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

The demand for shipping 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 shipping options are available, and it can take time to determine which type of shipping 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 shipping and flatbed transportation. 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 flatbed trailer. The trucking industry is highly decentralized, so there's no set standard for what defines a flatbed trucking company.

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

Most flatbed trucking 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 container.

If you're trying to decide between flatbed trucking and container shipping as your mode of transport, 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 container.

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. Flatbed trucking companies must have specialized trailers and equipment to handle these shipments.

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

Because of this, flatbed 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 of flatbed

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

In addition, a flatbed trailer can transport 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 flat 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 of flatbed

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

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

What Is Container Shipping?

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

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

Container shipping 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 your containers efficiently.

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

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

Why Use Container Shipping?

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

Container shipping companies can handle any item that will fit inside a standard intermodal container.

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

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

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

Advantages of Containerization

Food grains or other products, machinery, and a wide range of other items can be transported in containers. Transporting OOG freight (out-of-gauge cargo) using flatbeds or platform containers is simple.

Flexibility

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

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

Simple management

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

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

Transportation Velocity

Transshipment times have significantly decreased due to advanced container 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 shipping containers 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 container ship, can accommodate around 24,000 TEU. Large container ships 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 containers must be in place. Therefore, in addition to its ideal location, a container 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 container management

Information processing and timely information receipt are essential to managing containerized 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 Flatbed and Container Shipping

Flatbed and container shipping are different types of transport services.

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

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

Flatbed and container shipping have different capacities. Flatbed trucking has a lower capacity than container shipping. This means that container shipping is more likely to be able to haul a wider variety of items in one trip than a flatbed truck.

Flatbed and container shipping are different ways of moving freight. One is not innately superior to another. Each mode of transportation has its advantages and disadvantages.

Bottom line

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

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

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

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

Choosing a mode of transport 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.