Flatbed Trailer 101: What You Should Know Before You Haul
Thinking of buying your first flatbed trailer? You’re in the right lane. Whether you’re eyeing a 48ft aluminum deck with a steel frame and spread axles, or just trying to figure out if flatbed life is for you, this post is gonna lay it out like a properly strapped load. No fluff, just facts straight from seasoned drivers, wrench-turners, and haulers who’ve lived the flatbed hustle.
Why Flatbeds? More Than Just a Floor on Wheels
Flatbed trailers ain’t just about extra space—they’re a whole different beast compared to dry vans or reefers. Here’s what drivers on the road say:
Pros:
- Faster load/unload: Most shippers get you in and out within 2 hours.
- Better treatment: Flatbedders get more respect at docks.
- Daylight schedules: Typical hours are M-F 7a-3p.
- Higher pay: Slightly better CPM than dry or reefer.
- Job variety: Haul steel, lumber, heavy equipment—you name it.
- Exercise: Tarping and strapping can keep you in shape.
Cons:
- Weather sucks: Tarp in -10°F or 90°F? Welcome to the grind.
- Tarping: It’s heavy, annoying, and you’ll do it a lot.
- Traffic: You roll during daylight = you roll through rush hour.
- Safety risk: One slip off a wet deck and you’re down hard.
“Flatbeds are eons better than basket trailers. A basket is a bin—items tossed in haphazardly. Flatbeds make sense if you haul long, heavy, awkward freight.”
What to Look for in a Used Flatbed Trailer
So you’re staring at that 48-footer with wide eyes. Hold up, cowboy. Before you drop cash, here’s what to inspect:
- Crossmembers: Are they rotted or cracked? Especially on steel frame trailers.
- Decking: Aluminum decks can wear slick. Check for wear and tear.
- Welding seams: Rust, cracks, or janky repairs = walk away.
- Frame: Steel rusts. Get underneath and eyeball everything.
- Axles and tires: Look for uneven wear. It tells you a lot.
- Air lines and wiring: These run under the trailer—if they’re chewed up or taped together, that’s a red flag.
Best Flatbed Trailer Brands According to the Road
Ask 10 truckers, get 12 opinions. But some names come up more than others:
- Utility: Reliable, easy to maintain. Great starter trailer.
- Great Dane: Tough build, solid reputation, but some complain about strap hook points.
- Benson: Popular aluminum flatbeds. Light but watch for weld fatigue.
- Conestoga: Great for covering loads without tarps.
- Wilson: Known for strong welds and smart design.
“I run Utility flatbeds every day. Never had a bad thing to say about one that’s been cared for.”
Flatbed vs. Low Bed Trailer: Know the Difference
A lot of rookies mix these up. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Flatbed: A straight, open trailer. Easy to load. Max height is around 8’6″.
- Low Bed (Lowboy): Sits lower to the ground. Hauls taller or heavier equipment. Requires permits more often.
If you’re hauling construction or oversized loads, lowboy’s your guy. Otherwise, flatbeds do the trick for most general freight.
Tarping: The Love-Hate Relationship
Some truckers live for the tarp hustle. Others would rather eat nails. Here’s how it breaks down:
Traditional tarps:
- Heavy.
- Time-consuming.
- Keep freight clean and dry.
Curtainside/Conestoga:
- Quicker, easier.
- Less physical labor.
- Slightly lower pay per mile.
“I jumped to curtainside the minute I could. Less pain, more miles.” “Every trainee I had wanted to throw tarps. Until winter came.”
Flatbed Life: Real Pros Talk
You’ll find more satisfaction, faster turnarounds, and better pay in flatbed—if you can stomach the physical grind. Flatbed life is not for the soft. But it’s a solid route if you want experience, challenge, and respect.
“Flatbed isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle.”
Find the Right Rig on Sharerig
If you’re in the market, you don’t need to dig through dealer ads all over the internet. We’ve got the cargo vans, semi-trucks, and trailers you’re looking for—all in one place.
🔎 Browse flatbed trailer listings and cargo van for sale options on Sharerig
FAQs: Real Questions from the Road
Which flatbed trailer is best?
Utility is known for low maintenance. Great Dane is tough. Benson is lightweight. Depends on what you’re hauling and how much TLC you’re ready to give.
What’s the difference between a flatbed and low bed trailer?
Flatbeds are general purpose. Lowboys are built for heavy equipment, thanks to lower height clearance.
Where can I find the most cargo van deals?
Right here on Sharerig. But for stats—New York, NY has tons of listings.
Which cargo van has best MPG?
Nissan NV200 holds the internal combustion crown (up to 26 MPG highway). Hybrid? Toyota Prius-based cargo builds go over 50 MPG.
Cheapest cargo van?
Used Ford E250. Average price hovers around $10,600.
Longest range cargo van?
Ford E-Transit electric van clocks around 159 miles on a full charge.
Which automaker has most van deals?
Ford dominates the listings game, hands down.
Final Word
If you’re ready to get your hands dirty, tarps flying, and freight moving—flatbed might be the best seat in the house. Just do your homework, inspect that trailer like it owes you money, and keep rollin’ smart.
Need help?
🔗 Head over to Sharerig and start your search. Flatbeds, cargo vans for sale, or anything in between. We’re the lot that never sleeps.
