Which trailer does your load need?
Answer five quick questions. Get a plain-English recommendation you can take into any freight conversation.
Trailer questions, answered
What is the difference between hotshot and flatbed?
Hotshot uses a heavy-duty pickup pulling a gooseneck flatbed, best for loads under roughly 10,000 lbs that need to move fast and direct. A standard flatbed is pulled by a semi tractor and suits heavier or longer loads, typically up to around 45,000–48,000 lbs of cargo.
When do I need a step-deck instead of a flatbed?
When your freight is taller than about 8½ feet. A step-deck has a lower main deck, which lets taller pieces stay within the legal overall height of roughly 13½ feet in most states without an oversize permit.
Can a flatbed unload at a regular loading dock?
Usually not directly — flatbeds are unloaded from the side or top with a forklift or crane. If your receiver only has a dock, a dry van is often the better fit, or the receiver needs ground-level equipment.
Is this recommendation a quote?
No. The selector gives a planning recommendation only. Weight and height limits vary by state and trailer, so whoever moves the freight should confirm the equipment before booking. If you would like us to follow up, tell us about your freight and we will contact you the day our FMCSA registration is active.
Open-Deck Load Prep Sheet
Dimensions, weights, securement and unloading: fill it out once so any carrier can price flatbed or hotshot freight accurately.
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