Freight dimensions and weight
Plan around the actual cargo profile, including irregular shapes and freight that cannot be easily loaded inside an enclosed trailer.
DOMESTIC FREIGHT
Flatbed, step deck and specialized open-deck shipping.
Open-deck transportation for oversized, irregular and specialized freight requirements.
Flatbed & Open Deck
A loading plan built around the freight.
Flatbed freight services give loads access to an open deck when an enclosed trailer is not a practical fit. Cargo shape, loading method and handling requirements all influence equipment selection. Prisma Freight coordinates open deck transportation around the shipment's dimensions, weight, loading conditions and securement needs rather than assuming every load belongs on the same trailer.
Open-deck access for demanding cargo profiles.
Loading and securement requirements
Open-deck equipment can accommodate side or overhead loading where appropriate. Identify the loading method and securement needs before scheduling.
Flatbed and step deck selection
Compare flatbed and step deck considerations against the load's height, footprint and handling requirements before selecting equipment.
When open-deck transportation is needed
Shipment profile
Consider open-deck transportation for machinery, steel, building materials or other freight whose shape or loading needs make an enclosed trailer impractical.
Service requirements
Confirm how the freight will be loaded and unloaded, how it will be secured and whether weather protection or tarping is required.
Planning considerations
Accurate dimensions and weight are essential. Any special routing or equipment requirement must be reviewed and confirmed for the individual shipment.
Flatbed, step deck and load requirements
Freight dimensions and weight
Provide the length, width, height and weight of each piece, including packaging and projections. Photos can help explain the load, but do not replace accurate measurements.
Loading and securement requirements
Identify crane, forklift or other loading methods at both ends. Share securement points, handling restrictions and any tarping or weather-protection requirements.
Flatbed and step deck selection
Trailer selection depends on the load's profile and loading access. A step deck may be considered when a lower deck better suits the freight; equipment suitability must be confirmed.
How flatbed shipping works.
Share shipment details
Share dimensions, piece count, weight, photos, origin, destination and the requested schedule.
Confirm requirements
Review equipment, loading method, securement and any tarping requirements with the Prisma Freight team.
Coordinate pickup
Coordinate the planned trailer and pickup conditions based on the shipment requirements and available capacity.
Follow through on delivery
Keep delivery access, unloading arrangements and any changes to site conditions connected through the move.
Open-deck routes start with the load.
Flatbed and open-deck route planning depends on cargo dimensions, weight, loading methods and available equipment. Share the pickup and delivery locations and site access; any permit, route or specialized handling requirements must be reviewed for the individual shipment.
Materials and equipment for the next job.
Construction, industrial operations and manufacturing often move steel, machinery, equipment and building materials that benefit from open-deck access. Agricultural equipment can also require this approach. The right trailer depends on the specific load and the facilities handling it.
Why Prisma Freight.
Communication
Keep cargo measurements, loading instructions and site conditions clear to everyone involved in the move.
Coordination
Bring equipment selection, securement requirements and loading and unloading arrangements into one shipment plan.
Shipment follow-through
Stay connected when delivery access, unloading arrangements or other load-specific conditions change.
Open-deck and enclosed transportation
Flatbed & Open Deck
Open-deck equipment provides loading access for freight that cannot practically enter or travel in an enclosed trailer. Dimensions, securement and exposure to weather require specific planning.
Enclosed trailer transportation
Dry van transportation encloses packaged freight that fits its loading access and interior. It may be the simpler choice when open-deck loading or specialized trailer considerations are unnecessary.
Explore enclosed dry van transportationFAQ
Flatbed and open-deck questions.
When is flatbed transportation the right choice?
Flatbed can be appropriate when a load's shape, dimensions or loading method makes an enclosed trailer impractical. Steel, machinery and building materials are common examples, but each shipment still needs an equipment and handling review.
What details are needed to choose flatbed or step deck equipment?
Provide piece count, exact dimensions, weight, packaging, photos and the loading and unloading methods. Include securement points and weather-protection needs. Trailer suitability and any specialized requirements must be confirmed before pickup.
Should I request tarping for my flatbed load?
Communicate the product's weather-protection requirements when requesting the quote. Tarping needs depend on the commodity, packaging and handling instructions. Do not assume it is included; the plan and available equipment must be confirmed for the shipment.
Continue exploring
Related Domestic Freight Services.
Domestic Freight
Full Truckload (FTL)
When your shipment needs the space and focus of a dedicated trailer, Full Truckload keeps freight moving directly from pickup to destination with fewer handling points along the way.
Explore ↗Domestic FreightLess Than Truckload (LTL)
Transportation for smaller palletized shipments that do not require a dedicated trailer.
Explore ↗Domestic FreightDry Van
Enclosed trailer transportation for palletized and packaged general commodity freight.
Explore ↗Domestic FreightRefrigerated / Reefer
Refrigerated and temperature-controlled transportation planned around your shipment’s requirements.
Explore ↗Domestic FreightExpedited Freight
Freight coordination for urgent shipments with time-critical pickup and delivery requirements.
Explore ↗Let’s move forward
Plan your Flatbed & Open Deck shipment.
Send the load dimensions, weight, photos and loading requirements. Prisma Freight can help evaluate the equipment and coordination your open-deck shipment needs.