Flatbed & Specialized Shipping Guide
What to prepare for flatbed, pipe, oversized and heavy freight, before anyone commits to a truck.
Start with the freight
Open-deck equipment depends on the cargo’s size and weight, and on how it loads. Share those first, and we can review suitable options with carrier partners.
| If your freight is | Options to discuss |
|---|---|
| Loaded from the side, top or rear | Flatbed |
| Too tall for a standard flatbed | Step deck or double drop |
| Long pipe, beams or sections | Extendable |
| Machinery that drives on | RGN / lowboy |
| Very heavy | Multi-axle configurations |
See the equipment page for diagrams of each option.
Measure the cargo
- Give length, width and height with units, and say whether they include packaging.
- Give the weight of each piece and the total.
- Note the heaviest point and any overhang.
- Share drawings or photos if you have them.
Give us cargo dimensions, not loaded truck dimensions. The loaded size depends on the equipment, and we work that out with you.
Securement and tarping
Federal cargo securement rules cover how cargo is contained, immobilized and tied down, and some commodities have specific requirements. Accurate cargo details help carrier partners plan securement for your load.
| Tell us | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Pieces, weight and shape | Sets the number and type of tiedowns |
| Surfaces that can be damaged | Edge protection or padding may be needed |
| Weather sensitivity | Tarps may be needed |
| Pickup and delivery equipment | Straps and tarps must suit how it’s unloaded |
Shipping pipe
- Give the material, diameter, length, joint count and total weight.
- Say whether pipe is coated, bundled or loose.
- Say how it will be stacked and whether supports or chocks are provided.
- Confirm the lifting equipment at both ends, including job sites.
Oversized and overweight loads
Permits come from state agencies, not the federal government, and local roads can have their own rules. Requirements depend on the load, route and jurisdictions.
- Permits are coordinated for the specific move and route.
- Route reviews may be needed for height, width or weight.
- Pilot cars or escorts may be required for some loads.
- Travel can be limited by time, weather or location.
We don’t publish universal size or weight limits because they vary by equipment, route and jurisdiction. FR8 Logistics Solutions does not issue permits or guarantee approval.
Loading and site access
| At each site | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Loading method | Crane, forklift or drive-on |
| Who loads | Shipper, receiver or a rigging contractor |
| Truck access | Road width, ground conditions and turning room |
| Timing | Appointments and site hours |
Tell us about the shipment
You don’t need every detail to get started. Share what you have, and we’ll follow up on the rest.
Sources
Reviewed October 31, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Requirements vary by shipment, carrier and jurisdiction. Diagrams are original illustrations, not to scale.
