Companies looking for customized transportation solutions and diverse shipping options should look no further than the top flatbed trucking companies. The best companies have decades of experience in transportation and logistics and are equipped to handle unique loads.
Whether you’re transporting anything from construction materials to mobile homes, flatbed trucking can be the way to go. Many of these shippers are equipped to handle international shipping and import-export services, while others specialize in regional shipping and deliveries.
Quicklook: Best Flatbed Trucking Companies
- Best For Large Jobs with Multiple Pieces of Freight: Daseke, Inc. –Match Now
- Best For Flexible Transportation Solutions: Landstar System, Inc. –Match Now
- Best For Tight Deadlines: Anderson Trucking Service –Match Now
- Best For Custom Shipping Options: PS Logistics –Match Now
- Best For Regional Shipping: Bennett Motor Express –Match Now
- Best For Standard Flatbed Deliveries: TMC Transportation –Match Now
- Best For Regional Flatbed Deliveries: Mercer Transportation –Match Now
- Best For Last-Minute Transport Solutions: Maverick USA –Match Now
- Best For North American Transport Solutions: Melton Truck Lines –Match Now
- Best For Transporting Odd Objects: United Vision Logistics –Match Now
10 Best Flatbed Trucking Companies
Let’s take a look at our top 10 providers. These companies offer exceptional value and customized service to meet your shipping needs.
Daseke, Inc.
Best for: Large Jobs and Unusual Freight
Daseke, Inc. is the largest flatbed trucking company in the nation and one of the most respected shippers in the world. It has a fleet of approximately 4,500 tractors and 11,000 flatbed and specialized trailers and industrial warehousing space of a million square feet. It has a massive network of transportation providers, making it possible for it to handle virtually any project.
Founded: 2008
Location: Addison, TX
Area Served: Nationwide
Fleet Size:
- 4,500 trucks
- 11,000 trailers
Special Features:
- Excellent international shipping
- Defense specialization
- Equipment sales
Benefits:
- Nationwide company
- Great reputation
- Massive fleet
- Modern and efficient flatbed and specialized equipment fleets
Disadvantages:
- Difficult to develop a consistent point of contact
- Possible order transfer to a sub-provider like Smokey Point
Pricing:
- Varies depending on fleet size
- Request a customized quote
Landstar System, Inc.
Best for: Specialized Transportation Solutions
Landstar System, Inc. is known for flexible, specialized solutions for large and unusual loads. It is a leader in over-dimensional and heavy-haul transportation services and has a huge fleet that features modern equipment. Specialized equipment includes flatbeds, step-decks, double drops, extendables, multi-axles, steerables, lowboys with 40-80 ton capacity, RGN units, Schnabel’s, beam, perimeter and blade trailers.
Founded: 1968
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Area Served: Nationwide
Fleet Size:
- 13,000 trailers
Special Features:
- Truckload van options
- Air freight
- International deliveries
- Flatbeds
- Step decks
- Double drops
- Extendables
- Multi-axles
- Steerables
Benefits:
- Variety of shipping options
- Rail intermodal shipping
- Reliable
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than other flatbed companies
Pricing:
- Varies on a case-by-case basis
- Must request a quote
Anderson Trucking Service
Best for: Tight Deadlines
Anderson Trucking Service prides itself on providing great customer service and rapid shipping options while aiming to facilitate logistics solutions for companies of all sizes. If you need to ship freight in a hurry, ATS can almost always accommodate your needs. It offers a vast array of services, including dry van, flatbed, heavy haul, pad/blanket wrap shipping, breakbulk shipping, border-crossing freight services, international service and more.
Founded: 1955
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Area Served: Nationwide
Fleet Size:
- More than 850 trucks and 2,500 trailers as well as a large network of logistics clients.
Special Features:
- Diverse fleet of flatbeds
- 19-axle steerable trailers
- Advanced tracking services
- Modernized equipment
Benefits:
- Extremely reliable
- Niche flatbeds for special types of freight
- More personable service experience
Disadvantages:
- Intermediate pricing
- Smaller fleet size
Pricing:
- Varies based on freight, distance, etc.
- Reach out for a precise quote
PS Logistics
Best for: Custom Shipping Options
PS Logistics offers unique hauling options. The company features a diverse fleet that is very effective when it comes to transporting odd objects and equipment. It serves industries from construction to oil and gas, steel, food and moving. PS Logistics is a network of owner-operators and includes a unique lease-to-own option for drivers.
Founded: 2004
Location: Birmingham, AL
Area Served: Nationwide
Fleet Size:
- 450 owner-operators
- Hundreds of trucks and trailers via acquisitions
Special Features:
- Trailers allow for flexible loading and enclosure of freight
- Bulk hauling services
- Built-in contingencies for all flatbed transports
Benefits:
- Nationwide flatbed services
- A diverse fleet of trailers
- Serves virtually every industry
- Flatbed: standard open deck 48 ft flatbeds
- Specialized stretch trailers up to 90 ft and up to 58,000 lbs.
- Conestoga
- Temperature controlled
- Bulk hauling
- Specialized Moulton aluminum setups
Disadvantages:
- Potential communication issues from use of owner-operators
Pricing:
- Prices are not public
- Contact PS Logistics for pricing
Bennett Motor Express
Best for: Regional Shipping
Bennett Motor Express is a unique flatbed trucking company because it is authorized to transport government-related freight. The company serves the contiguous 48 states and offers affordable regional shipping options. Bennett Motor Express is known for safe, reliable transportation and logistics services. Its service leverages automation and provides focused personal support.
Founded: 1974
Location: McDonough, GA
Area Served: Contiguous 48 states
Fleet Size:
- Hundreds of drivers
- More than 800 trucks and trailers
- Equipped trailers with up to 19 axles
Special Features:
- Government transportation services
- Wind energy transportation
- International delivery to Mexico
Benefits:
- Experienced drivers
- Diverse service areas
- Affordability
Disadvantages:
- Not all fleets are modern
Pricing:
- Contact Bennett Motor Express for an estimate
TMC Transportation
Best for: Standard Flatbed Deliveries
TMC Transportation has a mid-sized fleet that consists primarily of traditional flatbeds. It has an excellent reputation with its clients. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, TMC’s campus includes state-of-the-art training facilities and maintenance facilities. It is employee-owned and offers a progressive employee stock ownership plan.
Founded: 1972
Location: Des Moines, IA
Area Served: Contiguous 48 states
Fleet Size:
- Over 2,400 trucks
Special Features:
- Advanced training facility
- Truck sales
- Driver hospitality center
- Training facilities throughout the country
Benefits:
- Exceptional reputation
- Modernized fleet
- Great delivery record
- Load tracking services
Disadvantages:
- No 19-axle trailers
- No Conestoga trailers
- No stretch double-drop trailers
Pricing:
- Varies based on load size and destination
- Reach out to TMC Transportation for an estimate
Mercer Transportation
Best for: Regional Flatbed Deliveries
Mercer Transportation specializes in completing regional deliveries quickly and efficiently. Mercer Transportation is known for quality service and on-time delivery. It is an irregular route carrier that covers all points in North America from Mexico to Alaska, and California to Newfoundland. Mercer Transportation does not accommodate freight that includes odd objects or equipment that will not fit on a standard flatbed.
Founded: 1977
Location: Louisville, KY
Area Served: Across North America
Fleet Size:
- 2,200 owner-operators
- Over 250,000 loads are delivered annually
Special Features:
- Independent contractors
- Independent sales agents
- Works with diverse freight brokerages
Benefits:
- Affordability
- Reliability
- Web-based load tracking
- 98.5% on-time deliveries
Disadvantages:
- Limited types of flatbed trailers
Pricing:
- Varies based on the size and weight of the freight
- One of the more affordable options
- Reach out to Mercer Transportation for a quote
Maverick USA
Best for: Last-Minute Transport Solutions
Maverick USA is known for being extremely accommodating to its clients. It has some of the safest, best-maintained, modern equipment in the industry. It can often schedule your freight at the last minute, ensuring that your vital freight arrives on time even when the time feels limited. Shipping solutions include flatbed, dedicated, glass, marine and brokerage.
Founded: 1980
Location: Little Rock, AR
Area Served: North America
Fleet Size:
- About 1,600 trailers
Special Features:
- Marine hauling
- Glass deliveries
Benefits:
- Uses the latest safety equipment
- Great industry reputation
Disadvantages:
- Limited flatbed variations in fleet
Pricing:
- Great price for the value
- Contact Maverick USA for a quote
Melton Truck Lines
Best for: North American Transport Solutions
Melton Truck Lines has been around for decades. During that time, it has developed a great reputation with its clients. Melton Truck Lines offers customized solutions for specific flatbed trucking needs. Additionally, 24-hour online load tracking is included for real-time updates on all shipping solutions.
Founded: 1954
Location: Tulsa, OK
Area Served: North America
Fleet Size:
- Over 1,250
- 600 trucks
Special Features:
- $2,500 experienced driver supplemental pay
- $2,500 student driver supplemental pay
Benefits:
- In existence for over 65 years
- Offers flatbed deliveries to Canada and Mexico
- Great customer service
Disadvantages:
- Limited trailer types available
Pricing:
- Varies
- A quote can be requested online or by phone
United Vision Logistics
Best for: Transporting Odd Objects
United Vision Logistics has a trailer for virtually any type of transport. It is one of the few flatbed trucking companies with a telescopic 9-axle trailer as part of their fleet. It also offers project management services as a comprehensive shipping solution.
Company Founded: 2007
Location: Lafayette, LA
Area Served: Nationwide
Fleet Size:
- Diverse fleet with more than 30,000 partner carriers
Special Features:
- Telescopic 9-axle trailer
- Diverse, modern fleet
Benefits:
- Extendable trailers
- Multi-axles
- Double drops
- Lowboys
- Steerables
- Winch trucks
- Gin pole trucks
- Perimeter trailers
- Customized cranes
- Equipped to haul odd objects, like unique construction equipment
Disadvantages:
- Complex network of partner carriers
- Communication not always perfect
Pricing:
- Depends on load size and delivery location
- Contact United Vision Logistics for an exact quote
How Do Flatbed Trucking Companies Work?
Flatbed trucks are often used to haul oversized or wide items that are too large or too oddly shaped to fit in an enclosed trailer. A flatbed truck, as the name implies, is a trailer without a roof or walls. Sizes vary, although a standard flatbed trailer is usually about 48 feet long and 8.5 feet wide.
Common examples of loads shipped on flatbed trucks include heavy machinery, construction equipment, steel beams, architectural glass, mobile homes, military equipment or vehicles.
When you hire a flatbed trucking company, the company will dispatch a driver to the agreed-upon location. From there, they will take possession of your freight and load it onto a flatbed truck. The company will then be responsible for your freight until it is offloaded at its final destination. Specialized flatbed trucking services include loading/unloading fragile or valuable loads, as well.
What Makes a Good Flatbed Trucking Company?
While flatbed trucking companies are a dime a dozen, not all flatbed trucking companies are created equal. When you need to haul freight on a flatbed, look for a company that has the following features:
- Experience and reliability
- Low costs
- Truck size variation
- High-quality trucks
- An excellent reputation
- A record of on-time delivery
- Good price/value balance
Experience and Reliability
Start by finding out how long the company has been in business and the types of freight that they haul. While all flatbed drivers have experience hauling large items, they must be also familiar with the materials that are used in your industry.
Ideally, you’ll want to find a company that hires skilled drivers with excellent safety records.
You will also want to seek out a flatbed trucking company that is known for its reliability, which includes on-time delivery and protection of delicate loads. Learn as much as you can about the hauling team before partnering with a flatbed trucking company.
Low Costs
The flatbed trucking companies that you are thinking about hiring should be affordable. While you may not want to go with the cheapest option, it is important to find a good balance between price and performance. Many of the top flatbed trucking companies that we are going to discuss here offer extremely competitive rates.
Keep in mind that safety and reliability come before price. But when deciding between trucking companies with comparable reputations for excellence, the price can be the deciding factor.
Truck Size Variation
Before you reach out to a company, it is a good idea to measure your cargo. That way, you can provide the dimensions and the weight of your cargo to the flatbed trucking company ahead of time. From there, they can let you know if they have trailers that can adequately transport your freight from one location to the next.
Remember that you’re looking for a customized solution. Trailers come in all shapes and sizes. Reputable flatbed trucking companies will offer an array of trailers because cargo also comes in all shapes and sizes. When considering flatbed trucking companies, finding a company that can accommodate your specific needs and offers trailers to fit your freight loads is essential.
High-Quality Trucks
Top flatbed trucking companies have well-maintained, modern fleets that can meet the demands of just about any job. Look for a company that is committed to regularly updating its fleet and has an excellent maintenance and safety record.
If a flatbed trucking company has a small fleet of outdated trucks, it is usually a bad sign. A single breakdown could lead to freight being delayed for several days or more because of the minimal coverage provided by the low number of trucks.
Final Thoughts on Flatbed Trucking Companies
In addition to the companies highlighted above, you can find some of the best flatbed trucking solutions on flatbed truckload boards. Whether you have a single large load or regularly ship unusual loads, flatbed trucking companies offer customized, affordable logistics solutions for businesses of all sizes. In addition to the best shippers, we offer flatbed freight shipping tips to help you ensure more on-time deliveries, greater customer satisfaction and improved company growth.
FAQ
You should look for customized solutions, reliable service, experience, fair costs and modern, safe trucks from a flatbed trucking company.
Industries from construction to oil and gas to food use flatbed trucking companies. Any industry with large or unusual loads can use flatbed trucking companies to move loads.
A flatbed truck allows the transport of large, unusual-sized loads that won’t be damaged by outdoor exposure.
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