Proudly Australian Owned and Operated
Sydney 5-9 Lancaster St, Ingleburn NSW 2565
Proudly Australian Owned and Operated
Brisbane 676 Beaufighter Avenue, Archerfield QLD 4108
Proudly Australian Owned and Operated
Perth 7 Gauge Circuit, Canning Vale, WA 6155
Proudly Australian Owned and Operated
Melbourne 41 Ricky Way, Epping, Victoria, 3076
Proudly Australian Owned and Operated
Adelaide 10 Millers Road, Wingfield SA 5013
Blog Layout
How Is a Flatbed Trailer Constructed and Loaded?
AAA Trailers • June 18, 2020
Whether you're new to commercial transportation or have done it for years, you need to know about a flatbed trailer. It's a versatile tool for any truck driver, and you should know how it works and how to load it.
If you know those things, you can take advantage of everything a flatbed has to offer. Then, you can get your load safely to its destination.
Want to learn more? Keep reading for the details about flatbed trailer construction and loading.
Flatbed Trailer Construction
Flatbed trailers have a flat design that serves as a shelf or floor for the cargo. Most trailers don't have walls or a ceiling, which can be good or bad.
For example, you don't have to worry about loading extremely tall items onto a flatbed trailer. However, the lack of walls means that you don't have as much protection built into the flatbed trailer.
Still, a flatbed trailer can be a good option for a variety of shipments. It has a flexible design, and it comes in many different sizes.
If you need to ship items such as wood or metal, you can use a flatbed trailer. And since you don't have to worry about walls, you don't have to squish items into the trailer.
How to Load a Flatbed Trailer
The flatbed trailer construction does affect how you should load it. An aluminum flatbed trailer can handle certain types of materials, while one with a wood bed is better for others.
You should also consider how long and wide the trailer bed is. A smaller trailer may be easier to drive, but it won't fit as much.
Also, even though you have more flexibility when loading an open trailer, you don't want to let cargo hang over the end. Before you start to load your flatbed trailer, consider a few things to ensure that everything is safe.
Check the Condition
The first thing you should do when loading a flatbed trailer is to check its condition. Unless you have a new flatbed trailer, you should make sure there are no signs of rusting or other damage.
You should also consider the size of the trailer as well as how much you'll need to load. In some cases, you can stack cargo on top of itself.
However, you also have to consider how you can secure taller loads. You can use chain tie downs and other materials, but you need to make sure the ties are long enough.
If you find that you can't fit your entire load on a particular trailer, you may need a new one. You should also upgrade if you notice a lot of rust on the D rings of the trailer since that can affect the ties that you use.
Distribute Weight Properly
After you ensure the flatbed trailer is in good condition, you should start loading it. As you load the trailer, you need to distribute the weight correctly.
Start with any larger or heavier items, and put them on the bed. You should also spread out the items to distribute the weight over the entire trailer.
If you put the heavier cargo on one side or end, it can affect the balance of the trailer. While you may not have a perfect balance, the more you can distribute the weight, the better.
After you load the heavier stuff, put the smaller items on top and in between the bigger cargo. Then, you can select the best load securement option for that load.
Load Securement Methods
When you use a flatbed trailer, you need to make sure the load will not fly or slide off the bed. Some flatbed trailers have rails or gates that you can use to protect the bigger items.
However, smaller things can slip through, so you need to use something, like chain tie downs. Tie downs will keep items from moving around or flying off the load.
If you have items that regular tie downs won't cover, you should apply a tarp. The tarp can cover smaller things like sand, so small grains won't get out.
You should also secure any ramps after you finish loading your trailer, to keep them from coming loose on the road.
When to Use Flatbed Trailers
Flatbed trailers are excellent for a variety of things. You can use them to transport cargo without stuffing items into a closed trailer.
If you have a big load and need more control over loading everything, a flatbed trailer will give you that flexibility. You can also use a flatbed trailer as your main trailer if you can't afford multiple.
The open design
of the flatbed also makes it easier to load since you can put items on it from any direction. You don't have to worry about getting items through a specific door on the back.
Flatbed trailers are also great for transporting a variety of load sizes. If you have a ton of stuff, you can stack it on top to a certain height. But if you have a smaller load, you can fill out the bed with a single layer.
When Not to Use Flatbed Trailers
As you consider the construction and loading process for flatbed trailers, you may realise that it's not always the best option. For example, you may need more protection for valuable cargo.
You probably don't want to subject expensive or delicate items to the conditions of the road. In that case, you may want an enclosed trailer.
Another time when a flatbed trailer isn't ideal is if you'll be traveling through extreme weather. Even if the materials in your load aren't very fragile, they may not do well in extreme heat or rain.
Make sure you consider the conditions where you are, at your destination, and on your route.
Choosing the Right Flatbed Trailer
If you decide that you need a flatbed trailer for a load, you should make sure it's in good condition. Then, you can enjoy the benefits of it over other trailers.
But you should also consider factors like the weather to make sure that you protect the cargo you need to transport.
Are you looking for a new flatbed trailer? Contact us
for more information.
AAA Trailers sets new standards in the Australian transport industry with innovative, accessible solutions nationwide. We provide tailored services to meet clients' evolving needs.
From enhancing individual trailers to outfitting entire fleets, AAA Trailers continues to leverage advanced technologies and tailored solutions to meet evolving market demands. Read here.
Get an exclusive look inside AAA Trailers' new location in NSW. Discover how this expansion has enhanced their service and support for customers across the region.
AAA Trailers provides top-quality, purpose-built new truck trailers to customers across Australia. From your initial consultation and concept development to assembly and testing, you can trust AAA Trailers to deliver your next truck trailer.
Motor Dealer Licence Number: MD 079153
Quick Links
Our Trailers
Location
Sydney Head Office
5-9 Lancaster St, Ingleburn NSW 2565
AAA Trailers provides top-quality, purpose-built new truck trailers to customers across Australia. From your initial consultation and concept development to assembly and testing, you can trust AAA Trailers to deliver your next truck trailer.
Motor Dealer Licence Number: MD 079153
Quick Links
Our Trailers
Location
Brisbane
676 Beaufighter Avenue, Archerfield QLD 4108
AAA Trailers provides top-quality, purpose-built new truck trailers to customers across Australia. From your initial consultation and concept development to assembly and testing, you can trust AAA Trailers to deliver your next truck trailer.
Motor Dealer Licence Number: MD 079153
Quick Links
Our Trailers
Location
Perth
7 Gauge Circuit, Canning Vale, WA 6155
AAA Trailers provides top-quality, purpose-built new truck trailers to customers across Australia. From your initial consultation and concept development to assembly and testing, you can trust AAA Trailers to deliver your next truck trailer.
Motor Dealer Licence Number: MD 079153
Quick Links
Our Trailers
Location
Melbourne
41 Ricky Way, Epping , Victoria, 3076
AAA Trailers provides top-quality, purpose-built new truck trailers to customers across Australia. From your initial consultation and concept development to assembly and testing, you can trust AAA Trailers to deliver your next truck trailer.
Motor Dealer Licence Number: MD 079153
Quick Links
Our Trailers
Location
Adelaide
10 Millers Road, Wingfield SA 5013
Website Management 
Love My Online Marketing