Step-by-Step Guide to Booking a Flatbed Shipment

Booking a flatbed shipment on Freightquote.com is a simple and efficient process. This guide will walk you through the steps to navigate and utilize the Freightquote online tool, providing clear instructions to help you book your flatbed shipment with ease. You'll find the process straightforward and user-friendly.

Book a flatbed shipment in minutes

1. Log in to your dashboard

Click on the top right corner to start a new quote.

2. Select quick quote

Use the Quick Quote layout located in the top right corner of the screen.

Choosing a mode or service type

1. Select Full Truckload

For this guide we will focus on Flatbed, an open trailer used for large or heavy freight that cannot be safely loaded into an enclosed box truck.

2. Tarps Drop Down Box

• Tarps for flatbed trucks are essential for protecting cargo from the elements and ensuring safe transportation.
• Most common options are 4 feet, 6 feet, 8 feet, or no tarp.

Set the loading date

Select the calendar to choose your loading date. We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance for the best chance of an on-time pickup.

Pickup and delivery details

1. Select pickup/delivery location

Select the country and enter the city or postal code where your flatbed shipment will be picked up. The system will auto-populate options as you type, select from the drop-down box when possible.

2. Select pickup/delivery services

• Choose any additional location types that might apply. Accurately identifying the location type will help reduce pickup and delivery delays.
• Locations must be a business with a dock or have a way to load/unload the truck without a liftgate.
• Ensure the pickup/delivery locations have proper equipment to load/unload the freight. (e.g., crane, forklift, etc.)
• Delivering to an Amazon warehouse requires pre-approved carriers, select this box to match your shipment to the correct carrier options.

3. Additional pickup/delivery information

Please remember that flatbed drivers will not assist pickup or delivery without an extra cost. If the pickup or delivery location requires driver assistance or other service requirements, select the appropriate boxes for the most accurate quote options.

Freight description

1. Provide commodity details

• Enter the item description, this is the specific item(s) that will be shipped. (e.g., machinery, building materials, pipes, lumber, steel beams etc.)
• Select the packaging type used to ship the commodity.

2. Provide accurate dimensions and weight

• Enter the dimensions (length, width, height) and weight of the packaged items.
• Confirm dimensions are accurate and include all the packaging and any freight that overhangs the pallet.

3. Provide quantity

Enter the number of handling units if they have the same dimensions and weight. For different dimensions, add each item separately by clicking the plus button at the bottom of the screen.

4. Specify item condition (new or used)

5. Select straps or chains for flatbed shipping

The number of straps or chains used on a full flatbed shipment can vary depending on the type and size of the cargo. It is recommended to confirm the total chains or straps needed prior to booking the shipment.

• Flatbed straps are nylon, lightweight and easy to use. Examples of shipments include furniture, palletized goods, and lighter machinery.
• Flatbed chains are strong, durable and more suitable for heavy loads. Examples of shipments include industrial equipment, steel coils, beams, and heavy pipes.

Get carrier selection

1. Generate competitive quotes from multiple carriers

Click "Get Quotes" to see carrier options for earliest pick up, requested pick up, or best alternative.

Shipment details for pickup and delivery

1. Enter pickup/delivery address information

• Fill in the pickup address and contact details.
• For business addresses, always list the company name appearing on the outside of the building. This will help the driver find the location easily.
• Whenever possible, select the address from the drop-down box to prevent location discrepancies.

2. Provide carrier pickup information

Provide business hours for pickup and delivery for your flatbed shipment.

3. Enter appointment scheduling options and special requests

• Appointment scheduling is an option for dedicated flatbed freight at both pick-up and delivery locations. Utilize the accurate option for scheduling and complete the steps needed.
• Option A: Yes, appointment is required
  • Yes, I would like Freightquote to schedule the appointment
  • No, I already scheduled and have the appointment details
• Option B: No, Appointment not required
• Yes, call before arriving
• No, first come first served
• Carriers charge detention fees for any time exceeding 2 hours for loading or unloading.
• Additional charges from carriers, such as layover or trucks ordered and not used (TONU), can occur if any details are not accurately communicated.
• If the shipper or receiver requires reference numbers or special instructions for releasing or accepting the flatbed freight, add them to the optional boxes in this section.

4. Contact information at pickup/delivery

• Enter the contact information for the person who will be on site at the location to load/unload the flatbed freight.
• The blue box "Next" appears once all these required information has been entered.

Protect your shipment

1. Determine shipment value

• Enter the total product value for cargo loss or damage coverage. All our full truckload carriers are insured, but entering the accurate amount here helps us match the best carrier for your specific load.

Payment and confirmation

1. Select payment method

• Add a credit card or apply for a credit line.
• A separate box will pop up for entering credit card information. All major credit cards are accepted except Discover.

2. Place your order

• Review the cost breakdown.
• Apply any savings or Freightquote Rewards by selecting the dropdown arrow.
• Check the box after reading the terms and conditions.
• Click "Place Order" to complete the booking.

3. Order confirmation

• You will receive an order number for tracking on the website and with our support team.
• A bill of lading (BOL) will be sent to the customer email address on file once a carrier has been matched to your load.
• If you are not at the pickup location, make sure to forward the BOL to the pickup location. They will need to hand the BOL to the pickup driver.
• Now you’re all set for truckload shipping success!

Additional flatbed shipping support

Use the chat feature on the Freightquote website for assistance.