Flatbed trucks have become a popular option in the transportation industry due to their open platform design that allows for easy loading and unloading. These vehicles are also quite ideal for carrying large, uniquely shaped, or heavy cargo that might not fit into enclosed trailers.
However, while hiring a flatbed truck can be beneficial, there are certain drawbacks you should be aware of too. Let’s keep reading to learn more about it.
Flatbed trucks usually come with an open and level bed, instead of having an enclosed cargo area. This unique design makes them ideal for transporting oversized goods, construction materials, heavy machinery, and large equipment. Due to their excellent accessibility, they can also be used in industries like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. Also, unlike enclosed trailers, these trucks can help you load your cargo from all sides, which offers greater flexibility for handling different types of cargo.
Hiring, instead of buying, a flatbed truck is much more affordable, as the upfront cost will be quite low in this regard. Furthermore, as the loading & unloading process is much easier in this aspect, you can also save some labour expenses, Moreover, the ability to transport heavy loads in a single trip lowers fuel expenses and driver-related costs even more.
Apart from this, hiring a flatbed truck can also be beneficial for -
Flatbed trucks tend to be highly versatile, which makes it easier for them to carry a wide range of cargo, including – industrial equipment, construction materials, and even vehicles. Unlike enclosed trailers, they usually don't have width or height-related restrictions. This, in turn, makes it easier for them to transport oversized or heavy materials as well.
The open structural design of flatbed trucks allows you to load and unload them from every direction. This flexibility reduces the time and effort needed for loading, especially when you are dealing with heavy or oversized materials.
By transporting heavier and larger loads in a single trip, flatbed trucks can help save time. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with tight deadlines, as fewer trips usually mean they are able to make quick deliveries with increased efficiency.
Industries, such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing usually rely heavily on flatbed trucks. After all, they provide the perfect solution for transporting raw materials, large shipments, and heavy machinery that doesn’t fit within enclosed trailers.
Many flatbed truck hire services also offer extra benefits, such as specialized securing equipment and loading assistance. This can make the loading and unloading process even more convenient and safer for businesses dealing with heavy or delicate goods.
While flatbed trucks are quite safe and efficient in general, they have their own issues too. Here’s what you need to know about them -
Since flatbed trucks don’t have an enclosed area, goods can get exposed to snow, rain, wind, and sharp sunlight. This can potentially damage the deliverables, particularly the weather-sensitive ones, like perishable goods, electronics, and paper products.
Cargo transported on a flatbed truck generally requires careful planning and expertise. Otherwise, due to their open design, the goods can slip out of the vehicles and get lost. So, before your driver starts his/her journey, they need to ensure that the products are tied down with straps, tarps, or chains properly. If they’re not properly secured, it might lead to accidents, damage, and even legal penalties in some cases.
Cargo trucks are more vulnerable to theft compared to enclosed trailers, because -
They are openly visible, which may attract unwanted attention
Using chains and tarps is not safe enough, as they can be easily cut with tools
If you want to avoid theft, it’s best to have a watchman riding with you in the truck. They will sit near the goods and look after them while you focus on the road.
When driving a flatbed truck, it’s important to maintain a slow and steady pace. Otherwise, the deliverables might slip out of the chains. If possible, you should also tell the driver to check the truck’s goods periodically to find out if something is lost or not.
Flatbed trucks may not offer the same level of comfort as enclosed trailers for long-distance travelling – as their open structure can lead to additional wind resistance. This, in turn, makes the ride less smooth and increases fuel consumption even more.
Once you know the flatbed truck's pros and cons, the next step is to understand what kind of truck would be perfect for you. Ask yourself – is the driver good enough to take care of your goods or not?
When it comes to choosing a driver, it’s important to choose someone who has a clean driving history and can show all the licenses and certifications they’ve acquired over the years.
Secondly, do the equipment and capabilities of the truck look good enough?
Before you hire a flatbed truck, it’s important to understand what your project needs. The type of truck and its weight capacity will depend on what you want it to carry.
Finally, how does the cost structure of the company look like?
The pricing of the truck can depend on the number of days you’re taking it for, what kind of truck you are hiring, and the driver’s expenses. So, ask the provider about these beforehand so that they won’t bombard you with hidden prices later on.
Hiring a flatbed truck has its own pros and cons. So, before you get something, it’s better to check if this option is suitable for you or not. Otherwise, it might affect your business’s budget and, in severe cases, lead to customer dissatisfaction as well.
