Top 6 Best Flatbed Trucking Companies | 2017 Ranking | Most Recommended Flatbed Carriers

2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST FLATBED COMPANIES

2017 Guide: The Top Flatbed Truck Companies Are Moving in the Fast Lane

Utilizing flatbed trucking can be a great way to actually get your larger sized products or materials dispersed through the country, or even the continent. Just like any other vendor, it is important that you choose the right company from the start.

However, this can often be difficult to do because there are so many different options. The search process can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you are unsure of what you are even looking for in flatbed truck companies.

Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Flatbed Trucking Companies

When you are trying to determine what the best flatbed companies are, you will likely have many questions, including:

• What is flatbed trucking?
• What requirements do flatbed loads have?
• What should you look for in flatbed transportation?
• What are the best flatbed truck companies?

Throughout this 2017 guide, we will answer the questions you have surrounding flatbed truck services. We will explain what flatbed trucking is and what to look for when selecting a truck with flatbed. Finally, we will provide a detailed review of the six best flatbed companies.

See Also: Doba Reviews & Pricing | What You Need to Know about Doba Drop Shipping

AdvisoryHQ’s List of Top 6 Best Flatbed Trucking Companies

List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the flatbed transportation companies below to go directly to the detailed review section for that flatbed truck service):

• Acme Truck Line Inc.
• Anderson Trucking Services
• Bennett International Group
• Daseke Inc.
• Maverick USA, Inc.
• TMC Transportation/Annett Holdings

Top 6 Best Flatbed Truck Companies | Brief Comparison & Ranking

Detailed Overview: What Is Flatbed Trucking?

You know all about different types of trucking, less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, full truckload (FTL) shipping, and everything in between. But what is a truck with flatbed and how does that come into play?

Well, flatbed companies have a large fleet of trucks with flatbeds on them that allow them to ship freight that is too large for a box or boxed van, and that can handle being exposed to the weather elements.

Source: Pixabay

The great thing about a flatbed truck is that they are very versatile, and this makes them a favorite for companies looking to ship items that are not required to be climate-controlled or that are too large for a normal trailer.

A flatbed lorry can also be unloaded and loaded from the rear, top, or even the sides. Again, this versatility makes them a valuable shipping asset for many trucking fleets.

You may wonder what type of goods are usually shipped via a flatbed lorry, and the answer varies. Essentially anything can be transported by flatbed transportation as long as it is not perishable or subject to any inclement weather or temperature restrictions. Most typically, this is used for larger items, as well as bricks, stone, lumber, and other building materials.

Detailed Overview: Things to Consider for Flatbed Truck Companies

A flatbed truck service is obviously a great asset to have, especially if you are looking to ship larger objects that are not required to be sheltered from weather conditions.

This can be a fast, economical manner of shipping, but you need to be sure that you are signing on with the right company.

However, that is often easier said than done. Many trucking companies offer flatbed carriers, which means that your list to choose from can seem never-ending. You want to make the right choice and stick with one flatbed carrier, but that means there is much resting on which carrier you choose for your flatbed loads.

It is important to choose the best flatbed trucking companies, but if you are unsure what to look for, the search process can seem overwhelming. It is easy to become frustrated while trying to find the best flatbed truck companies, which is why you need to know what to look for going into the process.

When you are looking at a carrier for flatbed loads, it is important to consider the following:

Weather Conditions

First and foremost, you need to understand if flatbed carriers are a good fit with what you are shipping. You need to be aware that these flatbed loads are subject to weather and that they must be able to sustain changing temperatures, wind, and water.

Cost

This is often the first criteria that people consider when comparing different flatbed companies. This is understandable because lowering expenses is a main motivational driver, but cost shouldn’t be the only thing you look at. Paying the cheapest price for a flatbed service does you no good if your shipments show up damaged.

Types of Trailers

You might not be aware of this, but the flatbed trailers actually have 14 different models. A standard flatbed is what most carriers offer, which are able to handle taller loads, and are much easier to load and unload. It is important to note what you will be shipping and if certain flatbed carriers have the right type of flatbed to be transporting it.

Ability to Load & Unload

The most beneficial thing about flatbed trucks is that they give you many options for loading and unloading. If you will be loading and unloading items that are not easy to do on a common loading dock, you will want to be sure that the flatbed truck companies you are considering are able to handle this request. A common example of this is needing a crane on-site to unload concrete pipes on a construction job site. Your trucking company should be made aware of this, so they can accommodate you.

Size of Shipments

Flatbed trucking companies make their money by shipping things that are very tall or very wide—things that will not fit in normal trailers. You need to be sure that the flatbed companies you are considering enlisting have flatbeds that are able to meet the size and weight requirements of your shipments.

As you can see, there are many things that need to be taken into consideration when you are working with flatbed carriers. You need to know the size and average weight of your shipments, so that you can find flatbed trucking companies that can properly accommodate you. Also, be sure to look at what damage protection and tracking features the top flatbed truck companies, so you can rest assured.

Don’t Miss: How to Find Dropshipping Suppliers for Your Business | Free Complete Guide

Advisory HQ’s Selection Methodology

What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top-rated lists?

Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top-rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.

Detailed Review—Top Ranking Best Flatbed Trucking Companies

Below, please find the detailed review of each flatbed lorry on our list of flatbed trucking companies. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these best flatbed companies to score so high in our selection ranking.

Acme Truck Line Inc. Review

Since the early 1960s, Acme Truck Line Inc. has been one of the flatbed companies servicing the United States. Based in Gretna, Louisiana, this flatbed trucking company operates throughout fifteen different states with more than fifty service markets.

Staffed throughout 103 offices, with just over 2,000 trucks, Acme Trunk Line Inc. is one of the better flatbed carriers, as long as you are in their operating area.

Acme Trunk Line Inc. also has superior flatbed trucks, and enough diversity in their truck types that they can handle whatever you throw at them. When it comes to flatbed trucking companies, this one has a great reputation for on-time deliveries and safety, which are two of the most critical features.

Bottom Line

With a company motto of Safety, Service, Value, Acme Truck Line Inc. is one of the flatbed truck companies you can trust to handle your goods.

Anderson Trucking Services Review

Anderson Trucking Services is another one of the top flatbed trucking companies in the United States. Since 1955, this company based out of St. Cloud, Minnesota, has been providing reliable flatbed truck service to the nation.

They have more than 2,450 drivers that operate almost 2,500 flatbed trucks across 27,000,000 miles every year. This experience, along with customer service provided by industry experts, is what makes Anderson Trucking Services one of the best flatbed carriers.

They offer well-trained drivers, modern flatbed trucks, and 100% in-house control of services. Anderson also provides more modern features like real-time data and tracking services that allow you to keep an eye on where your shipments are.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for flatbed truck companies that are able to offer advanced technology and tracking, as well as a modernized fleet piloted by well-trained drivers, Anderson Trucking Services might be a good fit for you.

Related: How to Start a Drop-Shipping Business | Details on Starting a Drop-Shipping Business

Bennett International Group Review

Founded in 1974, Bennett International Group is one of the flatbed companies that has been serving the nation for decades. Located in McDonough, Georgia, the approximately 3,100 drivers for Bennett International Group are well trained.

The company boasts just over 2,000 trucks and 2,050 trailers for their total fleet, which means that they have the capacity to provide exemplary services. It doesn’t matter whether you need to move 400,000 pounds or 40,000, Bennett International Group can get the job done. This is why they are one of the top flatbed carriers.

Their teams is well-versed in permit rules and regulations for interstate commerce. Their flatbed trucking services include binding and tarping, and they even offer on-site safety consultations.

Bottom Line

With an experience staff and the ability to provide advanced tracking features and reliability, Bennett International Group might be one of the top flatbed companies for you to consider.

---

Daseke Inc. Review

When it comes to flatbed trucking companies, Daseke Inc. tends to fall along the top-tier every year. Located in Addison, Texas, Daseke Inc. started in 2008 and since then has become one of the largest flatbed carriers in all of North America.

Borders don’t matter when you hire Daseke Inc., because they are able to service the United States, Mexico, and Canada with their open-bed flatbed services. They have around 3,050 drivers with 3,000 tractors. 6,200 of their fleet is comprised of flatbed trailers, which puts them amongst the largest flatbed companies.

The great thing about Daseke Inc. is that they are comprised of several smaller companies, like Smokey Point, LoneStar Transportation, and the Boyd Companies. This enables them to operate in niche markets, providing fast and reliable services.

Bottom Line

If you are looking to ship across borders in North America, Daseke Inc. is definitely one of the top flatbed truck companies to consider.

Popular Article: What Is Dropshipping? The Different Types of Dropshippers (Fashion, Clothing, Furniture, Jewelry, etc.)

Maverick USA, Inc. Review

Maverick USA, Inc. is another one of the top flatbed truck companies. The company prides themselves on hard work and a professional attitude and appearance. They got their start via flatbed services and have continued to grow.

Their drivers are trained in-house, where they are taught proper securement techniques and how to operate the vehicles. This means that Maverick USA, Inc. can guarantee that your shipments are being handled by a qualified driver.

Maverick USA, Inc. is 100% ELD compliant, has an industry-leading claims ratio and offers standard securements and tarps for all units. Beyond this, they offer a 50,000-pound payload for Sleeper Cabs and a 54,000-pound payload with their Day Cabs.

Bottom Line

When it comes to high-quality flatbed truck companies, Maverick USA, Inc. might be one of the best. With the best claims ratio in the industry, you know that your shipments will likely arrive intact.

TMC Transportation/Annett Holdings Review

Founded in 1972, TMC Transportation/Annett Holdings became one of the best flatbed trucking companies by offering reliable shipping services on a consistent basis. In 2013 they became employee-owned, which gives them a unique outlook and sense of motivation to continue providing great services.

With 2,600 trucks and 3,500 trailers that are captained by more than 2,300 drivers, TMC Transportation/Annett Holdings has the capacity to meet your distinct needs. They offer side kit, step-deck and double drop RGN flatbed trailers, just to name a few.

If advanced technology is something you are looking for in flatbed companies, TMC Transportation/Annett Holdings also excels there. They offer great tracking features that enable you to keep an eye on your goods.

Bottom Line

TMC Transportation/Annett Holdings has some of the more advanced technology available for flatbed shipping. If you are looking for a wide variety of flatbed trucks, TMC might be a good choice.

Conclusion—Top 6 Best Flatbed Companies

Flatbed trucking companies are essential assets for the trucking industry. They enable customers to move goods and products that would normally be too large or heavy for standard box shipping. Through flatbed companies, you can gain more flexibility in size for your shipments, as well as see potentially lower costs.

Source: Pixabay

As great as flatbed carriers are, it is crucial to choose the right company to start a relationship with. In order to do this, you need to ensure that you are choosing a flatbed transportation company that can meet your distinct needs. Be sure to ask yourself:

• Is what I am shipping weather-resistant?
• What is the approximate size and weight of what I will be shipping?
• Where does the flatbed company need to deliver the shipment to?
• What is the price to deliver my shipment?

These are all important things to consider when you are trying to decide between flatbed companies. Above all, you want to be sure that the company you choose is cost-effective, reliable, and is able to handle the size of your shipment.

Read More: The Best Ways to Get Quick Business Loans | Guide | Fast & Easy Online Business Loans