At a glance
- Who it’s for
- Steel, lumber, machinery and oversize loads.
- Coverage most flatbed operators carry
Flatbed, What
If you’re in the business, likely you know as well as we do, but just to be sure we are on the same page, with “flatbed” we include:
- ordinary flatbeds
- single-drop decks, also known as stepdecks
- double-drop decks, also known as lowboys
- double-drops with detachable decks, also known as lowboys, RGN
- stretch flatbeds
- stretch single-drop decks
- stretch double-drop decks, 2 or 3 axle
Risks Peculiar to Flatbeds
In addition to the usual risks that any trucker faces, from fire to theft to collision and more, flatbed haulers carry a few risks that are peculiar to them. Equipment such as ramps, chains, straps, tarps, and binders can be stolen. Cargo, especially if it is valuable, is more susceptible to theft as thieves can see the cargo and immediately realize its value. If straps or chains loosen, cargo can be dislodged. Flatbeds running empty, as light as they are, are especially susceptible to jackknifing. For these reasons, the insurance you buy should be customized.
Recommended Insurance
Certain types of insurance are mandatory, others are optional; we list and briefly describe.
- Liability Coverage
Liability insurance covers you for damage or loss to other persons that you are responsible for (this type of insurance would usually cover both tractor and trailer).
- Collision Coverage
Collision insurance covers your flatbed for any damage it suffers, regardless of who is responsible (again, this type of insurance would usually cover both tractor and trailer).
- Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers your flatbed for damage caused by something other than a collision, such as theft or fire (again, this type of insurance would usually cover both tractor and trailer).
- Ramp, Tarp, Binder, and Chain Coverage
This insurance covers theft or damage to the items listed and is of course peculiar to flatbeds.
- Cargo Coverage
Cargo insurance covers the cargo you are hauling. It includes loss due to theft, vandalism, fire, and more, unloading/loading coverage, loss of freight charges, salvage efforts, debris removal, and more. See separate article on cargo insurance for a detailed discussion.
