Flatbed trucking services are an essential aspect of the construction industry, and understanding their benefits and applications is crucial for success. In this blog, we will discuss the various types of construction materials transported via flatbed trucks, the advantages of using flatbed trucks for construction material transportation, safety considerations, best practices, and more.

 Types of Construction Materials Transported via Flatbed Trucks

Flatbed trucks are designed to accommodate a wide range of construction materials. Some of the most common materials transported by flatbed hauling services include:

• Lumber and wood products
• Steel beams and metal framing
• Concrete and masonry supplies
• Roofing materials
• Heavy machinery and equipment
• Pipes and plumbing supplies

Advantages of Using Flatbed Trucks for Construction Material Transportation

There are several reasons why construction professionals choose flatbed shipping companies for transporting materials. Some of the primary advantages include:

• Versatility: Flatbed trucks can transport a wide range of materials, from large and heavy items to smaller, more delicate goods.
• Accessibility: With open sides and no roof, flatbed trucks allow for easy loading and unloading of materials, making them an ideal choice for construction sites with limited space or access.
• Durability: Flatbed trucks are built to withstand heavy loads and rough terrain, ensuring that your construction materials arrive safely and in good condition.
• Cost-effectiveness: By consolidating shipments and optimizing routes, flatbed trucking services can help to reduce transportation costs and keep projects on budget.

Safety Considerations for Transporting Construction Materials via Flatbed Trucks

To ensure the safety of drivers, construction workers, and the general public, it’s essential to follow specific safety guidelines when transporting construction materials via flatbed trucks:

• Properly secure all loads: Ensure that all materials are secured to the flatbed using appropriate straps, chains, and other devices.
• Regularly inspect equipment: Check the condition of flatbed trucks and their safety equipment, such as brakes, tires, and lights, to ensure they are in good working order.
• Follow weight limits: Adhere to the legal weight limits for your flatbed truck and adjust loads as necessary.
• Drive cautiously: Flatbed truck drivers should always follow traffic laws and exercise caution, especially when navigating construction zones or areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.

Best Practices for Utilizing Flatbed Trucks for Construction Material Transportation

To maximize the benefits of flatbed trucking for your construction projects, consider the following best practices:

• Plan ahead: Schedule flatbed shipping companies in advance to ensure that your materials arrive on time and at the right location.
• Optimize routes: Work with flatbed hauling services to identify the most efficient routes for your shipments.
• Communicate with your team: Make sure that everyone involved in the project is aware of the delivery schedule and any potential delays or changes.
• Choose a reputable provider: Select a flatbed trucking service with a proven track record of safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Flatbed trucking is a crucial component of the construction industry, offering unmatched versatility, accessibility, and durability for the transportation of construction materials. By understanding the various types of materials that can be transported, the advantages of flatbed trucks, and the safety considerations and best practices involved, you can optimize your construction projects and ensure timely, efficient delivery of materials. Trust MGA International for all your flatbed trucking needs and experience the difference that our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction can make.

The post FLATBED TRUCKING The preferred method of transport for construction materials appeared first on MGA International.

Construction

With the construction sector in the North America growing, there comes a high demand for materials and other machinery that only flatbed transportation companies can move. These materials include wood, steel, metal, tractors, and more. As some freight can only be transported this way, flatbed transportation services are often the only option available.

Crude Oil

Because import and construction sectors are seeing increased growth, we are now seeing a rise in the demand for crude oil. Naturally, we are also seeing a surge in transportation of oil-based goods, which requires flatbeds to move materials necessary to meet industry demands – in particular, oil drums and containers.

Consumer Demand

As the Covid-19 pandemic begins to wane, the consumer market will soon dictate an even greater demand for goods. Already, we are seeing retailers address demand by ordering larger shipments of items that only flatbed transportation companies can handle. As more and more consumers are choosing to buy large furniture items and building materials online, many companies are utilizing flatbed trucking services to help fulfill order increases from their online retail channels.

Flatbed Transportation Companies

Whether the increase in flatbed trucking services continues, remains to be seen. However, choosing the right flatbed trucking and shipping company is essential and MGA International Logistics is consistently ranked as one of Canada’s best flatbed transportation carriers. For over 20 years, we have provided exceptional shipping and logistic services for clients all over North America, while delivering exceptional service that sets us apart from the competition. Our professionally-trained and licensed drivers are dedicated to securing and fulfilling all of your transportation needs. For more information, or to request a quote, please reach out to one of our knowledgeable team members who can assist with any questions or concerns you may have.

The post Flatbed Trucking: Industry Trends appeared first on MGA International.

As the name implies, these are flat, one dimensional trailers suitable for wide and oversized items. Categorized as heavy haulers, flatbed transportation carriers utilize flatbeds for transporting the heaviest of cargo – sometimes employing those with removable goosenecks (RGN) because of their ability to mobilize the heaviest of hauls.

Not All Flatbeds Are Created Equal

There’s more than just one type of flatbed trailer. The size, structure, and weight of the item being hauled will determine the type of flatbed required:

• Step Deck Trailers: Featuring a rising step deck located towards the front, the trailer also features a lower deck that allows the cargo to sit low to ground. Mainly used to move loads of up to 10 feet in height, the lower situation of cargo allows flatbed transportation companies to avoid height restrictions while eliminating the need to obtain additional permits.

• RGN Trailers: Another category of flatbed trucking is the removable gooseneck trailer which has the distinction of being detachable – effectively allowing for the creation of a ramp that allows for the easy loading and offloading of cargo. Often large-powered machinery can simply be driven onto, and off of, an RGN trailer.

• Stretch Trailer: While similar to most other flatbed type trailers, the stretch trailer has the capability of being extended lengthwise. Used mainly to carry excessively long loads that cannot fit on a standard flatbed, they offer versatility for carriers providing flatbed trucking services.

Advantages of Flatbed Trucking

Flatbed trucking has gained popularity because of its ability to move over-dimensional freight. A variety of items can be transported via flatbed such as lumber, tools, heavy machinery, as well as essential materials required for construction-related work. Loading and offloading can be performed easily when compared to enclosed trailers, making it safer and more time-efficient. Due to the fact that a dock is not required for loading and unloading, flatbed transportation companies appreciate the flexibility they provide to their customers.

The post Flatbed Shipping: Vehicle Versatility 101 appeared first on MGA International.

There are three main factors that affect demand for flatbed trucking services. The first factor is regulatory change, particularly the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate from the past several years. These changes affect all land-based shipping in North America, but they’re particularly relevant to the flatbed shipping industry for a few reasons, mainly having to do with efficiency. Flatbed truckers have to take a little more time securing their cargo, which slows down the process, as do the unique places where they have to stop. Driving out to a job site or a mill can take more time than pulling into a regular depot. Flatbed freight is often highly seasonal as well, which means that carriers have less time to plan out routes and set up networks.

Demand for flatbed trucking services is also heavily dependent on legislative changes, especially with regards to the energy sector. Energy companies typically require a lot of flatbed shipping, so the changing fortunes of offshore drilling and natural gas pipelines are extremely relevant to flatbed demand. Infrastructure bills are also worth paying attention to since construction on bridges and roads will certainly require flatbed equipment. Tariffs on materials that can be produced or found domestically, like steel and timber, will also have an effect, likely driving more demand to the center of the country and away from the ports. This is of particular relevance to flatbed trucking companies in Ohio and all nearby states.

The third major factor for demand is positive or negative influences from other industries. The healthy housing markets in both Canada and the US, for example, lead to higher demand for flatbed services in North America. The energy industry is again an important factor. With the price of oil expected to rise in 2021 and more offshore drilling allowed off the coasts of Canada, demand for flatbed trucking is sure to be high in the next year or more.

Because of these factors, it’s safe to predict that demand for flatbed trucking is going to continue to be high for the near future. Predicting when the demand starts to fall again, of course, is a completely different matter.

The post What Are the Major Factors That Determine the Demand for Flatbed Shipping? appeared first on MGA International.

About the Dimensions for Flatbed Shipping

Legally, the load of a flatbed trailer cannot be more than eight feet, six inches high and wide, and the maximum length is 48 inches. The average weight is usually around 45,000 pounds, but it cannot be more than 80,000 pounds. If the trailer is a traditional one, the driver’s view will not get obstructed, ensuring safety for them.

About Over-dimensional Flatbed Trucking

Flatbed shipping companies use over-dimensional flatbed trailers. They can handle freight as long as 160 feet, 18 feet high and wide, and weighing as much as 200,000 pounds. This type of flatbed has around 18 to 40 wheels, depending on the load that you are transporting.

Often, over-dimensional freight can obstruct the driver’s view because of its size. That means that this type of load often requires pilot cars to travel in the front and the back of the trailer. They would let the driver know about any potential obstacles. That way, they would ensure that that shipment gets transported smoothly. There are a few things that you should know before deciding whether this mode of shipping is right for you. These things include:

• The total weight of the cargo
• Type of cargo
• Exact dimensions of the cargo
• Transit time
• Address of destination and origin

Getting the Details Right

It is important to ensure that the dimensions are correct. Otherwise, it could cost you and the flatbed trucking companies in Illinois many thousands of dollars. That is especially true if the shipment is moving through state lines. If you list the wrong weight or dimensions, your transport company might end up using the wrong equipment, which can be dangerous and result in fines.

As your freight gets bigger, the rules for over-dimensional items change. They can also change when your shipping company moves over state lines. The more freight information a shipper can provide the carrier, the better it is.

Work With the Best Flatbed Shipping Companies for an Advantage

If you want to ensure that your load gets delivered on time, you should get a free quote from MGA International Logistics. MGA will connect you with the right carrier with the best equipment for any size of load. If you need flatbed trucking companies in Illinois or flatbed trucking companies in Ohio, contact MGA today.

The post How to Handle Over-dimensional Flatbed Shipping Issues appeared first on MGA International.