Flatbed Auto Transport for Heavy Vehicles, Equipment & More
Most flatbed transportation services within the country rely on open or enclosed trailers, both of which handle a wide range of automobiles. However, there are situations where these standard options won’t cut it. That’s where flatbed auto transport comes in. While not a typical choice for hauling vehicles, it’s a specialized service available for those who need it.
What is Flatbed Auto Transport?
Flatbed auto transport is just what the name suggests. It features a flatbed car transporter attached to an auto transport truck, similar to open or enclosed trailers. These trucks that transport cars come in various lengths and widths as long as they comply with road regulations. While not a frequently used flatbed transportation service, it remains a valuable option for specific needs.
- Flatbed auto transport costs 20–40% more than standard open carrier shipping due to single-vehicle capacity and specialized equipment requirements per trip.
- Regional flatbed shipments typically take 1–3 days; long-distance moves range 5–10 days, with customized routing adding variability beyond standard carrier timelines.
- Vehicles are secured using heavy-duty straps, chains, and wheel nets per federal DOT cargo securement standards, with condition inspections performed at both pickup and delivery.
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What Is Used To Ship Flatbed Auto?
Even though flatbed carriers can technically carry standard vehicles on them, they're usually only used to move specific cars that won't fit anywhere else. Some of the types of vehicles in which flatbed carriers would be required are:
- Cargo vans;
- Oversized pickup trucks;
- Limousines;
- Specialized construction vehicles (bulldozers, cranes, and so forth);
- Commercial vehicles, including buses;
- Cars that can no longer operate.
Any type of pickup flatbed truck that is too tall, long, or wide to fit on open or enclosed trailers might require flatbed auto transportation services—the majority of those who might require flatbed auto transporting would be businesses.
Plan Ahead for Flatbed Car Transport
If you need flatbed car transport, planning ahead is key. Flatbed service isn’t always readily available, unlike standard auto transport truck options. Here’s why:
- Flatbed haulers aren’t as common as enclosed or open carriers.
- They typically handle only one vehicle at a time.
- They don’t follow standard car transport company routes.
Because of this, scheduling flatbed auto transport takes more time. You can’t just call a truck hauling cars and expect pickup on the next available route. Instead, you’ll need to book in advance to secure a flatbed transporter for your vehicle. Plus, not all automobile hauling companies offer this service, so you may have to shop around to find the right provider.
Expect Higher Costs for Flatbed Auto Transport
The same factors that lead to longer shipping times for flatbed car transport also contribute to higher costs. Since flatbed haulers can’t transport multiple vehicles at once, auto transport carriers have to adjust their pricing to stay profitable. The extra planning and specialized equipment involved in flatbed auto transport add to the overall expense.
If you need automobile hauling with a flatbed transporter, A-1 Auto Transport is here to help. Contact us today, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs. Don’t forget to request your free, no-obligation flatbed shipping quote!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is flatbed car transport and when is it used?
Flatbed car transport moves a vehicle on an open, level trailer or truck bed rather than on a standard multi-car carrier. It is mainly used when size, height, weight, or vehicle condition makes ordinary car-hauler loading impractical. Oversized pickups, lifted trucks, commercial vehicles, construction equipment, and some non-running vehicles are common candidates. Standard passenger cars can travel by flatbed, but conventional car transportation services are usually more widely available for vehicles that fit normal carrier dimensions.
Is flatbed auto transport more expensive than standard car shipping?
As of September 24, 2026, flatbed auto transport for oversized or specialized vehicles commonly costs about 20% to 40% more than comparable standard open transport. A dedicated flatbed may carry only one vehicle, and unusual dimensions, weight, loading equipment, or route availability can raise the total further. Current single-car flatbed examples also show much wider dollar differences on long routes, so the percentage is more useful than a universal trip price. A1's car shipping rates guide explains the main pricing inputs.
What types of vehicles are best suited for flatbed transport?
Flatbed transport is best suited to vehicles that do not fit or load safely onto a standard multi-car carrier. Common examples include lifted or oversized pickups, dually trucks, commercial vehicles, custom builds, certain construction machines, and vehicles with dimensions that exceed normal carrier clearance. A non-running vehicle may also need a flatbed or another winch-equipped carrier if it cannot roll onto a conventional trailer. Exact height, width, length, weight, and operating condition should be provided before the carrier is selected.
How are vehicles secured on a flatbed truck?
Flatbed vehicles are secured with rated tiedowns and attachment methods designed to control movement during braking, turning, and normal road travel. Under FMCSA rules, automobiles, light trucks, and vans weighing 10,000 pounds or less require at least two tiedowns, with restraint at both the front and rear against lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical movement. Wheel-style tiedowns must restrain the vehicle in those directions. Vehicles over 10,000 pounds are covered by separate heavy-vehicle and equipment securement requirements.
Can non-running vehicles be shipped using flatbed auto transport?
Yes. Flatbed auto transport can move a non-running vehicle when the assigned truck has the winch or loading equipment required for its condition. Tell the transport company before dispatch whether the vehicle rolls, steers, brakes, or has accident damage, because those details determine what equipment can load it safely. Inoperable status usually affects loading and carrier availability more than highway driving time after pickup. A1's inoperable auto transport guide covers additional options for vehicles that cannot be driven.
How long does flatbed car transport usually take?
Flatbed car transport commonly takes about 1 to 3 loaded transit days for regional moves and roughly 5 to 10 days for longer-distance shipments. Current single-car and oversized-vehicle sources place short moves near one to three days, while long routes commonly extend into the five-to-ten-day range. Pickup scheduling happens before loaded transit and can take longer when a route needs uncommon equipment or a carrier with enough deck capacity. Weather, legal driving hours, and the exact origin and destination can also change the delivery window.
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