Guide to open deck trailers: shipping with flatbeds, step decks, goosenecks & more

November 12, 2025

Dry van trucks are, indeed, the most common method of cargo moving, yet not a universal one. Anything that can’t be placed inside an enclosed trailer can be carried on a specially equipped platform. Open deck trucks are good for transporting big, oddly shaped objects. From giant turbines to oversized building constructions with fragile parts – opting for the right flatbed ensures safe and secure transportation of the most challenging cargo.

This guide covers what types of open decks exist and how to plan a smooth shipment.

When an Open Deck Trailer Is Necessary
Choose this type of truck when your cargo is:

● Dense or heavy-duty
Building materials are dense, dirty, and require cranes for loading. Thus, open access is a key to fast, safe loading, and proper securing.
● Irregular in shape
Big construction parts or industrial machines are often oddly shaped. Therefore, it’s difficult or even impossible to place them inside a trailer. Yet, the flexibility offered by open decks is the solution.
● Oversize or overweight
Oversized or overweight cargo needs special permission for transportation. Moreover, it commonly requires special lifting equipment and a four-sided access to the cargo. Therefore, when dealing with oversize freight shipping, there are both legal and practical reasons to opt for a flatbed.

Types of Open Decks
While most types of trucks have uniform space, open deck trailers vary in height and configuration. Therefore, they can easily handle different types of oversized loads and fit specific needs!




The Open Deck Freight Market
Open deck shipping makes up about a fifth of the US freight market. That’s around $700 billion annually. The industry is dominated mostly by small companies and independent drivers. The demand for open deck transportation depends on seasonality:

● Spring-Summer: Construction and agriculture peak.
● Fall: Maintenance and preparations.
● Winter: Salt and tree transport rise

Six Things to Know Before Shipping Open Deck
1. Be precise: Always provide accurate dimensions, as this ensures the correct trailer, quote, and permits.

2. Plan loading: Sometimes cargo may require extra cranes or forklifts. When scheduling such equipment in advance, you can avoid costly delays.

3. Oversized loads need permits
The regulations for the delivery of the oversize items may differ from state to state. Make sure your documents meet the requirements.

4. Reserve specialized trailers early
While traditional flatbeds are mostly available, some specialized types like step decks or double drops can be hard to secure.

5. Help the driver
Shippers who make the process easy are more likely to get preferred service later.

6. Use a 3PL for complex loads
Third-party logistics experts can handle equipment sourcing, permits, and route planning.

Summary
Open deck trailers are created especially for those items that can’t fit in enclosed trucks. It’s excellent for huge equipment, building materials, or prefabricated structures. However, not all open decks are the same. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your shipment’s specs to choose the right type of vehicles. With solid planning, even the most challenging load can move safely and efficiently across the open road.