There are numerous types of trailers used, flatbed trailers included, to haul large or bulky goods and equipment from one location to another. A flatbed load is out in the open. As such, it must be secured down properly. Usually loads are secured using nylon straps, basket straps, v-straps, ratchets or chains. This is only one of numerous special flatbed trailers education and training concerns truckers have to contend with.

There are numerous ways to get ready for driving flatbed trailers. Consider the following suggestions to help you learn all you need to know:

1. Go to school to learn fundamentals and techniques for hauling loads.

2. Consider over the road training programs to give you hands on experience with full flatbed semi trailer loads.

3. Take the necessary tests to legally haul loads.

Action Steps
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Take classes at a trucking school that offers flatbed trailers education and training

While some truckers opt to bypass formal trucking schooling, there are some marked benefits to going to school. You will learn the fundamentals of hauling different types of trailers, including flatbed trailers. These fundamentals will better prepare you should you ever encounter any problems or challenges while on the road.

I recommend: Best Trucking Schools and TruckingTruth.com offer state-by-state search engine to help you locate the best trucking schools in your state. TruckingTruth.com also offers various other information for truckers, including blogs that contain tips for hauling any type of trailer, flatbed trailers included.

Participate in an over the road training program with flatbed trailers

Some companies offer training programs by having a newbie with a seasoned driver. This is beneficial to both drivers and the flatbed trucking company because the trucking company can handle more loads than with independent drivers. The new driver has the added benefit of learning tips from the seasoned driver about securing loads to flatbed trailers, and he can learn the handling methods for the flatbed semi trailer. Team driving is one way some truck drivers make a lot of money. Trucker teams can run around the clock because one person can sleep while the other is driving. When the training is complete, the newbie can set out on his or her own.

I recommend: Werner and TruckerGeek.com both offer truck driving opportunities to new interested drivers who have no previous training. These companies have various types of loads, including flatbed car trailers, on which they can train new drivers.

Get licensed to drive flatbed trailers

If you plan on driving a flatbed semi trailer or flatbed gooseneck trailers, you'll need to pass your CDL test. The test includes a written exam and a skills exam. While most states don't require that you prove proficiency in handling different types of flatbed trailers, it is good to know the practical and fundamental skills.

I recommend: Career One Stop has excellent information about certifications, which include suggestions for farmers using a gooseneck flatbed trailer. IDriveTrucks.com offers a lot of information about test questions for CDL tests. This website also offers suggestions on how to handle various types of flatbed trailers, including enclosed utility trailers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you are looking at flatbed trailers for sale, or even if you are considering finding a job hauling flatbed trailer loads, make sure you are comfortable with the trailer length. If you have any doubts, consider going down to a smaller size trailer.

Whether you are looking for new or used flatbed trailers, there is a large market for both. Not only do you have the choice between new or used flatbed trailers, it's possible to find a flatbed trailer dealership that offers rentals if you just need to use the trailer for a short period of time. If your need is limited, this makes more sense than buying a flatbed trailer that doesn’t get much use.

Consider the type of flatbed trailers you need to haul your goods. You can use a gooseneck flatbed trailer behind a pickup truck. Large trailer flatbed options include the flatbed semi-trailer, flatbed car trailers, flatbed utility trailers that have open sides, and enclosed utility trailers. A serious study of flatbed trailer information can lead you to the right model for your business.

As you pick a trailer flatbed, consider the type of floor you need as well. You often find one of the following:

1. Floors made of solid wood.

2. Flatbed trailers with mesh metal flooring material.

3. Solid metal flooring material, like aluminum flatbed trailers.

Action Steps
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Buy a gooseneck flatbed trailer to haul loads behind a pickup truck

This size is ideal for hauling smaller loads. Not only does a smaller truck get better fuel efficiency, but it's also easier to maneuver. Flatbed gooseneck trailers are easy to hitch and you don't have to have a commercial driver's license to drive one.

I recommend: Econoline Trailers offers a number of flatbed gooseneck trailers on their website. Trailer Showroom also offers a large selection of different body types suitable for many jobs.

Find semi flatbed trailers for sale

These larger flatbed trailers can haul large quantities of stock for you. If you haul big quantities of goods at a time and want to haul them efficiently, this may be the right flatbed trailer for you.

I recommend: Duo Lift offers a selection of semi flatbed trailers. Utility Trailer is another good place to look.

Locate special use flatbed trailers

If you need to move goods within your warehouse, you may want to purchase a utility flatbed trailer to haul behind your skid-steer loader. If you have special needs, such as hauling nursery items, you can find a flatbed trailer for that as well.

I recommend: Hamilton Caster & Mfg. makes a wide range of flatbed trailers designed for use inside a warehouse setting. Trailers For Less offers flatbed trailers to haul nursery items.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you consider purchasing the right trailer flatbed for your business, also consider the type of truck you'll use to pull it. Be sure to purchase the right size trailer for your truck. Also consider the hitch and how easy it is to use.

If you're thinking about going into the hauling business, you might start by learning flatbed trailers key terms. Flatbed trailers are used to move both small and large equipment, from landscaping to heavy industrial equipment. Flatbed trailers also move cars, lumber, piping and other construction materials. From drop decks to lowboys and implement carriers to rollbacks, you'll find there are many flatbed trailers key terms to learn before you start a trucking business.

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Lowboy

Lowboy flatbed trailers are standard flatbed trailers used to haul both equipment and material. They are low to the ground for convenient rear loading and come in a wide variety of deck sizes to handle most any load. Depending on the style, lowboy trailers can carry well over 50,000 pounds.

I recommend: Overbilt Trailer Company describes a variety of lowboy flatbed trailers, from gooseneck to custom trailers.

Step or drop deck

Step deck or drop deck flatbed trailers are used for high loads. Ideal for transporting large earth-moving equipment, tractors, agricultural equipment or even site sheds, step or drop deck flatbed trailers are also low to the ground for easy loading and unloading.

I recommend: Stevens West has illustrated examples of single- or step- and double-drop deck flatbed trailers.

Utility or landscape

Utility flatbed trailers are used primarily to transport small farm equipment or landscaping equipment. Utility flatbed trailers can come with or without sides, and feature a drop-down ramp at the back of the trailer for easy offloading.

I recommend: Kaufman Trailers offers a definition and picture of a utility or landscape flatbed trailer.

Implement carrier

Flatbed trailers, known as implement carriers, are used to move farm equipment from one field to another. These flatbed trailers are long and low to the ground and wide enough to haul tractors, skid steers and other heavy farm equipment.

I recommend: Beaver Valley Supply explains and shows how an implement carrier is used.

Tiltbed

Tiltbed flatbed trailers have a hydraulic cylinder in the tongue of the flatbed that raises and lowers the bed. Tiltbed trailers are great for moving and offloading tractors and forklifts and are even used as car haulers. Some tiltbed trailers come with a winch for pulling equipment or wrecked vehicles onto the flatbed.

I recommend: TrailMax shows a variety of tiltbed flatbed trailers in a variety of axle types, deck sizes, load capacities and more. The site also offers a downloadable brochure describing tiltbed flatbed trailers features.

Speciality or custom

Sometimes you might have a load that may not be transportable by ordinary flatbed trailers. Specialty or custom flatbed trailers are used for specific loads, such as those for the oil and gas industry, logging industry or construction industry. Enclosed trailers, pipe/pole trailers and logging trailers are just some examples of specialty flatbed trailers.

I recommend: Find descriptions of and links to photos and specifications of a few specialty flatbed trailers, such as those used in the logging, bottled gas and utility industries, at Evans Trailers.