What's the Difference Between Flatbed Trucking and Container Shipping?

The demand for services is growing rapidly in today's logistics industry. As a result, companies that offer these services are expanding to keep up with increasing demand.

Many options are available, and it can take time to determine which type of moving is best for your business and needs.

Flatbed trucking and container shipping are two ways to move freight from one place to another.

Both have benefits and drawbacks and understanding how they differ can help you decide which is right.

This blog article will cover the main distinctions between container and flatbed hauling. We'll provide the following:

• Information on the benefits of each option.
• The types of businesses that typically use each service type.
• Some examples of companies that offer those services.

What Is Flatbed Trucking?

Flatbed trucking is moving freight via a large commercial truck with a trailer. The trucking industry is highly decentralized, so there's no set standard for what defines a company.

However, flatbed trucking generally refers to carrying freight that isn't enclosed in a container.

Most companies specialize in hauling oversized and over-dimensional freight. They are equipped with a specialized trailer that can accommodate large and heavy items that wouldn't fit inside a standard one.

If you're trying to decide between flatbed trucking and container moving as your mode, it's helpful to identify the types of freight you need to move.

Flatbed trucking may be a good option if your shipment doesn't fit inside a standard intermodal.

Why Use Flatbed Trucking?

Flatbed trucking is a cost-effective option if you need to move a wide range of oversized and over-dimensional freight.

This type of trucking service is designed to accommodate large, heavy items. Companies must have specialized trailers and equipment to handle these cargoes.

This equipment is usually more robust and expensive than the equipment needed to move standard-sized freight.

Because of this, trucking rates tend to be higher than rates for other types of cargo.

Nevertheless, the quantity and variety of commodities handled frequently outweigh this additional price.

The Advantages

A trailer offers many advantages over traditional semi-trailers. A trailer is typically longer and wider than a conventional semi-trailer, allowing it to carry larger loads.

In addition, a trailer can haul cargo from either side.

Eliminating the need to shift the comprehensive vehicle simplifies the process of loading and unloading cargo.

The most common flatbeds include the open deck, enclosed decks, and drop decks. Open decks feature a floor and no sides.

Enclosed decks have walls along the length of the trailer. Drop decks are similar to enclosed patios, except there is a gap between the bottom edge of the truck bed and the ground.

The Disadvantages

The advantages of trucks are many, including their ability to carry large amounts of cargo. However, there are disadvantages too.

For example, trucks are susceptible to damage and theft due to weather conditions, and drivers must deliver heavy loads over great distances, requiring specialized training and equipment.

What Is Container Moving?

It is a common and cost-effective method of moving goods.

Intermodal, which are substantial, standardized boxes intended to haul goods over vast distances (through ocean-going boats), are employed in this technique.

Companies specialize in moving goods from one port to another and often offer door-to-door services.

These companies have the expertise and resources to load, move, and unload it efficiently.

If you're trying to decide between flatbed trucking and moving as your mode, it's helpful to identify the types of freight you need to move.

If your shipment will fit inside a standard intermodal and you don't have the specialized equipment to load it onto a truck, the container may be a good option.

Why Use This Method?

It is a cost-effective option if you need to move a large amount of standard-sized freight.

Companies can handle any item that will fit inside a standard intermodal container.

These receptacles are specially designed to be stacked and towed by semi-trucks and railways.

Because containers are standardized, many companies have the equipment and experience to load and unload them efficiently. This means that firms often have lower rates when moving receptacles.

The dimensions and weight of the receptacles have an impact on freight costs. Generally, the larger the container, the cheaper the rate.

Advantages

Food grains or other products, machinery, and a wide range of other items can be hauled. Delivering OOG freight (out-of-gauge cargo) using flatbeds or platforms is simple.

Flexibility

OOG cargo is defined as unusual dimensions and forms that cannot fit into standard receptacles.

Pharmacological medications and consumable food products are two examples of items that can be hauled in Reefers (Refrigerated Containers), which are specially manufactured containers.

Simple management

FCL (Full Load) management is simpler than managing other types of delivery, such as (Less-than Container Loads) (LCL).

Each classified container is assigned a special identification number that makes it easy to locate and track throughout the journey. This is because they are indivisible units.

Hauling Velocity

Transshipment times have significantly decreased due to advanced handling technology and larger, more powerful cargo ships.

Both at ports and in contemporary warehouses, loading and unloading are now completed more quickly.

When MHE (Material Handling Equipment) is standardized, it is simpler to coordinate their arriving and departing from various world regions.

Downsides of Containerization

Whether they carry merchandise or not, containers occupy a great deal of space.

Space restrictions

For canisters to enter and exit terminals, there needs to be ample room for stacking. In addition, the bottom of a stack should only incorporate containers that must be removed after a while.

To put this into context, the HMM Algeciras, now the largest receptacle ship, can accommodate around 24,000 TEU. Large container moves require more depth or draft, with the aforementioned ship requiring almost 55 feet!

To guarantee the shortest port turnaround times for cargo ships, the most up-to-date infrastructure and equipment for processing receptacles must be in place. Therefore, in addition to its ideal location, a port must consider each of these elements.

Costs of infrastructure

The most recent dockside gantry cranes cost several million US dollars, and most other terminal equipment carries similar costs.

However, leading ports and terminals may make these expenditures and keep their equipment updated to reflect technological advancements.

While wealthy nations can make these expenditures, others may need help to keep pace with the competition.

Failure of Management

Information processing and timely information receipt are essential to managing cargo.

Efficient terminal software solutions ensure the handling of all the data required for a terminal to operate successfully. Here, cutting corners can have terrible repercussions.

Key Differences Between These Methods

Flatbeds and containers are different types of services.

Flatbed trucking is a truck haul used for hauling large, heavy equipment that doesn't fit inside a standard intermodal. A container is a form of maritime moving used for hauling large amounts of cargo within a standardized receptacle.

Flatbeds and containers have different price structures. Freight rates are based on the weight of the items being hauled. The prices for containers are dependent on both their weight and size.

Bottom line

When deciding between flatbed trucking and container, first consider the types of freight you need to move.

If your freight doesn't fit inside a standard intermodal, you may want to consider trucking.

If your freight fits inside a standard receptacle, you may want to consider a container. It is essential to select the appropriate method of hauling for your demands.

Selecting the wrong type can lead to delays and costly damages.

Choosing a mode based on the needs of your freight can help you avoid these issues.

If you have any other relevant information, please do not hesitate to contact us at A-1 Auto Transport.