flatbed

A flatbed is a flat, level surface used to support or transport objects, characterized by a deck with no fixed vertical sides or roof. In transportation, flatbeds enable loading and unloading tall, wide, or irregularly shaped items that do not fit in enclosed trucks or containers. The term covers both flatbed trucks, which carry loads on an exposed deck, and flatbed trailers, which are towed and can be attached to various tractors or trucks.

Flatbed trucks are built with reinforced decks to accommodate heavy or bulky loads. They may include features such as stake pockets, tie-down points, headache racks, and different deck lengths. Flatbed trailers come in several configurations, including standard, extendable, and gooseneck designs, and deck materials range from steel and aluminum to wood. These platforms are commonly used to haul construction materials, machinery, steel rolls, and other oversized cargo that requires frequent loading from the top or sides.

Loading and securing cargo on flatbeds require careful attention to weight distribution and tie-down methods. Cargo is typically strapped, chained, or wired to anchor points, and loads may be tarped to protect against weather. Regulations governing load securement, lighting, and signaling vary by jurisdiction and are intended to ensure road safety.

Flatbed is also used in other contexts. A flatbed scanner or a flatbed printer uses a flat glass or plate surface on which documents, photos, or media are placed for imaging or printing. In both cases, the flat, unobstructed bed is a defining characteristic.