How to Book Flatbed Freight

Finding the right flatbed freight starts with having the details you need up front. Navisphere® Carrier provides more visibility into load requirements, including tarp size, over-dimensional and heavy haul indicators, item dimensions, and loading type, helping you quickly identify loads that fit your equipment and operation.

Step 1. Search for flatbed loads

From Find Loads, enter your preferred search criteria, including:

• Origin and/or destination
• Pickup date(s)
• Equipment type

You can search for all flatbed freight or select specific flatbed equipment types based on the loads you’re looking to haul. If you regularly search the same lanes or equipment types, save your search to quickly find matching opportunities in the future.

Tip: If you’re open to multiple trailer types, you can search across several equipment types* at once to broaden your results and uncover additional freight opportunities.

*Only available on Navisphere Carrier web.

Step 2. Narrow your results with filters

Once you’ve run your search, use filters to quickly find loads that match your equipment and capabilities.

Filter by over-dimensional and heavy haul

Need specialized freight? Use the over-dimensional and heavy haul filters to display only the loads that fit your operation. These filters make it easier to focus on freight requiring permits, specialized equipment, or additional handling.

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Filter by tarp size

You can also filter loads by tarp requirements to ensure a load matches the tarps you have available.

Available tarp options include:

• No tarp
• 4 ft.
• 6 ft.
• 8 ft.
• Top
• Smoke
• Mesh

When filtering by tarp size, larger tarps will return loads requiring that tarp size, smaller tarp sizes, and applicable no-tarp loads. For example, selecting a 8 ft. tarp will show loads requiring 8 ft., 6 ft., 4 ft., or no tarp.

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Mobile view

Step 3. Review load requirements

Before selecting a load, review key information directly on the load card to determine if the load is a good fit for your operation.

Identify over-dimensional and heavy haul freight at a glance

Loads that are classified as over-dimensional or heavy haul are clearly labeled, making it easier to distinguish standard flatbed loads from freight requiring permits or specialized handling.

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Spot flatbed partial loads and maximize flexibility

Flatbed Partial loads are clearly labeled*, making it easy to identify freight that can be consolidated with other shipments. Unlike standard flatbed loads that move as dedicated or exclusive-use shipments, partial loads offer greater flexibility by allowing multiple pickups and deliveries, helping you optimize capacity and keep you moving.

*Only available on Navisphere Carrier web.

Step 4. Open load details for additional information

Select any load to open the details panel and review important load-specific requirements before booking.

Review item dimensions

Flatbed freight often requires careful planning around securement and tarping. Load details include item-level dimensions, allowing you to quickly view length, width, and height. This helps you better understand what you're hauling and prepare the appropriate number of straps, chains, and tarps before booking a load.

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Mobile view

Review loading type

Load details also display the required loading type: side load, rear load, front load, crane load, etc., helping you understand what to expect at pickup and delivery locations. Knowing the loading method in advance can help reduce surprises and ensure the load fits your equipment and operating requirements.

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Step 5. Book or make an offer

When you've found a load that fits your equipment, route, and operational requirements, select:

• Book now to secure the load at the posted rate, or
• Make offer to submit your preferred rate for consideration

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