Reliable and market priced flatbed transport is crucial for all companies that require freight transport which can not be accommodated by a regular dry van. When your manufacturing business will require in the near future a flat-bed trailer in Mentor, OH for freight shipping anywhere in the US and into Canada, get a flatbed quote from Great Western Transportation.
The flatbed trucking experts at Great Western Transportation are here for you! Just a call or click away.
In today’s competitive business environment shipping of product or operational supplies and equipment is an important factor for a businesses’ bottom line. Numerous companies located in Mentor, OH need flatbed shipping services that are competitively priced, plus provide consistent on-time deliveries and pick-ups.
Several of the major companies and businesses operating in the Mentor, OH area are:
- Aess Manufacturing
- Douglas Machine & Mfg Inc
- Greenpipe Industries
- Sirius Technology Corp
- Willow Design Manufacturing
- Hogen Industries Inc
Flatbed Trailer Trucking FAQ
Our company does not need the whole flatbed trailer, can I pay for only a part of it?
Yes, using only a part of a flatbed is possible, plus less expensive. This is also known as LTL, which means less-than-truckload. Our freight consultants will immediately tell you if this is an option for your freight.
Flatbed LTL is always a freight cost savings option.
Will your company provide tarps and tarping over freight?
Yes, as long as you tell us this when booking the truck. Tarping will require extra time during loading and un-loading of the freight.
Can you provide multi-stop or multiple delivery stops for my shipments?
Yes, we can handle shipments that have multiple stops or several delivery stops. Please be advised there are additional charges that may be assessed for multi-stop or multiple delivery stops freight. You will be offered of these charges at booking time.
Do you ship outside of the United States?
We ship to all 48 continental US states and freight originating in the US and delivering to Canada. Plus, we will gladly ship to ports, where material may be transferred to another mode of transportation and further shipped to global locations.
How big a shipment can we fit on a double-drop deck trailer?
The following are general measurements of the deck dimensions and capacity of a double drop deck trailer, but may vary slightly. The lower deck is usually 24 inches high and 29 feet, 6 inches long. Therefore the maximum height allowable on this type of trailer is 11 feet, 6 inches. The upper front deck is 5 feet high and 10 feet long. The upper back deck is 40 inches high and 8 feet, 6 inches long.
Do you provide trailers with side-kits?
Yes, we can get a tractor-trailer with side-kits, you must tell us this when scheduling the side-kit flatbed trailer.
Can you provide trailers with ramps?
Yes, we can get a tractor-trailer with ramps, you must specify this when booking the trailer.
Please understand that ramps have a maximum weight rating capacity.
Therefore provide accurate freight weight.
I need an RGN type trailer and more information on RGN trailer capabilities.
RGNs are primarily for wheeled equipment or machinery. RGNs are low to the ground and can therefore carry taller machinery. Our staff will provide all information regarding the Removable Goose Neck’s weight capacity and loading capabilities.
You must provide accurate weight and dimensions of the machinery or equipment.
Flatbed Trucking Load Securement?
Various devices ranging from straps to heavy duty chains are used to secure flatbed freight. To protect freight from chaffing damage by straps: Vee Boards, Strap Guards, Corner Guards, Cargo Guards or corner protectors are used.
At flatbed trailer booking time please notify us that strap protection will be required for the freight.
Does your company provide crating services?
The driver or our company does not provide crating services. However, when you call us we will advise you as to the best possible solutions.
If my equipment is very expensive, are you insured for expensive freight?
Yes, we can always get supplemental insurance.
I require a Conestoga or Curtain Van trailer, can you provide this type of trailer?
Yes, we can get a Conestoga or Curtain Van trailer, you must specify this when booking the trailer and tell us the exact dimensions of the freight.
Our freight specialist will explain the difference between Curtain Van and Conestoga trailer at booking time.
Do you ship agricultural tractors?
Yes, we ship all agricultural equipment and of course tractors too. Call us to get a competitive market rate to ship your agricultural equipment.
Flatbed Trailer Types
- Conestoga (Curtain Van) Trailers – provide added freight protection.
- Double Drop / Lowboy – ie: Heil Trailer
- Extendable Flatbeds
- Flatbed 48 foot or 53 foot
- RGN (Removable GooseNeck)
- Specialized Heavy Haul Trailers
- Step Deck
- Stretch Double-Drop
- Stretch RGN
Great Western Transportation strives to provide the best possible service at the best possible market based rate. We understand that some shippers have many years of shipping experience with flatbed tractor-trailers and other may be infrequent shippers or even new or first time shippers. To make the new or first time shipper’s experience with Great Western Transportation the best possible, we would like to provide some flatbed trucking shipping tips.
Proper Packaging, Crating or Palletizing
Great Western Transportation picks up and delivers to all commercial addresses, however, your boxes should be palletized, crates should be fork-lift-able or packaging must be appropriate for flatbed transport. In the case of large machinery, there may be a need for heavy duty fork lift service, crane service or complete rigging services. Allow for ample time in advance to reserve any additional services required for your shipment.
Cold Weather Factors When Shipping Machinery
When shipping machinery or parts during the winter months or through freezing weather regions, note that there are special weather-proofing steps to take if the machinery has water or other freezable liquid in it. If a flatbed type of trailer is utilized, the freight may have to be shrink wrapped for added protection from road debris, grime and moisture. Additionally if tarps are required, this should be stated prior to shipping.
Time Critical Shipments
When your shipment is time critical always make sure to let your freight consultant at Great Western Transportation know in advance! Once the shipment has been picked up, the process of getting it expedited is generally not possible. Initially you may have to pay a slightly higher rate, but this guarantees expedited service. The reason why expedited service must be noted up front is because team drivers are needed for the tractor-trailer rig. The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates how many hours a truck driver can legally drive during a certain period of time. So when having two drivers allows for the tractor-trailer to be on the road longer versus one driver.
Complete Shipment Details Must Be Provided:
- Dimension L x W x H
- Weight (Total) – Round Up Numbers
- Item Count
- Pick-up Time and Date
- Pick-up Address
- Contact Name(s)
- Office and Cell Phone Numbers
- Delivery Address
- Other Key Information Regarding the Shipment
Flatbed Trucking Companies
When your freight can not be loaded into a dry van, you will then require a flatbed trailer, so call Great Western Transportation Today.