What flatbed freight looks like
- Steel coils, beams and pipe
- Lumber and building materials
- Machinery and equipment (step deck or lowboy for taller items)
- Construction and energy-sector freight
Finding flatbed loads on GigFreight
- Open the USA load board and set the equipment filter to “Flatbed / Platform”, “Step Deck” or “Lowboy”.
- Narrow by origin state and city, destination and pickup date.
- Sort by rate or rate per mile, then add deadhead to your next pickup.
- With a paid plan, contact the broker directly and agree the load.
Filters to use for flatbed loads
- Under “Vehicle / trailer type” pick “Flatbed / Platform”, “Step Deck” or “Lowboy” to match your deck.
- Use “Max weight” to stay within your legal payload, and read the notes for dimensions.
- Set “Origin city” to where you deliver now to find the next open-deck load.
- Set “Posted within” to recent hours to see the newest loads first.
What sets the rate on a flatbed load
Each flatbed listing shows the posted rate and, where miles are given, the rate per mile. What moves it: tarping and extra securement work, height and width, number of picks and drops, and how hard the lane is to load out of.
Compare tarped and untarped loads on time spent, not only on miles.
Before you book
- Check the securement and tarping requirements before you book; tarped loads usually pay more for the extra work.
- Confirm dimensions and weight — over-dimension loads need permits and sometimes escorts.
- FMCSA cargo securement rules (49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I) apply to every load.
- Construction freight is seasonal in northern states; plan winter lanes south.
By pickup state
What it costs
| Plan | Monthly | Quarterly | Six months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $29.99 | $79.99 | $149.99 |
| Elite | $129 | — | — |
The Standard monthly plan starts with 3 days for $1, then $29.99 a month. Browsing loads is free without an account. Broker contact details need a paid, active plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between flatbed, step deck and lowboy?
A flatbed has one deck height. A step deck has a lower rear deck for taller freight. A lowboy sits very low for heavy and tall equipment.
How do I find flatbed loads in a specific state?
Set “Origin city” to a city in that state, or open the state load board, and pick “Flatbed / Platform”, “Step Deck” or “Lowboy” as the trailer type.
Can owner-operators book flatbed loads directly?
Yes. With an active paid plan you see the poster’s contact details and agree the load with them directly, without a commission per load.
Are broker contacts included in the trial?
Broker and shipper contact details on a load are shown only to members with a fully paid, active subscription. A trial gives access to the platform but not to load contact details.
Your next step
Looking for loads? Check the routes, then browse the board for your market.
Freight routes
Freight hubs
Guides
What you get
- Free, without an account: browse the load and vehicle boards.
- After registering: $1 for your first 3 days (card required). Verified companies can post loads.
- Broker contact details unlock with the first payment of your plan.
Related
Facts on this page last checked 2026-10-14.