What is a Flatbed Truck?

What is the Max Weight on a Flatbed Truck?

The maximum weight capacity for a flatbed truck varies widely, depending on a variety of factors. In general, though, you can expect the bridge weight capacity to be in the neighborhood of:

• 24-Foot, Three-Axle Truck: 54,000 Pounds Maximum Load
• 36-Foot, Four-Axle Truck: 66,000 Pounds Maximum Load
• 51-Foot, Five-Axle Truck: 80,000 Pounds Maximum Load
• 43-Foot, Six-Axle Truck: 80,000 Pounds Maximum Load

Of course, your ability to haul this much weight will depend on the engine, transfer case, axle spacing, and health of your vehicle. For heavier and longer loads, particularly those that take you out of the Chicago or Madison areas, a tractor with a flatbed trailer might be a more convenient option.

Flatbed Truck Hauling

Companies and civilian drivers choose flatbed trucks for one specific reason — they’re easy to load. Imagine trying to force a non-standard load into an enclosed area, how would you deal with the extra width or height? With a flatbed truck, you’re unencumbered by this consideration (within reason) and can accommodate larger, more awkward loads without the hassle of hooking up or managing a trailer.

If you haul loads irregularly, you’ll also save on the added expense of licensing and storing a trailer that you may only need infrequently.