The points below cover commercial flatbed trailer types and their corresponding dimensions and weight capacity.
Standard flatbed trailer dimensions
The general rule requires that the total weight of the truck, cargo, and trailer not exceed 80,000 pounds.
For standard flatbeds, the maximum freight dimensions are outlined below.
Length: 48 feet to 53 feet
Height: 8.5 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
The maximum freight weight must be 48,000 to 52,000 pounds.
Step deck
The step deck’s legal weight and dimensions are described below.
Maximum freight weight: 48,000 pounds
Top deck length: 11 feet
Bottom deck length: 37 feet
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Bottom deck height: 10 feet
Extendable flatbeds
The maximum legal weight and dimensions for extendable flatbeds are outlined below.
Maximum freight weight: 43,000 pounds
Minimum length: 48 feet
Maximum length: 80 feet
Height: 8 feet 6 inches
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Double drop
The legal weight and dimensions for double-drop flatbeds are outlined below.
Maximum freight weight: 36,000 to 42,000 pounds
Main deck
Length: 25 feet to 29 feet
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 11 feet 6 inches
Front deck
Length: 10 feet
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 8 feet 6 inches
Rear deck
Length: 9 feet
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 10 feet
Side-kit
The legal flatbed dimensions and weight limits for side kits are outlined below.
Maximum freight weight: 45,000 pounds
Length: 48 or 53 feet
Width: 8 feet 4 inches
Height: 8 feet 6 inches
What are oversized flatbed dimensions?
Flatbed dimensions exceeding 8.5 feet wide are considered oversized.
Shipments that exceed 12 feet in width might require one or two pilot vehicles of the flatbed vehicle.
Also, weight restrictions are applied on a per-axle basis. That means shipments can’t exceed the total weight limit but might exceed the per axle value.
In such cases, adjusting the load can make your shipment legal, eliminating the need for special requirements and permits.