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Your guide to smarter shipping. Find answers to your questions about open deck freight, billing, logistics, and more.
Open-deck shipping uses trailers without walls or roofs (flatbed, stepdeck, double drop, RGN, Conestoga) to move machinery, vehicles, steel, and irregular freight that won’t fit in a van. These trailers load from the top, sides, or rear, making them ideal for cranes and forklifts. It’s the most flexible way to move oversized, tall, or odd-shaped freight across the U.S. and Canada.
We match freight to flatbed, stepdeck (drop-deck), double drop, extendable, RGN, Conestoga, hotshot, and lowboy trailers. Each serves a specific height/length profile. Tell us your dimensions (L x W x H) and weight, and we’ll assign the right trailer.
In most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, max legal width is 8’6” (102"), and overall max height is ~13’6” (some western corridors allow up to ~14’). Standard flatbed deck height is ~5’, stepdeck lower deck is ~3’6”, helping tall loads stay legal. If your freight exceeds legal size/weight, we arrange permits, escorts, and route planning.
Any load exceeding legal height, width, length, or axle/group weight requires permits. We handle state/provincial permits, pilot cars, route surveys, and travel restrictions for you. You’ll see these costs itemized on your quote.
Yes—our DeckShare model consolidates compatible freight so you pay only for the deck space you use. PTL reduces cost versus FTL and has less handling than typical LTL. It’s ideal for mid-sized machinery and materials.
LTL uses terminals and more touches; it’s cheaper but involves more handling and possible re-loads. PTL (DeckShare) rides direct on one trailer with fewer touches, better for sensitive or odd-shaped freight. Tell us your timing and budget; we’ll recommend the best fit.
A flatbed has a single deck (~5’ high). A stepdeck has a lower main deck (~3’6”) and upper deck, allowing taller freight to stay under legal height. Stepdecks are common for machines, vehicles, and equipment that would be over-height on a flatbed.
A Conestoga is a flatbed with a rolling tarp system, giving van-like protection with open-deck loading flexibility. It’s perfect for CNC machinery, finished goods, and weather-sensitive freight that can’t be hand-tarped.
Yes—Machine Transport is a core specialty. We advise on blocking, bracing, rigging, tarping/Conestoga, and insurance. Share footprint, weight, center of gravity, anchor points, and any rigging needs for an accurate plan.
Yes—our Large Vehicle Transport service moves Sprinter vans, ambulances, food trucks, utility trucks, and buses. We confirm ground clearance, loading method, and tie-down points and select the right trailer (stepdeck, RGN, or flatbed with ramps).
Absolutely. For urgent shipments, we provide hotshot trucks, sprinter vans, team drivers, and priority routing. You’ll get real-time tracking and firm ETA windows.
Limited hazmat is available depending on driver endorsements, trailer, and route. Share UN/NA numbers, class, and SDS for review.
Yes—this is our specialty. We advise on packaging, crating, blocking, choose Conestoga/tarping, recommend All-Risk coverage, and track closely to delivery.
Pricing depends on miles, lanes, trailer type, dimensions, weight, permits, escorts, fuel, and market capacity. Provide accurate specs, pickup/delivery details, and any site constraints (crane, residential, jobsite), and we’ll return a precise, all-in estimate.
Detention applies when loading/unloading exceeds the free time (often 1–2 hours). After free time, an hourly fee applies. We’ll list free time and rates in your quote.
If a truck is dispatched and canceled too late, a TONU fee may apply to cover the driver’s lost time. We’ll always try to reschedule to avoid costs.
Yes—customers with recurring lanes or monthly volume can qualify for discounted pricing. Ask about a lane analysis or contracted rates.
Yes—Net 30–60 terms are available on approved credit (OAC). We’ll send a short credit application. Otherwise, ACH, credit card, or check are accepted.
Yes—credit cards are accepted for prepay. A processing fee may apply (we’ll disclose it upfront). We also accept ACH and checks.
Yes—ACH is preferred for speed and no fees. Checks are accepted (mailing time may affect release). We’ll provide remittance instructions on booking.
We’re flexible and communicate in real time. Once loaded, we’ll confirm in-transit milestones, share documents, and work with your AP on terms we’ve approved (e.g., Net 30–60 OAC).
For standard moves, 48–72 hours helps lock capacity and price. For heavy haul, permits, or cranes, 5–10 business days is best. Expedited can be same day, subject to capacity.
We schedule time windows or set appointments as required. For jobsites or facilities with limited hours, please share hours of operation, onsite contact, and equipment availability (forklift/crane).
Drivers secure the load on the trailer. Loading/unloading is typically shipper/receiver responsibility. If you need riggers, forklifts, cranes, or onsite labor, we can coordinate (accessorial charges apply).
We source the correct chains, binders, straps, dunnage, edge protectors, and tarps. For sensitive equipment, we recommend Conestoga or enhanced tarping with anti-abrasion padding.
Yes—common tarp sizes are 6’, 8’, 10’ drops. We’ll confirm if tarping is required by the shipper or requested for weather protection and include it on your rate.
For safety, open-deck freight may pause during severe weather (wind, ice, visibility). We communicate new ETAs, protect the cargo (tarping/cover), and resume once safe/legal.
Yes—Drayage & Port Services plus jobsite delivery nationwide. Share access, site constraints, and contact so we can dispatch the right equipment and instructions.
Yes—appointments, after-hours, and weekend options are available in many markets. Charges may apply; we’ll confirm at booking.
Yes—PODs, ePODs, photos, and scale tickets (if applicable) are uploaded to your ATGFr8 portal and emailed on request.
Yes—we can coordinate riggers, cranes, forklifts, and onsite labor where needed. These services are quoted as accessorials and scheduled with your team.
Yes—please note driveway/road restrictions, power lines, HOA rules, and equipment onsite. Additional limited-access or inside delivery fees may apply.
If the freight is larger/heavier than quoted, we may need to re-rate or re-equip (e.g., different trailer, permits). Accurate specs upfront save time and money.
Yes—just provide the piece count and each item’s dimensions/weight, plus if items can stack or must ride flat. We’ll optimize placement and securement.
Yes—dedicated capacity and recurring lane programs are available for manufacturing and construction shippers. Ask about contracted pricing.
Yes—drop-trailer and staging can reduce detention and keep your dock clear. Availability varies by market; we’ll confirm options on your lane.
Transit depends on miles, routing, weather, permits, and driver hours-of-service. We’ll quote a pickup window and ETA, then provide live updates through tracking.
Yes—evening, night, and weekend service can be arranged in many markets (subject to site hours, union rules, and escorts). We’ll confirm feasibility and pricing.
Standard shipments include $1,000,000 cargo coverage (typical for our network). For high-value loads, we offer optional All-Risk cargo insurance up to $2,000,000. Ask us which option fits your freight value and risk profile.
Carrier liability is limited and based on tariffs and fault. All-Risk covers direct physical loss from external causes, subject to policy terms/exclusions. For new or high-value machines, All-Risk is strongly recommended.
We use the right trailer, securement plan, tarps/Conestoga, and edge protection. We also recommend All-Risk insurance for high-value equipment and share loading best practices.
Notify us immediately, keep packaging, and document with photos. We’ll assist with carrier liability or All-Risk claims, providing required docs (BOL, POD, photos, invoices).
Yes—Cross-Border Shipping is one of our core services. We coordinate with your customs broker, align commercial invoice, packing list, BOL, and keep you updated on customs status and appointments. Bilingual support available.
Typically: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, BOL, consignee/shipper details, HS codes, and the broker’s info. If qualifying for preferential duty, include USMCA/CUSMA certification. We’ll guide you step-by-step.
Yes—through our ATGFr8 portal (and integrations like MacroPoint/project44). You (and your customer) can receive live status, location pings, ETAs, and PODs.
Yes—instant LTL rates are available in our secure portal with an account. For open-deck FTL/PTL, we quote quickly via agent to account for permits, securement, and routing.
Our ATGFr8 portal lets you request rates, track loads, download documents (BOL/POD/invoices), and view shipment history. It’s built for visibility and speed.
Yes—we cover major corridors across BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC and beyond, including cross-border lanes to/from the U.S. We coordinate with Canadian regulations, permits, and holidays.
We’re a family-operated, Southern Oregon agency with nationwide U.S. & Canada coverage, powered by Armstrong’s vetted carrier network. You’ll get real experts, fast quotes, live tracking, flexible billing (ACH/CC/check; Net 30–60 OAC), and optional All-Risk cargo insurance up to $2M—all backed by responsive, one-to-one support.
We need pickup/delivery addresses, dates, commodity, dimensions (L x W x H), weight, loading/unloading method, and any special needs (tarp, escort, residential, liftgate, crane).
Our logistics experts are ready to help. Contact us for personalized support or to get a detailed quote for your next shipment.