If the freight market felt unusually aggressive heading into summer, that’s because it is.
Normally, the industry eases into peak season gradually. Several segments of freight are taking off simultaneously this year, resulting in even more constrained capacity, higher rates, and even more supply chain stress before the peak summer season has even fully kicked off.
For businesses moving commercial vehicles, equipment, fleet inventory, or specialty units, staying flexible and working with dependable transportation partners is becoming more important than ever.
At ATC, we’re continuing to help businesses navigate shifting market conditions with commercial transport and driveaway solutions designed to keep operations moving, even during uncertain conditions.
These flatbed trucking services are often the most convenient and efficient way for companies dealing with construction equipment, large machinery, commercial vehicles or odd shaped cargo. Standard trailers would not be able to handle much of this cargo and open deck trucks are the optimal solution due to the fact that they can be loaded from any angle and even from the top; this often calls for the use of forklifts, cranes or a custom loading strategy.
What Flatbed Companies Typically Handle
A flatbed company has a specialization in transporting freight which will not fit into an enclosed trailer, and will therefore be overly large, heavy, or cumbersome.
Such items can be:
- Excavators, skid steers, and other construction equipment
- Machinery parts or construction elements of an industrial nature
- And steel products and building materials such as beams and pipes
Because the cargo is uncovered, it is vital that appropriate methods of securement be used, utilizing methods such as chains, straps, tarps, and specialized tie-down apparatus.
The Benefits of Using Flatbed Shipping for Your Business
One of the primary advantages of working with a flatbed transportation company is the freedom associated with transport-less stringent size and shape limitations in comparison to enclosed trailers that help make shipping big or irregular freight easy and efficient.
Because there is no ceiling or wall to work around, loading and unloading a flatbed can be achieved with ease, resulting in efficient turnaround time.
For companies within the fields of energy, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, it’s a standard of operation.
Planning and Compliance Requirements
While easy to manage and convenient for shipping big items, the flatbed option does require thoughtful coordination of logistical details;oversize loads are contingent upon state regulations and require appropriate permitting and stringent adherence to securement standards.
That is why many organizations turn to capable logistics providers experienced with routing, timing, and regulations across multiple state boundaries, as delays associated with permits or improper securement could quickly translate into expensive down-time.
How ATC Driveaway Supports Specialized Transport Needs
At ATC Driveaway, we understand that no two transport jobs are the same. Though we focus on nationwide driveaway for commercial, fleet, and specialized equipment, we partner with companies all over the logistics spectrum on multi-modal and integrated solutions, such as coordinating with flatbed type freight.
Whatever your logistics need, reliability, communication, and keeping your business on the move are our top priorities. Moving a single truck or the bulk of your fleet, we make sure your assets arrive on time and intact.
Final Thoughts
Flatbed companies are crucial to moving many businesses forward when loads are a little out of the box. They can move large equipment, loads too big to ship in other manners and provide the capacity that businesses need to perform their duties on a day to day basis.
As the supply chain grows and changes more the importance of your trusted transportation provider is more than it appears. Learning what, when, and how to ship your items by flatbed can contribute dramatically to your company’s operational costs, its efficiency, and the company as a whole.
If you’re looking for help with your fleet vehicles and commercial transport operation give ATC Driveaway a call to learn how we can assist you with your next relocation or transportation requirement.
