Whether you’re hauling rebar, chicken crates, or forklifts with off-kilter weight distribution, success starts with a flatbed tailored to your freight.
We sat down with Brad Windy, Director of Freedom Product Engineering for Great Dane, to better understand how the smartest specs deliver serious operational value.
Tailored Solutions for Construction, Ag, and Manufacturing
Not all industries move freight the same way, and that means not all flatbeds should be spec’d the same.
“Construction fleets typically lean on drop decks, wood floors, closer crossmember spacing, and sometimes triaxles for heavier loads and better weight distribution,” Windy said. These specs help protect cargo and reduce trailer fatigue in rugged operating environments.
In contrast, ag fleets may prefer aluminum floors for corrosion resistance and lighter tare weight.
“For poultry haulers, we’ve even built floorless trailers set up specifically for chicken coops,” he added. This reduces cleaning and maintenance headaches, and it’s tailored to the job.
Steel haulers often go heavy-duty: think treadplate floors and reinforced bulkheads that can take a beating from dense cargo like rebar. Great Dane engineers can also adapt crossmember spacing and suspension for high-concentration loads.
“It’s really about understanding the cargo and the environment,” Windy said. “We’re not just checking boxes; we’re building solutions.”
Spec’ing to be Crane-Ready or Forklift-Friendly?
When loading methods vary, so should your trailer design. Cranes and forklifts bring entirely different forces into play.
“For crane operations, we’ve prepped trailers with spacing between the floor and the flanges, and we sometimes add harnesses depending on the lifting setup,” Windy explained. “That can also include reinforcement for mid-span lifts or custom supports.”
Custom Securement for Non-Standard Cargo
Most fleets have their go-to securement methods, and Great Dane builds according to customers’ needs.
“Sliding winches are the jack-of-all-trades and probably the most common request,” Windy said. They offer flexibility for various freight types and are easy to reposition along the trailer.
When the load or trailer type calls for it, Great Dane works in alternative solutions.
“For curtainsides or sliding tarp systems, we sometimes recommend J-hooks or pull-up chain ties that don’t require access under the deck,” he said.
Other securement customizations include recessed D-rings, rope hooks, and stake or pipe pockets, all tailored to the customer’s unique freight demands.
“It’s all about streamlining loading and unloading, protecting the cargo, increasing safety, and minimizing driver frustration,” Windy explained. “When your securement system fits the freight, everything else goes smoother.”
State Bridge Laws and Suspension Specs
Specs have to fit the real-world rules of the road. For fleets running in multiple states, that often means playing by multiple sets of Kingpin to Rear Axle (KPRA) or bridge laws.
“Some states limit how far back suspensions can be placed,” Windy said. “If a fleet has dedicated lanes, we can fix the suspension to match and save on cost. But if they cross state lines where those rules change, sliding suspensions offer flexibility.”
The tradeoff? More complexity and a potentially higher up-front cost. But for fleets running varied loads in different states, it’s often worth it.
“It’s about finding the right balance between compliance, maneuverability, and payload positioning,” Windy explained.
Fleets can also opt for lift axles to adapt axle count on the fly, helping with axle weight compliance, tolls, and tire wear. In multi-stop hauls where trailer weights fluctuate, this feature adds serious value.
Build for the Long Haul and the Application
Beyond day-one delivery, spec choices have long-term ripple effects. A custom deck, for example, can shave minutes off every load cycle. Better securement can mean fewer delays or damage claims. A corrosion-resistant floor or frame can hold resale value and reduce maintenance costs.
“Fleets come to us for trailers, but they’re really investing in uptime,” Brad says. “The more we can align that trailer with their routes, cargo, and driver habits, the more return they’re going to get.”
Every flatbed is a tool, and tools should be built for their job. Whether your trailers are running poultry coops in Alabama or steel rods in Chicago, spec decisions should cater to your cargo, loading/unloading method, and operating region.
With Great Dane’s Freedom platform and Windy’s engineering team in your corner, you can spec smarter and run harder. Because a trailer that fits your freight doesn’t just move products. It moves your entire operation forward.
Ready to maximize efficiency?
Our team can help you find the right mix of trailer solutions. Contact Sales to start the conversation.
