When it comes to running your business properly, companies that succeed are the ones that adopt the right strategies for the right situations. Logistics services are no different as they utilize a variety of types of shipping for a range of circumstances, whether it’s to ensure a small business gets their delivery or cross-country shipping for larger corporations.
Lean Cargo Logistics, LLC is here to discuss the details of flatbed shipping, its benefits and drawbacks, as well as demonstrate why we’re the go-to McAllen logistics service.
Now, let’s get into what differentiates flatbed shipping from other types of shipping.
Flatbed Shipping: What It Is and What It’s Used For
Flatbed shipping involves the use of a flatbed truck and is useful for shipments that don’t require any traditional covering, though tarps and straps are often used.
Flatbed trucks are fantastic when you need to ship something that won’t fit inside the dimensions of a standard truck bed. Additionally, if the load isn’t suitable for pick-up or drop-off at a dock, flatbed shipping is a perfect option.
These are a few of the most common things you will see a flatbed truck ship:
- farm equipment and agricultural vehicles
- large materials used for building such as iron, concrete, or steel
- military or industrial tools
Benefits of Flatbed Trucks
Now that you understand what flatbed shipping specializes in, you’re probably curious why it’s so beneficial in these cases.
Here are just a few of the many advantages of flatbed shipping:
- Increase Flexibility and Save Time – Due to the lack of a covering on the truck bed, flatbeds have a number of unique shipping opportunities that other methods don’t. Additionally, less time is spent driving because of the larger load capabilities, and drivers spend much less time cleaning their vehicle beds.
- No Loading Dock Necessary – Flatbeds are not required to load or unload their freight at a loading dock, which means a flatbed load can deliver to just about anywhere.
- Lucrative Opportunities – Unlike other forms of shipping, flatbed shipping is always in high demand, which is always good for business. The increased flexibility of flatbed shipping also lends itself to a wide variety of opportunities for logistics companies.
Drawbacks of Flatbed Shipping
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to the flatbed shipping option. This shouldn’t discourage you from considering using this form, but every good business weighs the pros and cons of every decision.
For example, it takes a highly-skilled driver to properly operate a flatbed truck, and carriers need to know exactly how to load and secure the cargo. The driver must stay vigilant on the road to prevent the cargo from coming loose.
Liability is, unfortunately, a very large aspect of flatbed shipping. Shippers often have to pay a premium rate to cover this higher liability.
Consider Flatbed Shipping for Your Company!
Choosing the right freight service can be difficult and often confusing, which is why we hope this guide on flatbed shipping has been informative. It’s critical to be aware of all the options available to you as a logistics company, which is why Lean Cargo Logistics, LLC, works to answer any and all shipping concerns you may have!
