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What are the Factors that Affect Flatbed Freight Shipping Rates?

Most people don’t know it, but Flatbed freight and accompanying shipping rates come in a variety of forms. Furthermore, they are also available across the four primary shipping modes. Flatbeds are available on road, rail, ocean, and air. In the same vein, flatbed shipping is not limited to the type of elongated truck beds that most people see on public roads. In addition to the above, it includes containers, trailers, refrigerated options, train cars, and much more.

When it comes to shipping rates and quotes, flatbed freight always fluctuates constantly. Sometimes, it is quite challenging to keep pace with all the factors influencing the prices of flatbed shipping rates. Aside from that, seeing flatbed rates rise and fall can be quite frustrating when looking for accurate freight rates. You may also wonder when and how those numbers change.

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we discuss how much flatbed shipping rates are. Furthermore, we explore how flatbed freight delivery prices change and the factors that affect it. 

When to Use Flatbed Freight Shipping Services

Generally, flatbed freight is used when material loads or freights are bulky and too hard to lift without the use of heavy machinery.

Also, some of those stored goods are difficult to access, which makes it more challenging to retrieve them through traditional means of shipping. 

It also means that certain products may only be transported using a flatbed freight option. Some products are too difficult to move around, but a flatbed can resolve this issue.

Factors That Determine the Shipping Rates of Flatbed Freight Services

Wondering how much you have to pay for flatbed freight shipping? The following factors combine to determine flatbed freight shipping prices in Canada and Toronto. 

The Fixed Factor

When it comes to determining flatbed freight rates, the value, weight, and dimensions of your freight matter. These are essential factors to take into consideration when determining accurate shipping quotes for flatbed freight.

Take note that providing good freight characteristics upfront helps evaluate other trailer options. This way, expansion of capacity is possible. The type of trailer used also plays a vital role in determining the shipping rate you receive.

Finally, familiarizing yourself with cargo accessories, equipment, or specialized services that you may need can help you reduce shipping rates. If you have necessary hardware and accessories, it is possible to cut down on flatbed shipping rates in Canada and the USA.

Fixed Industries

Aside from these fixed factors, fixed industries have an equal impact on shipping rates and quotes. The main reason why industries influence shipping rates is that these fixed industries contribute to the success of flatbed freight delivery What’s happening within the industrial goods, oil, gas, automotive, and housing sectors have a significant impact on the flatbed market. 

Therefore, you must keep a close watch on these industries to know where, when, and how flatbed freight rates are moving. After all, if one market rises, then shipping rates will also increase.

Besides, when the markets fluctuate, flatbed carriers start to weigh in the capacity of other markets to stay on the line. For example, if the oil or gas industry is up, then flatbed carriers that usually haul cargo for the oil and gas industry will go smoothly with their business. If the oil industry is in fall, these flatbed carriers might diversify and begin hauling steel or other building materials only to stay in business. 

These industry factors have been playing a vital role for a long time. In fact, they are crucial in determining the cost of flatbed shipping rates.

Unpredictable Weather Conditions

In the short term, unpredictable weather conditions also affect flatbed shipping rates. When the weather changes regularly, supply and demand are also subject to change. A storm or heavy rain can cause demand in locations that may not have been formerly accounted for. 

After a disaster or hurricane, there may be hauling of relief supplies or salt during an unusually snowy season. As a result, the areas affected by that particular weather event might be forced to find a way to recover. Due to weather conditions, capacity will get redirected in that manner.

Besides, with flatbed shipping, freight is exposed to the elements. Therefore, freight delivery companies have to work extra harder when there are adverse weather forecasts. Carriers need to protect the freight/loads when heavy rain pours in or snow moves in. Putting a tarp over cargo consumes time, and most of the time, some shippers would prefer to avoid it. 

Nevertheless, the impact of weather on the flatbed freight is usually short term. Weather conditions are not a long-term factor regarding pricing and the determination of flatbed shipping rates

Why is Flatbed Freight Shipping in Demand?


Currently, the demand for flatbed shipping in Canada and the US are on the rise. As you very well know, the demand may affect how much you have to pay for flatbed freight shipping. Here’s why flatbed freight shipping is in demand:

Higher Import Demand

The most prominent contributor to the significant growth of flatbed freight correlates with a high demand for imported goods/products. However, due to current events (Covid-19) and supply chain complications, significant growth of flatbed freight may start to diminish. Until now, it’s been drastically affecting flatbed and other shipping modes.

Construction of Infrastructures on the Rise

When there’s a higher demand for any construction/building project, it also means that there is a growing demand for materials, machinery, and components. The majority of these items are transported using flatbed freight trailers. Many of these building materials, including wood, steel, and many more, will not fit on other shipping modes.

Larger Goods Mean Larger Transports

Another reason why flatbed freight is in high demand is that larger goods are being moved regularly. The larger the goods and items, the larger the transport trailer needs to be. With that being said, flatbeds are the best option to use. 

Final Thoughts

Flatbed freight rates may seem unpredictable at times, but you can work with them. With the factors above, you can better understand the reasoning behind flatbed freight shipping prices. If you can keep on track of weekly freight rates movements, the higher the chance that you will be able to adjust the price of your product accordingly.

Also, it is essential to watch all the industries that are related to flatbed freight services, not just yours. These industries may also affect logistic prices. As long as you keep up with these changes and factors, you’ll be able to accurately determine accurate flatbed shipping rates and prices. 

If you are looking for flatbed freight services, you should consider All Freight Shipping. We offer swift seamless delivery in Canada and the USA at affordable prices. Call us at -647-691-5535 to get an estimate today.