15 Top Flatbed Trucking Companies in the USA for 2027: A Shipper's Guide
Looking for a reliable flatbed trucking company to transport steel, heavy machinery, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, or oversized freight? Here's what to know about some of America's established open-deck carriers — and how to choose the right transportation partner for your business.
Finding the Right Flatbed Trucking Company Isn't as Simple as It Sounds
In the transportation industry, moving freight from one location to another might sound straightforward. But anyone who has coordinated the shipment of a 40,000-pound industrial machine, a load of structural steel, or an oversized excavator knows there's much more involved.
Not every trucking company has the equipment, experience, or operational knowledge to handle specialized freight.
A carrier that excels at moving palletized consumer goods may not be the right choice for hauling a large CNC machine. A trucking company with thousands of trailers may not have the specific step deck equipment available when your shipment needs to move.
And when a delivery is tied to a construction deadline, manufacturing schedule, or equipment installation, choosing the wrong transportation provider can become an expensive mistake.
That's why selecting the best flatbed trucking company isn't necessarily about finding the largest carrier or the lowest rate.
It's about finding a company with the right equipment, qualified CDL drivers, reliable dispatch, appropriate insurance, and the experience to handle your particular freight.
Across the United States, established transportation companies and specialized regional carriers provide flatbed, step deck, heavy haul, and oversize load services.
We've put together a list of 15 carriers worth knowing, including large national transportation providers and a specialized carrier focused on serving shippers, manufacturers, construction companies, equipment dealers, and freight brokers.
The list is intended as a practical starting point for researching transportation providers, not an official ranking of service quality.
15 Flatbed and Specialized Trucking Companies Worth Considering in the USA
1. Open Way Inc — Flatbed, Step Deck & Oversize Transportation
Headquarters: Fort Wayne, IndianaOperating Area: 48 contiguous United StatesSpecialties: 53-foot flatbed trailers, step deck transportation, industrial machinery, steel, heavy equipment, agricultural machinery, and oversize freight
When your business needs to move specialized freight, working with a carrier that understands open-deck transportation can make a meaningful difference.
Open Way Inc is an Indiana-based trucking company specializing in flatbed, step deck, and oversize load transportation across the continental United States.
Unlike carriers that spread their operations across numerous unrelated freight categories, Open Way focuses on the demands of open-deck transportation.
Its freight experience includes steel coils and beams, industrial machinery, CNC equipment, construction machinery, agricultural tractors, generators, electrical equipment, and other specialized commodities.
The company's 53-foot flatbed and step deck trailers provide transportation options for manufacturers, machinery dealers, steel producers, construction contractors, and freight brokers.
One of Open Way's strengths is its emphasis on direct communication between drivers, dispatchers, and customers.
Specialized freight often requires more than simply scheduling a pickup and delivery.
Equipment dimensions, cargo securement, loading requirements, route restrictions, and permits can all influence the transportation plan.
Open Way's in-house dispatch team coordinates these details with experienced CDL drivers.
The company also emphasizes preventive maintenance, driver qualifications, shipment visibility, and safety-focused operations.
Why consider Open Way Inc?
For businesses seeking a specialized flatbed or step deck carrier with nationwide operating coverage and a strong Midwest presence, Open Way offers a more focused alternative to general freight transportation providers.
The company maintains cargo insurance coverage up to $250,000, subject to policy terms and shipment requirements, and operates under USDOT 3165570 and MC 114250.
Whether you're shipping a single piece of machinery or coordinating recurring industrial freight, Open Way Inc welcomes transportation inquiries.
Best suited for: Manufacturers, steel suppliers, construction companies, heavy equipment dealerships, agricultural machinery distributors, industrial shippers, and freight brokers.
2. Landstar System — Specialized Transportation and Logistics Network
Headquarters: Jacksonville, Florida
Landstar is one of the most recognized names in specialized transportation and freight logistics.
Its business model uses a network of independent business capacity owners and transportation providers, giving customers access to a wide range of freight solutions.
Landstar handles flatbed transportation, specialized equipment, heavy haul shipments, and complex logistics requirements.
Its extensive network can be particularly useful for businesses managing transportation across multiple regions.
Best suited for: Large shippers seeking broad transportation capacity, specialized freight solutions, and logistics coordination.
3. TMC Transportation — Established Flatbed Carrier
Headquarters: Des Moines, Iowa
TMC Transportation has developed a recognizable presence in the American flatbed trucking industry.
The company focuses heavily on open-deck transportation and serves customers moving construction materials, industrial products, and manufactured goods.
Its operations include flatbed services, specialized transportation, and dedicated freight solutions.
Best suited for: Industrial manufacturers, building material suppliers, and businesses seeking established flatbed transportation programs.
4. Melton Truck Lines — Nationwide Flatbed Transportation
Headquarters: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Melton Truck Lines has a long history in flatbed transportation and operates across the United States.
Its freight includes building materials, manufactured products, and industrial commodities that require open-deck trailers.
Melton is known for its focus on flatbed operations rather than relying exclusively on general dry van transportation.
Best suited for: Shippers moving construction products, industrial materials, and regular flatbed freight.
5. Maverick Transportation — Specialized Open-Deck Freight
Headquarters: North Little Rock, Arkansas
Maverick Transportation operates in specialized freight markets, including flatbed transportation and other equipment-specific services.
The company has experience with products such as steel, building materials, and manufactured goods.
Its transportation programs serve businesses requiring established processes for moving open-deck commodities.
Best suited for: Steel producers, manufacturers, building material distributors, and specialized freight customers.
6. Mercer Transportation — Owner-Operator-Based Freight Network
Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky
Mercer Transportation is a well-established name in the owner-operator trucking industry.
The company provides flatbed, step deck, and other freight transportation solutions through its network of independent contractors.
Its operational model can offer shippers access to experienced operators across different transportation markets.
Best suited for: Freight brokers and shippers seeking nationwide flatbed and specialized freight capacity.
7. Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) — Heavy Haul and Project Transportation
Headquarters: St. Cloud, Minnesota
Anderson Trucking Service is widely recognized for its specialized transportation capabilities.
In addition to conventional flatbed freight, ATS works with heavy haul, oversized machinery, and project cargo.
Its experience with complex transportation requirements makes it relevant to customers moving large industrial equipment and infrastructure-related freight.
Best suited for: Industrial projects, oversized equipment, heavy machinery, and specialized logistics requirements.
8. PGT Trucking — Steel and Industrial Transportation
Headquarters: Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
PGT Trucking has a significant presence in flatbed transportation, particularly in markets connected to steel, manufacturing, and industrial production.
The company offers open-deck freight services and specialized transportation capabilities.
Best suited for: Steel manufacturers, industrial suppliers, and customers with recurring flatbed transportation needs.
9. Bennett International Group — Heavy Equipment and Specialized Freight
Headquarters: McDonough, Georgia
Bennett International Group provides a variety of transportation and logistics services, including specialized freight and heavy haul solutions.
Its operations support customers transporting industrial machinery, construction equipment, and project-related freight.
Best suited for: Machinery manufacturers, equipment dealers, industrial contractors, and customers with complex shipping requirements.
10. PS Logistics — Flatbed Transportation Network
Headquarters: Birmingham, Alabama
PS Logistics operates a large flatbed transportation network serving industrial and commercial customers.
Its businesses provide capacity for building materials, steel, and other open-deck commodities.
The company's scale and network make it a relevant option for shippers with ongoing transportation demand.
Best suited for: Manufacturers, construction material suppliers, and high-volume flatbed freight customers.
11. System Transport — Flatbed and Specialized Transportation
Headquarters: Cheney, Washington
System Transport is an established open-deck transportation provider serving customers throughout the United States.
Its capabilities include flatbed and specialized freight transportation for a range of industrial and commercial shipments.
Best suited for: Manufacturers, construction-related shippers, and businesses requiring open-deck transportation across multiple regions.
12. Prime Inc. — Diversified Transportation With Flatbed Services
Headquarters: Springfield, Missouri
Although Prime is especially well known for refrigerated transportation, it also maintains flatbed operations.
This diversified model allows the company to serve different freight markets and customer transportation needs.
Best suited for: Businesses seeking a large transportation provider with multiple freight service categories, including flatbed.
13. Western Express — Flatbed and Truckload Transportation
Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee
Western Express provides truckload transportation services, including flatbed freight.
Its operations serve customers moving construction materials, manufactured products, and other commodities suited to open-deck trailers.
Best suited for: Shippers with conventional flatbed freight and truckload transportation requirements.
14. Beemac Trucking — Specialized Freight and Industrial Transportation
Headquarters: Pennsylvania
Beemac Trucking operates in the specialized transportation sector, providing open-deck and industrial freight services.
Its transportation capabilities make it a company worth evaluating for manufacturers and businesses shipping heavy or specialized commodities.
Best suited for: Industrial freight, manufacturing supply chains, and specialized open-deck transportation.
15. Acme Truck Line — Industrial and Specialized Freight
Headquarters: Louisiana
Acme Truck Line has a long history serving industrial transportation markets.
The company is particularly associated with energy, industrial equipment, and specialized freight movement.
Its operating model supports a range of equipment and transportation requirements.
Best suited for: Energy-related businesses, industrial equipment suppliers, and specialized freight customers.
What Makes a Flatbed Trucking Company the Right Choice?
A list of established carriers is useful, but the biggest company isn't automatically the best choice for every shipment.
A manufacturer moving equipment from Indiana to Texas may have very different needs from a construction contractor delivering oversized machinery to a remote project site.
Before selecting a flatbed transportation provider, consider these five factors.
1. Experience With Your Type of Freight
Steel coils, structural beams, industrial presses, agricultural tractors, and construction equipment all present different transportation challenges.
Some require specialized securement methods. Others involve unusual dimensions, loading limitations, or sensitive components.
Ask prospective carriers whether they regularly transport your particular commodity.
A company familiar with your freight is more likely to anticipate potential problems before they become expensive delays.
2. Trailer Availability and Equipment Compatibility
Not all open-deck trailers are interchangeable.
A standard flatbed may be appropriate for steel or building materials, while taller machinery may require a step deck trailer.
Certain shipments may require ramps, special securement equipment, or a different trailer configuration altogether.
For shippers, knowing the dimensions and weight of the freight is essential before requesting a quote.
At Open Way Inc, flatbed and step deck transportation are central to the company's operations, allowing its dispatch team to evaluate the appropriate equipment for individual shipments.
3. Safety and Cargo Securement
Safety should never be treated as an optional feature.
A professional flatbed carrier must understand cargo securement regulations, equipment inspections, weight distribution, and the specific risks associated with open-deck freight.
Before booking a carrier, review its USDOT information, operating authority, insurance, and available safety records.
The FMCSA's public carrier information resources can help shippers verify important details.
At Open Way Inc, experienced CDL drivers, cargo securement procedures, equipment maintenance, and safety-focused dispatch coordination are central to the company's approach.
4. Communication and Shipment Visibility
Few things frustrate a shipper more than being unable to obtain a reliable shipment update.
When machinery is needed for production or equipment must arrive before a construction crew can begin work, communication becomes critical.
Ask your prospective carrier how it handles tracking, appointment changes, weather delays, and unexpected transportation problems.
A dependable transportation partner should be prepared to communicate clearly and promptly.
5. Long-Term Reliability
The lowest freight quote doesn't always represent the lowest overall transportation cost.
Missed appointments, damaged freight, rework, and unexpected delays can quickly outweigh an initial rate difference.
A carrier that understands your operations, communicates consistently, and delivers dependable service may create greater value over time.
For companies shipping equipment regularly, developing a long-term relationship with a specialized carrier can also simplify transportation planning.
Flatbed vs. Step Deck: Which Trailer Does Your Shipment Need?
Choosing the correct trailer is one of the first decisions in specialized freight transportation.
Flatbed Trailer | Step Deck Trailer |
Level open-deck loading surface | Upper and lower deck sections |
Commonly used for steel, lumber, and building materials | Often used for taller machinery and equipment |
Useful for crane and forklift loading | Lower deck can provide additional height clearance |
Suitable for many standard open-deck shipments | Often preferred for certain industrial and construction equipment |
A 53-foot trailer's usable deck dimensions, legal payload, and cargo height limitations depend on the specific trailer and operating route.
Oversize or overweight shipments may require permits, route surveys, escorts, or other arrangements.
The best approach is to provide your carrier with accurate dimensions, weight, pickup and delivery locations, and loading requirements before scheduling transportation.
Industries That Depend on Flatbed and Step Deck Transportation
Open-deck trucking supports some of the most important sectors of the American economy.
Steel and metal manufacturing: Steel coils, structural beams, plates, pipes, fabricated components, and other metal products.
Construction and infrastructure: Excavators, loaders, cranes and components, building materials, structural assemblies, and job-site equipment.
Industrial manufacturing: CNC machinery, presses, production equipment, electrical equipment, and industrial assemblies.
Agriculture: Tractors, implements, planters, agricultural attachments, and farm machinery.
Energy and utilities: Generators, transformers, electrical modules, pipe, and other energy-related equipment.
Equipment dealerships: New and used construction machinery, industrial equipment, and agricultural machinery requiring transportation between dealers, auctions, customers, and job sites.
Each industry presents different loading, securement, and delivery challenges.
That's why matching the right carrier to the right commodity matters.
Why Consider Open Way Inc for Your Next Flatbed Shipment?
For shippers, manufacturers, construction companies, and freight brokers looking for a specialized trucking partner, Open Way Inc offers nationwide flatbed and step deck transportation with a strong focus on professional service.
Based in Indiana and operating across the 48 contiguous states, the company works with a broad range of open-deck commodities, including heavy equipment, steel, industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, and oversized freight.
Open Way combines experienced CDL drivers, modern trucks and trailers, in-house dispatch coordination, shipment tracking, and a commitment to safe transportation practices.
The company welcomes both individual shipment requests and conversations about recurring freight opportunities.
For customers who value direct communication and specialized open-deck experience, Open Way Inc is a carrier worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flatbed Trucking Companies
What are some of the top flatbed trucking companies in the United States?
Established flatbed and specialized transportation providers include Landstar, TMC Transportation, Melton Truck Lines, Maverick Transportation, Mercer Transportation, Anderson Trucking Service, PGT Trucking, and others. Open Way Inc is another option for shippers seeking specialized flatbed, step deck, and oversize transportation. The right choice depends on freight type, location, equipment, and service requirements.
How do I find a reliable flatbed trucking company?
Start by checking the carrier's USDOT and MC information, operating authority, insurance, safety records, equipment capabilities, and experience hauling your commodity. Ask about communication procedures and obtain a detailed freight quote.
What is the difference between flatbed and step deck trucking?
Flatbed trailers have a level deck, while step deck trailers feature a lower main deck that can accommodate certain taller loads. The appropriate equipment depends on cargo dimensions, weight, loading requirements, and route restrictions.
Can a flatbed trucking company haul oversized loads?
Yes, qualified carriers can transport oversized freight when they have suitable equipment and arrange required permits, routing, escorts, and other safety measures. Not every flatbed carrier handles every type of oversized shipment.
Does Open Way Inc provide nationwide flatbed transportation?
Yes. Open Way Inc is an Indiana-based motor carrier providing flatbed, step deck, and specialized freight transportation across the 48 contiguous United States.
Does Open Way Inc transport heavy equipment and machinery?
Yes. Open Way Inc specializes in open-deck freight, including construction equipment, agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, steel, and other specialized commodities. Shipment acceptance depends on equipment availability, cargo specifications, and transportation requirements.
Does Open Way Inc hire CDL drivers?
Yes. Open Way Inc recruits experienced CDL Class A drivers for flatbed and step deck OTR positions. Interested drivers can review qualifications and apply through the company's website.
Ready to Move Your Freight? Partner With Open Way Inc
Choosing the right flatbed trucking company can make a significant difference in your supply chain.
Whether you're a manufacturer scheduling regular machinery deliveries, a construction contractor moving equipment between projects, a steel supplier coordinating shipments, or a freight broker searching for dependable open-deck capacity, Open Way Inc is ready to discuss your transportation needs.
For Shippers & Freight Brokers
Need a reliable flatbed, step deck, or oversize transportation partner?
For Professional CDL Drivers
Looking for a flatbed or step deck trucking company where experience, safety, and professionalism matter?
Open Way Inc — Specialized Freight. Professional Drivers. Nationwide Transportation.
Company descriptions are provided for general comparison. This curated list is not an independent quality ranking or a ranking by revenue, fleet size, or safety performance. Confirm current capabilities and availability directly with each carrier.
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