Flatbed: A flatbed is an open trailer with no sides or roof, used for steel, lumber, machinery and construction materials that must be loaded from the top or side.
Why it matters to owner operators
Flatbed work involves securing and often tarping loads, so skill and equipment such as straps, chains and tarps matter. Rates can be strong, but the work is more physical.
Example
A flatbed driver loads steel coils, secures them with chains and binders, and covers sensitive cargo with a tarp.
Our service: See our Flatbed dispatch service.
Related terms
Equipment & Trailers: Looking for freight that fits your equipment? See the equipment types we dispatch. Talk to our dispatch team or browse the full trucking glossary.
Haul smarter with a dispatch team behind you
Nexloads finds loads, negotiates rates and handles paperwork for owner operators and small fleets. No forced dispatch and no long-term contracts.