Reliable Open Deck Flatbed Shipping

Open deck flatbed shipping moves freight on trailers without enclosed walls or roofs, allowing cargo to be loaded from the top, side, or rear by forklift, crane, or rigging equipment. It is commonly used for machinery, construction materials, steel, lumber, equipment, and other freight that is too large, heavy, or awkward for a dry van.

Open deck flatbeds are best for cargo that cannot be loaded through standard dock doors or needs exposure-free dimensional flexibility. Common examples include building products, industrial machinery, pipe, steel, generators, agricultural equipment, modular components, and oversized freight. Sims Global Solutions helps match freight characteristics with flatbeds, step decks, RGN, lowboys, or other specialized trailers.

A standard flatbed has a level deck and is useful for many side- or top-loaded shipments. A step deck, also called a drop deck, has a lower rear deck for taller freight. RGN and lowboy trailers sit even lower and are often used for heavy equipment, oversized machinery, and loads that need drive-on loading capability.

Yes. Sims Global Solutions coordinates oversized and heavy haul transportation that may require permits, escorts, specialized routing, and equipment planning. The team works with permitting and routing resources to account for height, width, weight, road restrictions, weather, and traffic considerations so loads move safely and in compliance with applicable transportation regulations.

Load securement depends on the freight, trailer type, dimensions, weight distribution, and handling requirements. Open-deck shipments may use chains, binders, straps, dunnage, tarps, and other securement equipment to prevent shifting or damage in transit. Sims Global Solutions works with qualified carriers and heavy haul professionals focused on safe loading, containment, and delivery.

Yes. SimsTrak, the company’s Transportation Management System, supports real-time shipment visibility, quoting, scheduling, tracking, consolidated billing, and customized reporting. Customers can receive regular updates throughout the shipment lifecycle, while the operations team monitors loads from pickup through delivery to help reduce surprises and improve communication.

Yes. If your shipment is larger than LTL but does not require an entire trailer, partial truckload may be a cost-effective option. Sims Global Solutions can evaluate freight size, lane, urgency, handling needs, and available capacity to determine whether partial truckload, volume LTL, full truckload, or another open-deck option makes the most sense.

Open deck flatbed pricing is influenced by shipment dimensions, weight, origin and destination, trailer type, loading method, permits, escorts, tarping, lead time, and market capacity. Specialized equipment such as step decks, RGN, lowboys, or multi-axle trailers may affect cost. Accurate measurements and handling details help the team source the right carrier and quote more precisely.