Flatbed Trucks

Flatbed trucks are one of the most versatile hauling options on the market. Browse our inventory at Transwest today and speak with our experienced team.

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About Flatbed Trucks

Purchasing a vehicle designed for work, such as a flatbed truck, is not a luxury decision. It is a decision driven by the need to accomplish the work ahead. At Transwest, we understand that when it comes to making a commercial truck purchase, you need to be certain you are getting the best deal and that the truck you choose is capable of doing the work needed. We are here to offer expertise and transparency throughout the purchasing process.

Flatbed trucks are a versatile vehicle. They are designed with a standard cab paired to a flatbed trailer. A standard flatbed truck will not have any walls or roofing to protect cargo from the elements. Rather, it is a truck focused on open space, offering easy loading and unloading options. It is ideal for transporting large equipment or bulky cargo.

Some flatbed trucks come equipped with a fence-like wall. These flatbeds are referred to as stake body trucks, due to the stakes supporting the fencing. At Transwest, we carry both standard flatbed trucks and stake body trucks from trusted names such as Freightliner and Western Star.

You can count on our team for outstanding customer service and also rely on us for financing options for your purchase. Talk to us today about our new and used inventory of flatbed trucks.

What is a flatbed truck?

A flatbed truck is a type of commercial truck that is manufactured with a large open-air bed. Flatbed trucks are similar to their counterparts, flatbed trailers, except that the truck version is all one vehicle. A flatbed truck is ideal for transporting goods that don’t need to be contained inside a cargo box, making it perfect for oversized hauling.

Some flatbed trucks come equipped with fence-like sides. These flatbeds are referred to as stake body trucks. Stake bodies contain sockets alongside their edges where the stakes are inserted to form the fence-like sides. Due to the stakes along the sides, this version of a flatbed truck earned the name stake body truck.

How much weight can you put on a flatbed truck?

Flatbed trucks are a true workhorse. They are capable of transporting heavy loads across long or short distances. How much a flatbed truck can carry depends on the size of the truck and legal limits. In general, you can expect most flatbeds to haul around 46,000 lbs.

Understanding the legal limits of load weights is critical in the trucking industry. Load weights are strictly enforced through the use of weigh stations located along major highways. Before hauling any cargo, it is important to understand what your legal weight limitations are for that particular commercial truck. As you go about purchasing a flatbed truck, be sure to let your sales representative know what type of hauling you will be doing. This will ensure they can point you to the right flatbed for your needs.

How long is a flatbed truck?

The length of a flatbed truck is generally around 48 ft. Longer flatbeds are available, including the impressive 53-ft. long flatbed, but this is not the norm.

Standard flatbed trucks also have legal limitations on how wide and long the cargo can be. For this reason, it is important to learn more about the regulations across the region you plan to haul goods. Not only that, but you need to also ensure that you have an accurate method for measuring the length and width of your cargo.

What industries use flatbed trucks?

Flatbed trucks are extremely versatile in use. With an open cargo bed, they are a favored choice in the trucking and transportation industry. The following are just a few of the most common industries that utilize flatbed trucks:

Construction
Oil and gas
Agriculture
Scrapping

What should you consider when purchasing a flatbed truck?

Investing in a flatbed truck should involve careful research. Not all commercial trucks are built the same. Be sure you start the process by considering what manufacturers offer the best truck for your needs. Certain names, such as Freightliner and Western Star, have a proven track record backed by years of designing premium quality flatbed trucks.

You should also consider what size flatbed you will need. Generally, most flatbeds will be 48 ft. long. Finally, consider whether or not you need a standard flatbed truck or a stake body truck. A stake body truck offers the added benefit of fence-like walls. This is ideal for hauling cargo that requires a more secure structure than a wide-open flatbed.

Transparency
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The Transwest Difference

When it comes to choosing a trusted resource for purchasing a commercial truck, Transwest has been a reliable partner for over 30 years. At Transwest, we focus on providing quality solutions throughout the entire process of purchasing or renting commercial trucks. Our sales teams are trained to efficiently walk you through your options and match your specific needs to the ideal vehicle. We pride ourselves on our transparent approach to the purchasing, financing, and complete sales process. Whether you are purchasing one truck for a specific task or a whole fleet of trucks for your business, we can assist you with everything you need.

We partner with the top makes in the industry to ensure that we are offering the best commercial truck options. This allows our customers to access the highest quality choices in commercial trucking. If you are currently looking to invest in a commercial truck, please let our team know how we can help. We always put our clients first and will work with you to find the best commercial truck for your situation. Transwest provides you with a one-stop-shop for all your commercial vehicle purchasing needs. From financing options to premium inventory, let us show you why Transwest is the trusted name for purchasing commercial trucks.