Open deck flatbed vs covered for my equipment
Choosing the right protection for your freight in Arkansas, AR.
You need to ship equipment that could get damaged by weather or road debris. Open deck flatbeds with tarps cost less, but covered trailers offer complete protection. The right choice depends on what you're shipping and how much weather exposure matters in Arkansas.
Open deck flatbeds use heavy-duty tarps to cover your freight. The tarps protect against rain, snow, and road debris during transport. Covered flatbeds have solid sides and a roof, creating a fully enclosed trailer. Your equipment stays completely dry and protected from all weather conditions.
Open deck with tarps typically costs 10-15% less than covered transport. Covered flatbeds cost more but eliminate weather risk entirely. The price difference matters most on longer hauls across multiple states. Arkansas weather can change quickly, especially during spring storm season along I-40 and I-30 corridors.
Choose covered flatbeds for electronics, painted surfaces, or anything that cannot get wet. Use open deck with tarps for basic steel, machinery, and construction materials that handle moisture. Gateway Distribution can explain which option fits your specific freight and timeline. Ask about tarp quality and securing methods before booking.
With the right choice, your equipment arrives in Arkansas exactly as it left. Covered freight stays bone dry. Properly tarped loads on open decks arrive clean and undamaged at lower cost.
Other things people in Arkansas ask
shipping long steel beams flatbed
Long steel and structural materials need flatbed trucks with proper tie-down points and load distribution. Look for carriers who specialize in steel hauling and have the right equipment to secure your specific beam lengths safely.
partial flatbed shipping cost vs full flatbed
Partial flatbed charges by linear feet, so you pay only for the space your freight uses. If your load takes up less than half the trailer, partial is usually cheaper. Get quotes for both to compare the actual numbers.
book flatbed shipping short notice
Flatbed capacity can be tight, especially for oversized loads. Call carriers now to check availability. Be flexible on pickup dates within your window. Having exact dimensions, weight, and loading requirements ready speeds up the booking process.
who loads flatbed truck shipper or driver
Most flatbed shipments are loaded by the shipper using their own equipment. The driver secures and tarps the load but doesn't usually handle the actual loading. Confirm this when you book so everyone knows who's responsible for what.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Distribution handles flatbed shipping (ftl & ltl) in Arkansas and the area around it.