Open-deck freight refers to shipments that use trailers without enclosed walls or roofs, such as flatbeds, step decks, double drops, RGNs and stretch trailers. Open-deck shipping is commonly used for machinery, steel, construction materials and oversized equipment.
Open-deck equipment is typically used when shipping large or irregularly sized freight such as:
- Construction equipment
- Agricultural machinery
- Generators
- Steel products
- Lumber
- Building materials
- Wind-energy components
- Industrial machinery
- Tanks and pressure vessels
When your freight is oversized or irregularly shaped, it is typically shipped on these types of equipment:
- Flatbed trailers
- Step deck (drop deck) trailers
- Double drop trailers
- Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailers
- Stretch trailers
- Multi-axle heavy haul trailers
Step decks are ideal when the freight is too tall to legally move on a standard flatbed. The lower deck provides additional height clearance without requiring over-height permits.
Depending on what is being shipped, freight may be secured using:
- Chains
- Straps
- Edge protectors
- Dunnage
- Tarps
Specialized tie-down equipment
Not always. Tarping depends on:
- Commodity requirements
- Weather sensitivity
- Customer specifications
- Regulatory requirements
It is always best to rely on the recommendations of the team hauling the freight to ensure your shipment arrives in peak condition.
To provide an accurate quote, you should have:
- Exact dimensions (L x W x H)
- Weight
- Commodity description
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Ready date
- Loading and unloading requirements
- Whether the freight can be disassembled
- Photos, if available
Any other information or special conditions are also advisable to pass along so the shipping company has as much information as possible.
An RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailer allows heavy equipment to be driven directly onto the trailer by detaching the front portion of the trailer. RGNs are commonly used for construction and agricultural equipment.
This depends on the shipment terms. Many open-deck shipments require:
- Cranes
- Forklifts
- Loading docks
- Specialized rigging crews
Requirements should be communicated before booking.
There is no specific federal certification required to haul open-deck freight; however, carriers and drivers must meet all applicable DOT and FMCSA requirements, including federal cargo-securement regulations. Certain cargo types may require additional certifications, endorsements or qualifications, such as those required for hazardous materials. Avenger Logistics is extremely well-versed in all open-deck requirements and can help advise and guide our customers to ensure each shipment is properly managed, including all paperwork and proper authorizations. When it comes to your open-deck shipments, you want to work with an experienced partner who can simplify the process and offer you peace of mind.