Types of Flatbed Trailers: Complete Comparison
Choosing the right flatbed trailer type determines what freight you can haul, how much you can earn, and how efficiently you operate. From the versatile standard flatbed to specialized RGN trailers, each type serves specific freight needs. This guide compares every flatbed trailer type with real dimensions, weight capacities, common loads, and the pros and cons of each.
6 Types
Common Flatbed Trailers
18-60"
Deck Height Range
42-48K lbs
Payload Range
$2-$5+/mi
Rate Range by Type
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5+ years matching flatbed trailer types to freight across all 48 states
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O TruckingTypes of Flatbed Trailers: Complete Comparison (2026)
Standard Flatbed (Skateboard)
The standard flatbed is the workhorse of the flatbed industry. It is a flat, open deck with no sides, roof, or enclosure — just a flat platform on wheels with stake pockets along the edges for securing freight.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 48 ft or 53 ft |
| Width | 102 inches (8'6") |
| Deck Height | 58-62 inches (approximately 5 ft) |
| Max Freight Height | 8'6" (to stay under 13'6" total height) |
| Payload Capacity | 45,000-48,000 lbs |
| Empty Weight | 12,000-15,000 lbs |
Pros
- Most versatile — handles widest range of freight
- Most available trailer type and easiest to find loads
- Lowest purchase/lease cost among flatbed types
- Can load from top, sides, or rear with crane/forklift
- Simple design means lower maintenance costs
Cons
- Cannot haul freight taller than 8'6" legally
- No weather protection — requires manual tarping
- Higher deck height limits tall freight options
- Most competition from other flatbed carriers
- Lower per-mile rates than specialized trailers
Common freight: Lumber, steel plate, pipe, building materials, machinery, palletized goods, concrete products, and virtually any non-fragile freight that can be secured on an open deck.
Step Deck (Drop Deck)
A step deck trailer has a two-level deck: a higher front section (upper deck) and a lower rear section (lower deck), connected by a step. The lower deck height allows taller freight to be hauled within legal height limits.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 48 ft or 53 ft |
| Upper Deck | ~11 ft long, 58-62" high |
| Lower Deck | ~37-42 ft long, 36-42" high |
| Max Freight Height (lower deck) | ~10 ft (vs 8.5 ft on standard flatbed) |
| Payload Capacity | 43,000-48,000 lbs |
| Empty Weight | 13,000-16,000 lbs |
Pros
- Hauls taller freight (10 ft on lower deck)
- Generally pays better per mile than standard flatbed
- Lower deck is easier to load/unload with forklifts
- Some have ramps for driving equipment onto the deck
- Good balance of versatility and specialization
Cons
- Slightly heavier empty weight than standard flatbed
- Upper deck limits long-load flexibility
- Step creates a gap limiting some load types
- Higher purchase cost than standard flatbed
- Fewer available loads than standard flatbed
Common freight: Tall machinery, construction equipment, large industrial components, oversized fabrications, vehicles, and any freight that is 8.5 to 10 feet tall. See our step deck loading guide.
Double Drop / RGN (Removable Gooseneck)
A double drop trailer (also called a lowboy) has a very low center section called the "well" that sits between the gooseneck and the rear axles. An RGN (removable gooseneck) allows the front to detach so the front of the trailer can be lowered to the ground, creating a ramp for driving equipment onto the deck.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 48-53 ft (extendable models up to 80+ ft) |
| Well Height | 18-24 inches from ground |
| Well Length | 24-29 ft (standard) |
| Max Freight Height (in well) | ~11.5-12 ft |
| Payload Capacity | 40,000-48,000 lbs (standard); 80,000+ with permits and extra axles |
| Empty Weight | 16,000-22,000 lbs |
Pros
- Lowest deck height — hauls tallest freight legally
- RGN allows equipment to drive on/off
- Highest per-mile rates among flatbed types
- Less competition (fewer RGN trailers in service)
- Can handle extremely heavy loads with extra axles
Cons
- Most expensive to purchase ($50K-$120K+ new)
- Heaviest empty weight, reducing payload capacity
- Requires oversize permits for many loads
- Limited well length restricts freight placement
- Higher maintenance costs (hydraulics, gooseneck)
Common freight: Excavators, bulldozers, cranes, transformers, large generators, industrial machinery, construction equipment, and any freight that is extremely tall, heavy, or needs to be driven onto the trailer.
Conestoga (Rolling Tarp System)
A conestoga trailer is a flatbed with a built-in retractable tarp system that rolls on side-mounted tracks. When closed, it provides full weather protection like a dry van. When open, it allows top and side loading like a flatbed.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 48 ft or 53 ft |
| Deck Height | 58-62 inches (same as standard flatbed) |
| Interior Height (covered) | ~8'2" to 8'6" |
| Payload Capacity | 42,000-46,000 lbs |
| Empty Weight | 15,000-18,000 lbs |
Pros
- No manual tarping required — saves 30-60 min per load
- Full weather protection for sensitive freight
- Can load from top, sides, and rear
- Qualifies for both flatbed and van loads
- Higher rates for weather-sensitive freight
Cons
- Heavier empty weight reduces payload by 2,000-3,000 lbs
- Most expensive flatbed type to purchase ($60K-$90K)
- Rolling tarp mechanism requires regular maintenance
- Track system can jam or break, requiring road repair
- Reduced interior height vs standard dry van
Common freight: Weather-sensitive building materials, finished goods, paper products, electronics crates, coated steel, and any freight that needs flatbed loading flexibility with van-style weather protection.
Conestoga as a Load Multiplier
Side Kit (Stake Bed)
A side kit trailer is a standard flatbed with removable side panels (stakes or boards) that provide lateral containment for the load. The side panels can be installed or removed depending on the freight requirements.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 48 ft or 53 ft |
| Side Panel Height | 4-6 ft (removable) |
| Deck Height | 58-62 inches |
| Payload Capacity | 43,000-47,000 lbs |
| Empty Weight | 13,000-16,000 lbs (with sides installed) |
Pros: Provides lateral containment without full enclosure, can run as standard flatbed with sides removed, handles loose or palletized freight that would slide off a standard flatbed. Cons: Added weight from side panels, sides can be damaged during loading, limited height capacity, and installation/removal of sides takes time.
Common freight: Bagged materials (sand, fertilizer, cement), palletized goods, stacked bricks or blocks, bundled goods, and any freight that needs side containment but top-loading access.
Curtainside (Tautliner)
A curtainside trailer has flexible fabric curtains on the sides that can be pulled back for side loading. The curtains slide on an overhead track, opening the entire side of the trailer for forklift access. When closed, the curtains provide weather protection and contain the freight.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 48 ft or 53 ft |
| Interior Height | ~8'6" to 9' |
| Payload Capacity | 43,000-46,000 lbs |
| Empty Weight | 14,000-17,000 lbs |
Pros: Full side access for fast forklift loading, weather protection when closed, faster load/unload times than tarping a flatbed. Cons: Curtains can tear, not suitable for oversize freight, higher maintenance than standard flatbed, not as weatherproof as a van or conestoga.
Common freight: Palletized goods, beverage products, building materials, industrial supplies, and any freight that benefits from side-loading access with weather protection.
Curtainside vs Conestoga
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is how all six flatbed trailer types compare on key specifications:
| Trailer Type | Deck Height | Max Freight Ht | Payload | Avg Rate/Mi | New Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Flatbed | 60" | 8'6" | 48K | $2.00-3.50 | $30-45K |
| Step Deck | 38-42" | 10' | 46K | $2.50-4.00 | $35-55K |
| Double Drop/RGN | 18-24" | 12' | 42-80K+ | $3.00-5.00+ | $50-120K |
| Conestoga | 60" | 8'4" | 44K | $2.50-4.00 | $60-90K |
| Side Kit | 60" | 8'6" | 45K | $2.00-3.00 | $35-50K |
| Curtainside | 55-60" | 8'6" | 44K | $2.00-3.50 | $40-60K |
Choosing the Right Flatbed Trailer
The best flatbed trailer type depends on your freight market, budget, and business strategy:
New to flatbed? Start with a standard flatbed. It handles the widest range of loads, has the most available freight, and costs the least. Build experience and relationships before specializing.
Want higher rates? A step deck or conestoga opens up higher-paying loads. Step decks access the tall-freight market, and conestogas can bid on both flatbed and van loads.
Heavy haul specialist? An RGN or double drop is your tool. The investment is significant, but heavy haul rates of $3-$5+ per mile justify the cost for experienced operators with the right customer base.
Hate tarping? A conestoga eliminates manual tarping entirely. The higher trailer cost pays for itself in saved labor time and reduced tarping injury risk within 1-2 years for busy flatbed operations.
For more flatbed guides, see our flatbed rates per mile, flatbed owner-operator guide, and flatbed load securement.
Types of Flatbed Trailers FAQ
Common questions about flatbed trailer types, dimensions, and uses
What is the most common type of flatbed trailer?
The standard flatbed trailer (also called a skateboard) is the most common type. It is a flat, open deck with no sides, roof, or enclosure. Standard flatbeds come in 48-foot and 53-foot lengths, with deck heights of approximately 60 inches (5 feet) from the ground. They can carry approximately 48,000 pounds of payload within the 80,000-pound federal GVW limit. Standard flatbeds are the most versatile flatbed type and handle the widest variety of freight including lumber, steel, pipe, machinery, building materials, and equipment. They are also the most widely available and least expensive to purchase or lease.
What is the difference between a step deck and a double drop trailer?
A step deck (also called a drop deck) has two levels: a higher front section (upper deck at about 60 inches) and a lower rear section (lower deck at about 36-42 inches), with a step between them. A double drop (also called a lowboy or RGN) has three levels: a higher front section (gooseneck), a very low center section (the well, at about 18-24 inches), and a higher rear section. The key difference is deck height and capacity. A step deck allows about 10 feet of freight height on the lower deck vs 8.5 feet on a standard flatbed. A double drop allows about 11.5-12 feet of freight height in the well. Double drops are used for the tallest and heaviest equipment that cannot fit on a step deck.
What is a conestoga trailer and when should I use one?
A conestoga trailer is a flatbed with a retractable tarp system that rolls on side-mounted tracks, creating an enclosed cover over the load. Named after the Conestoga covered wagons, it provides weather protection similar to a dry van while allowing full side or top loading like a flatbed. Use a conestoga when your freight requires weather protection but cannot be loaded through the rear doors of a dry van — for example, oversized items that must be loaded from the side or top using a crane or forklift. Conestogas eliminate manual tarping labor and time, and some shippers specifically request them for weather-sensitive flatbed freight.
Which flatbed trailer type pays the most per mile?
RGN (removable gooseneck) and double drop trailers typically command the highest per-mile rates because they are used for heavy haul and oversize loads that require specialized equipment, permits, and expertise. RGN rates average $3.00-$5.00 or more per mile for permitted oversize loads. Step deck trailers generally pay more than standard flatbeds because they can haul taller freight and are in shorter supply. Standard flatbeds have the most competition and typically pay the lowest rates among flatbed types, averaging $2.00-$3.50 per mile depending on the lane and market. However, standard flatbeds also have the most available loads, so higher utilization can offset the lower per-mile rate.
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