Flatbed trucking is a common mode of transport for oversized loads and / or truckloads, but shippers should be diligent when choosing from the many flatbed carriers in the marketplace. When evaluating a carrier’s flatbed services, it’s prudent to double check their credentials, including:
- Do they have a valid Federal Carrier’s Auditory? Check the trucker’s licenses and confirm that all licenses are in good standing.
- Does the carrier have the appropriate cargo and liability insurance for flatbed transportation? All flatbed carriers should have a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance. Obtain a written certificate of insurance and confirm coverage with the trucker’s insurance broker.
- Check the flatbed trucking company’s safety statistics by contacting the Federal Department of Transportation. A high number of accidents should signal the shipper to look elsewhere.
- How’s the carrier’s credit rating? Company’s that do a better job of managing their finances will likely perform a better job transporting your freight.
Other considerations:
- Flatbed carriers typically include 2 hours of loading and unloading in their freight quote.
- Tarps are often used in flatbed transportation. Did the flatbed carrier offer this service in their quote?
- Were you quoted a partial load or full truck load. Partial loads are cheaper but tend to take longer than full truckloads.
There are a number of options and considerations that a shipper must evaluate when choosing from the many flatbed carriers. Consider a flatbed broker to handle the vetting of the many flatbed haulers. Good, reputable truckload brokers can save Shippers a long time, hassle, and money.
Source by John Dsoza
It’s interesting that flatbed carriers have 2 hours of loading and unloading because that’s a large part of hauling things. I think it’s a lot easier to have help unloading things. Is that two hours each or all together?
My husband would like his backhoe loaders and cranes to be transported into a different construction site. That’s why he’s planning to rent three flatbeds for this job. I’m glad you shared this reminder by the way; we’ll make sure to check the company’s safety statistics by contacting the Federal Department of Transporation.
I absolutely loved that you explained that you need to think about how flatbed carriers include about two hours of loading and unloading within the quote that they offer to you. I will need to keep this in mind because it is something I had not really thought about before. Now that I have read this article and obtained this information, I will need to make sure I consider these tips when I find a local service.
Thanks for helping me learn more about flatbed trucking. I’ve been watching a couple of trucking-related videos lately and I got curious about how trucking services work in general. I find it surprising to learn that flatbed trucking uses tarps to transport items. I wonder if they can use retractable ones for convenience.
Thank you for highlighting that a reliable flatbed trucking service will be certified. The other day my brother mentioned he needs a flatbed trucking service. I will remind him to ensure they are certified by relevant boards and authorities.