A flatbed truck is a large vehicle that can be either rigid or articulated. Its bodywork is completely flat, with no roof and no sides around the bed. This enables easy and fast loading of goods.
Flatbed trucks are mostly used for transporting heavy and large loads that won’t be compromised on rough roads or in bad weather. They can also be used to transport oversized and oddly shaped cargo that requires more space than is available in closed-body trucks.
These types of trucks are invaluable assets to numerous industries, ranging from transportation and construction to general manufacturing. Even if your business doesn’t involve moving heavy materials like construction steelworks or abnormal loads, flatbeds are essential in the world of agriculture, towing, and dumping.
However, all flatbed trucks are not the same.
They come in various sizes and styles. In North America, most flatbeds have a length of 48 or 53 feet and a width of 96 or 102 inches. Their body and frame are made of either steel, aluminum, or a combination of both materials (steel frame and aluminum bed).
If you have an oddly shaped cargo to move, then you can’t do better than using a flatbed to get it from one location to another.
In this overview article, we have mentioned some of the best flatbed trucking companies across the world that maintain quality vehicles, utilize modern equipment for loading and unloading, and offer sufficiently good services.
Did you know?
Flatbed trucks frequently transport components for the wind energy sector, like turbine blades and tower sections. Plus, they often serve as an economic indicator, reflecting the health and activity levels of industries like manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure development.
As of 2023, there were 592,286 long-distance freight trucking businesses in the United States, an increase of 5.3% from the previous year. Illinois, Texas, and California have the highest concentrations of these businesses. [1]
Table of Contents
13. CRST Malone
Headquarters: Iowa, United States
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $2 billion
CRST Malone operates over 100 field offices and has more than 1,600 trucks to fulfill its customers’ needs. Whether you need regular transit, time-sensitive delivery, or coast-to-coast expedition delivery, it’s there for you.
As an independent contractor, the company helps owner-operators earn more by staying on the road. It reduces transportation expenses and improves service quality by building a dedicated fleet operation for clients.
Plus points
- Over 2,000 assets dedicated to open-deck cargo
- Long haul, local, or regional coverage
- Electronic data interchange
- Follow load from start to finish via satellite tracking
The company specializes in hauling machinery, building construction materials, metal products, and overweight and over-dimensional freight.
In 2023, CRST Malone expanded its presence in the logistics sector by acquiring BCB Transport, a leading trucking company based in Texas. Continuing its streak of excellence, CRST was honored as the “Dedicated Final Mile Flatbed Carrier of the Year” by Home Depot for the second year in a row in 2024. [2]
12. ACI Motor Freight Inc.
Headquarters: Kansas, United States
Area Served: Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas
Annual Revenue: $12.9 million
ACI Motor Freight offers overnight delivery, liftgate pickup, customs bonded, vendor consolidation, and hazardous material transportation services. In addition to LTL delivery, it provides weekend and holiday service, cross-dock loading, warehousing, storage equipment, GPS tracking, and in-depth reporting and analysis.
Services include
- Overnight LTL
- Early AM and weekend deliveries
- Hazardous material transportation
The company is not so big, but it is just the right size to ensure that shipments are where they need to be when customers need them. The small yet detail-oriented team makes sure that you receive top-shelf priority.
Their estimated annual revenue is $12.9 million. With a workforce of 49 employees, this translates to a revenue of $262,400 per employee. [3]
11. Mercer Transportation
Headquarters: Kentucky, United States
Area Served: United States, Canada, Mexico
Annual Revenue: $35 million (2023)
Mercer Transportation Incorporated is a truckload carrier of general commodities. It offers flatbed, drop deck, dry van, and special equipment shipping.
The company operates a large data network (of over 2,300 independent contractors and 100 independent agents) to provide load tracking, rate quotes, and manifest data. They have more than 1,300 flatbeds, 600 drop decks, 550 dry vans, and 50 Conestoga trailers.
Key Stats
- 4 billion miles driven and 4 million loads delivered
- 300+ support staff
- Moves an average of 50 over-dimensional loads per day
190,000+ loads delivered annually
Mercer ensures their independent contractors meet all FMCSA specifications and performs thorough equipment inspections to maintain the maximum level of safety performance. As an EPA SmartWay Transport Partner, it also enforces strict compliance with speed limits.
According to Zippa, Mercer Transportation generated $35 million in revenue in 2023. With 460 employees, this results in a revenue-per-employee ratio of $76,087. [4]
10. United Vision Logistics
Headquarters: Louisiana, United States.
Area Served: United States, Canada, Mexico
Annual Revenue: $131.5 million
Headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, United Vision Logistics (UVL)specializes in flatbed and truckload services. From hotshot to heavy haul services, the company has built a business over the past five decades with a strong presence in the US production and energy exploration industry.
Currently, it provides transportation and logistics services to numerous industries. United Vision has increased its service capacity and offerings in the past few years, adding strategic terminal locations and strengthening terminal relationships.
Plus point
- 66 terminals across the US
- Dedicated truck and expedited services
- Static or dynamic routing
- Rig-moving expertise from beginning to end
The company has maintained a base of over 100 truck terminals and a fleet of over 2,500 owner-operator-managed trucks, generating an annual revenue of more than $130 million. [5]
In 2022, Bluestem Equity, a private investment partnership, acquired UVL. With Bluestem Equity’s backing, UVL is expected to enhance its service offerings and expand its market reach.
9. Maverick Transportation
Headquarters: Arkansas, United States
Area Served: United States, Canada, Mexico
Annual Revenue: $895.4 million
Maverick is the parent of three transportation firms: Maverick Transportation LLC, Maverick Truck & Trailer Sales, and Maverick Logistics LLC. It operates more than 1,600 units, delivering comprehensive transportation and logistics services.
All Maverick trucks are maroon (in color) and equipped with collision mitigation, lane departure, and roll stability control technology. All have properly secured loads, impeccably clean exteriors, and a professional driver behind the wheel.
Key Facts
- Customized solution for both short and long haul
- Up to 54,000 lb of payload with Day Cabs and 50,000 lb with Sleeper Cabs
- 100% ELD compliant
The company ensures that it delivers your load with the safest and best-maintained equipment in the industry. It has been twice honored with the SmartWay Excellence Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
According to Growjo, Maverick Transportation has 1,950 employees and generates $895.4 million in annual revenue. [6]
8. PS Logistics
Headquarters: Alabama, United States
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $1.2 billion
PS Logistics is a full-service logistics solution with more than 2,000 flatbed assets, step decks, transportation management, a brokerage division, and dedicated fleet operations. It has over 450 owner-operators who provide vans, flatbeds, containers, and Conestoga trailers for short and long-haul freight.
Key Stats
- 3,560+ logistics professionals
- 3,800+ trucks and 8,500+ trailers
- Offices in 26 locations
The company assigns a dedicated group of drivers to service its business. In fact, it has a driver pool that is cross-trained for each account. It also cycles its equipment monthly to maintain modern fleets on the road and offers used equipment for sale or lease.
PS Logistics is funded by three investors: BCI, One Equity Partners, and Gamut Capital. According to Zoominfo, the company generates $1.2 billion in annual revenue. [7]
In 2024, it acquired Buddy Moore Trucking, an Alabama-based trucking company that provides transportation services for flatbed and refrigerated freight. [8]
7. Melton Truck Lines
Headquarters: Oklahoma, United States
Area Served: United States, Canada, Mexico
Annual Revenue: $465.5 million
Melton Truck Lines is one of the leading flatbed and step deck trucking firms with a 98% on-time pick-up and delivery record. It monitors every single order, working diligently to ensure each arrives on time.
It has a large, growing fleet of modern, safe, and well-maintained equipment. The average age of their tractors is 2.3 years, and the average age of their trailers is 5.5 years. All trailers have air-ride and spread axle suspension and provide a payload capacity of 48,000 pounds (for flatbeds).
Plus Points
- Has 1480+ tractors and 2,400 trailers
- Online load tracking 24 hours a day
- Cross-border operations expertise
- Offers both legal and over-dimensional loads to meet clients’ shipping requirements
Melton Truck Lines specializes in flatbed trucking, over-dimensional freight, step deck freight, and international freight transportation. It also sells new and used trucks and trailers.
The company generates approximately $465.5 million in annual revenue. With 800 employees, this translates to a revenue-per-employee ratio of $581,875. [9]
6. TMC Transportation
Headquarters: Iowa, United States
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $924.2 million
TMC Transportation Limited provides flatbed transportation services and training. It hauls almost all kinds of flatbed freight, ranging from different types of machinery to building materials and steel products.
With more than four decades of experience in flatbed shipping, TMC can not only assist you in making informed decisions but also maximize the efficiency of getting your freight from A to B.
Specialized equipment includes
- 48-foot Flatbeds
- 48 and 53-foot step-deck trailers
- 52-foot Removable Goose Neck trailers
Their vehicles and equipment are meticulously maintained by trained technicians to ensure safety and dependability. They also offer state-of-the-art technology, which allows customers to track shipments in real-time every step of the way.
In 2023, TMC announced plans to invest $38 million to consolidate its three leased facilities in central South Carolina into a single 44-acre campus. This new campus will feature a 36,000-square-foot operations and logistics office and a 66,000-square-foot maintenance facility. [10]
According to RocketReach, TMC generates approximately $924.2 million in annual revenue and employs over 1,925 people. [11]
5. Anderson Trucking Service
Founded in 1955
Headquarters: Missouri, United States
Area Served: United States, Canada, Mexico
Annual Revenue: $210 million (2023)
Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) is a values-driven firm offering worldwide transportation solutions. They cover a range of shipping services, including dry van, heavy haul, specialized flatbed, temperature-controlled, expedited, emergency shipping, and more.
ATS trucking units monitor a network of over 48,000 carriers and 750,000 trucks. It also offers logistics services, international freight forwarding, as well as warehousing and inventory management.
Plus points
- Operates 1,800+ multi-axe specialized trailers
- Real-time tracking and visibility of freight via an online customer portal
- Onsite supervision for loading, unloading, and securement
- Cross-border shipping services
The company has its own load tracking and logistics management system — named ATS Customer Portal — specifically designed to fulfill customers’ requirements. It shows every load’s location and status whenever you need it.
In 2023, Anderson Trucking Service generated approximately $210 million in revenue. With around 1,000 employees, this translates to a revenue per employee of $210,000. [12]
4. Roehl Transport
Founded in 1962Headquarters: Wisconsin, United States
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $450 million
Roehl Transport helps you control your shipping costs through a relentless pursuit of operational efficiency. The company uses advanced technologies to offer instant accessibility and easy management of the entire shipping process. It provides web-based load tracking, full-scale EDI capabilities, and optimization modeling and routing.
It has terminal locations in Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago, Iron Mountain, Atlanta, Appleton, Marshfield, and drop yards in several other locations.
Key States
- The average truck age is less than two years
- Nationwide coverage and 24/7 maintenance support
With more than 2,900 employees, 2,000 tractors, and 5,000 trailers, Roehl Transport is one of the top 60 trucking companies in the US. It specializes in dry-van, flatbed, reefer, curtain-side, and step-deck transportation.
In 2022, the company paid drivers $4 million in safety incentives. Instead of offering quarterly or annual bonuses, Roehl drivers received additional cents per mile for each accident-free mile they drove, rewarded in real-time as they accrued the miles. [13]
3. Prime Inc.
Headquarters: Missouri, United States
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $2.2 billion
Prime Incorporated is one of the most successful trucking companies that provide safe, reliable, and on-time services to its growing international customer base. Since 1986, it has experienced steady growth in revenue each year.
The company uses the latest equipment and cutting-edge technology to serve its customers. Since their average truck age is two years, they can deliver better mileage and safety than other firms. All trucks are equipped with a 1,500-watt inverter and auxiliary power unit, which help drivers run safely and efficiently out on the road.
Plus points
- Real-time load tracking
- On-site facilities include a training center, salon, company store, doctor’s office, and more
- Fleet is comprised of over 850 trucks, 900 flatbeds, and 400 step-deck trailers
They also have a smartphone app to keep customers connected and informed. The app (available for both iOS and Android) shows load lists with detailed stop information and other useful data such as arrival, departure, routing, and best fuel recommendations.
Prime offers a minimum guarantee to its independent contractors in its flatbed and refrigerated divisions, ensuring earnings of at least $102,000 for every 100,000 miles completed. The company is growing at a steady rate. In 2021, it reported a revenue of $2.2 billion from its operations in the logistics industry. [14][15]
In 2023, Prime was ranked number 1 among North American refrigerated carriers and secured the 19th spot on the top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America. [16][17]
2. Landstar System
Founded in 1968Headquarters: Florida, United States
Area Served: United States, Canada, Mexico
Annual Revenue: $5.31 billion (2023)
Landstar System specializes in third-party logistics. With the resources of a multi-billion dollar company, it provides customers with personalized services at the local level with a global reach.
Landstar includes more than 1,200 agents, 10,000 leased owner-operators, 17,000 trailers, and 56,000 other approved capacity providers. Every independent agent and transportation capacity provider is effectively located to meet customers’ requirements.
Key Stats
- A vast network of over 102,000 truck capacity providers and a wide range of equipment
- 99% claim-free cargo delivery
Has a market cap of over $6.5 billion
The company has a mobile application, which makes it easier to coordinate freight shipments. They have also developed tools that provide agents with valuable insights, pricing structure, and access to available truck capacity. These tools make it easier to provide top-notch service to customers.
In 2023, Landstar generated $5.31 billion in revenue, a decrease from $7.44 billion in 2022. The annual gross profit for the year amounted to $1.24 billion, down from $1.63 billion in 2022. [18]
1. Daseke Inc.
Founded in 2008Daseke family company, Tri-State #Trucking believes their exceptional drivers are their number one asset. From paid vacation up to 4 weeks to annual retention and production bonuses of up to $8K/driver, driving for Tri-State is a no-brainer. Give a recruiter! (888) 304-5058 pic.twitter.com/mWTaXJjAqk
— Daseke Inc. (@DasekeInc) March 5, 2021
Headquarters: Texas, United States
Area Served: United States, Canada, Mexico
Annual Revenue: $1.56 billion (2023)
Daseke Incorporated is one of the largest flatbed firms in North America. Headquartered in Addison, Texas, it offers specialized transportation services through experienced workers.
The company has 13,000+ flatbeds, 6,000+ tractors, specialized trailers, and over 1,000,000 square feet of industrial warehousing space. It employs more than 4,500 people.
Its specialized and flatbed companies include The Boyd Companies, Central Oregon Truck Company, Hornady Transportation, and WTI Transport. While each operating division has its own senior executive team, they frequently collaborate with each other to provide the best and most cost-effective services.
Key Stats
- Over one million square feet of industrial warehousing space
- 4,500+ employees
- Offices in 13 locations
Daseke Inc. has shown a phenomenal growth rate in the past decade: its revenues grew from $30 million in 2009 to $1.75 billion in 2022. However, in 2023, its revenue experienced a slight decline, standing at $1.56 billion.
In 2024, TFI International Inc., a Canadian carrier, acquired Daseke for $1.1 billion. This acquisition brought together two prominent players, creating a powerful competitor in the North American transportation market, capable of delivering enhanced value to customers and stakeholders. [19]
Things to know before booking a flatbed shipment
Freight Information: Make sure you understand all crucial aspects of your shipments, including the material being transported, the value, dimensions, and weight. If your shipment contains uniquely shaped heavy objects, then loading, unloading, and securing it might be more physically taxing.
Trailer Information: Familiarize yourself with the vehicle and technology before making the final order. This will help you make safe and cost-efficient choices. And if you require extended trailers, your service provider may need advanced notice.
Work with experts: Don’t always go for the least expensive services. Think about working with professionals who can safely deliver the load on time.
Listing Criteria
We used the following criteria as the guiding principle for identifying the top companies in the flatbed trucking industry.
1. Company Reputation and Safety Record: We analyzed the company’s reputation within the industry. A positive reputation indicates reliability, professionalism, and consistent service quality. We also assessed their commitment to adhering to safety regulations and minimizing accidents.
2. Fleet Size and Diversity: This indicates the company’s capacity to handle diverse transportation needs and accommodate varying cargo volumes, including oversized or specialized cargo.
3. Technology Integration: We assessed each company’s integration of advanced tools, like GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, and communication systems. This ensures improved efficiency, visibility, and communication throughout the transportation process.
4. Financial Stability: A financially stable company is better prepared to invest in modern equipment, uphold high safety standards, and navigate economic challenges. This ultimately demonstrates reliability to both customers and partners.
5. Geographic Coverage: We analyzed the geographic reach of each company, taking into account both national and international presence. A broader service network can facilitate efficient deliveries across different regions.
6. Customer Reviews and Satisfaction: We read customer reviews from trustworthy sources. To provide an accurate picture, we excluded reviews and testimonials featured on the company’s official website.
Flatbed Trucking Market Size
The global flatbed trucking market size is expected to exceed $83.68 billion by 2030. growing at a CAGR of 6.4%. North America is predicted to be the market leader, holding a share of $34.52 billion, followed by Europe with $20.87 billion and Asia Pacific with $18.27 billion. [20]
The key factors behind this growth include increasing demands in construction and infrastructure development, manufacturing and industrial activities, energy sector projects, and the rise of e-commerce and last-mile delivery.
Additionally, the need for specialized cargo transport in sectors like defense and renewable energy contributes to the versatility and demand for flatbed trucks.
Why you can trust us?
We thoroughly analyzed the 25 flatbed trucking companies in North America. It took more than 20 hours to do the comprehensive research, after which we decided to feature the 13 firms based on their fleet size, annual revenue, number of offices and employees, and area served.
We DO NOT earn commission from any of the listed firms. Furthermore, we have two separate editors who have no influence over our listing criteria or recommendations.
Read More
- 17 Largest Trucking Companies In The United States
- 14 Best Lease Purchase Trucking Companies
- 13 Best Dump Trucking Companies
- Industry Statistics, Long-distance freight trucking in the US – Number of businesses, IBIS World
- News, CRST acquires BCB Transport, CRST
- Company Overview, ACI Motor Freight’s revenue and competitors, Growjo
- Company Revenue, Mercer Transportation’s revenue is $35 million, Zippa
- Company Highlights, United Vision Logistics’ revenue and organization chart, Zoominfo
- Company Overview, Maverick USA revenue and competitors, Growjo
- Company Highlights, PS Logistics’ revenue and organization chart, Zoominfo
- Company Overview, PS Logistics financials and fundings, Crunchbase
- Company Data, Melton Truck Lines information, RocketReach
- Noël Fletcher, TMC Transportation plans $38M South Carolina campus, Transport Topics
- Company Data, TMC Transportation information, RocketReach
- Company Revenue, Anderson Trucking Service’s revenue is $210 million, Zippa
- Press Release, Roehl Transport paid drivers $4 million in safety incentives in 2022, Newswire
- Press Release, Prime Inc. raises min revenue per mile to $1.02 for refrigerated and flatbed division, Prime Inc.
- Logistics, Revenue chart of Prime Inc. in US dollars, Statista
- Rankings, List of Top Refrigerated (Truckload & LTL) carriers, Transport Topics
- Rankings, 100 Largest for-hire carriers in North America, Transport Topics
- Company Highlights, Revenue and profit of Landstar System, Macrotrends
- Alain Bédard, TFI International completes the previously announced Daseke acquisition for US $8.30 in cash per common share and closes on US $500 million term loan, GlobeNewswire
- Automobile and Transporation, Global flatbed trucking market by type, Verified Market Reports
Hi,
We would like to work with your company. We are brokers name- Blue dolphin logistics. We are getting orders for flatbeds and we are looking for carriers.
Could you please send us an email and in which state do you work and what trucks do you have?