state highways. Loads can overhang a 48-foot trailer by 4 feet in some cases. However, 53-foot trailers cannot have an overhang.

Loads surpassing 53 feet can be shipped on properly permitted stretch trailers. The load maximums apply to the load and trailer together. For example, the maximum height from the ground, including both the trailer and the load, is 13’6′′.

Loads that meet these length, width, and height restrictions meet the requirements of legal loads. A load that exceeds these maximums can be legally transported with the purchase of permits. For safety reasons, these permitted loads are subject to various restrictions, such as date and time of travel, route designation, marking requirements, and the possible requirement of pilot cars.

If a load is divisible in such a way as to meet the legal load limits, no permit will be granted.