Open Deck
Lighter Combo Flatbed Trailer: More Pounds Back for Your Payload
When you’re running a flatbed fleet, extra trailer weight means less revenue. Every extra pound built into your trailer is a pound you can’t put on the deck.
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FLatbeds For Heavy Hauls
Versatile, Durable, and Ready for Any Load
Overview
Freedom Flatbeds
Meet our Freedom flatbed line—our customizable workhorse offering unbeatable dependability and safety. Giving you the freedom of exceptional performance so your customers can count on you. Giving your drivers the freedom to work more safely and efficiently, for greater job satisfaction.
Available as a flatbed, drop trailer, and deep-drop trailer—and the only flatbed model on the market available as an extendable flatbed—Freedom flatbeds are like no other.
Let’s get you on the road to greater productivity today.
PERFORMANCE
Our premium load securement system allows for flexibility, while heavy-duty side rails, pipe spools, stake pockets, rub rails, and more ensure Freedom can handle any challenge.
The deck is built for strength and agility, combining aluminum and a naturally rot- and insect resistant-wood known for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio.
RESALE
The residual value of our Freedom line is at the top in our industry. Our unblemished record in resale is bolstered by our buyback infrastructure. We’re so confident in our product that when you’re ready to trade your trailer in, we want it back.
SAFETY
Our RIG30 rear impact guard exceeds North American safety standards and offers exceptional protection in the event of underride collisions.
Customizable load securements provide exceptional safety for your specific operation.
CUSTOMIZABLE & VESTATILE
We offer a variety of cargo control options and load securement methods to ensure your cargo is safe.
GUIDES
The Essential Guide to Flatbed Trailers
Learn how our Freedom flatbed can elevate your logistical capabilities to new heights, offering efficiency, safety, and durability across every mile.
The residual value of our Great Dane trailers after years of service is strong. This is a big factor since, when buying equipment, to get the best value you need to know what you will have in the future.
— Melton Truck Lines
MODELS
find your
perfect fit
Take a deeper dive into how our Freedom line can maximize your fleet.
FREEDOM SE
All-steel
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Superior Strength
Built for strength, the Freedom SE is equipped with our lifetime warranty beam and tough rear frame design, offering unmatched durability.
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Options for Your Operation
We offer a range of suspension packages, floor options, bulkheads, coil packages, load securement options, drop decks, and rear end options to perfectly meet your needs.
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GPS Asset Tracking and More
Comes standard with FleetPulse GPS tracking, with the ability to upgrade to a full suite of telematics options including ABS fault-code alerts and TIS monitoring.
FREEDOM LT
Steel-aluminum Combo
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Strong, Lightweight Beam
The one-piece main beam with a minimum 100,000 KSI top and bottom flanges is strong yet lightweight, offers outstanding capacity, and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. The Freedom LT is standard with aluminum I-beam crossmembers on 16″ centers and available on 12″ centers for additional support.
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Front End Construction
Our Steel front end is reinforced for rated bulkheads. The upper coupler is constructed with additional rust-preventative coatings for a long-lasting, strong and durable connection. Optional aluminum front-end crossmember.
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Rear End Construction
The aluminum rear frame construction features five stake pockets recessed within the rear crossmember. Heavy-duty tubular rear corners have full-depth rubber bumper blocks for additional protection against dock impact. Great Dane’s ToughGuard awarded rear impact guard is standard on all Great Dane trailer models, increasing safety in rear-impact collisions. A retrofit option is available to upgrade rear impact guards on 2007 and later models.
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GPS Asset Tracking and More
Comes standard with FleetPulse GPS tracking, with the ability to upgrade to a full suite of telematics options including ABS fault-code alerts and TIS monitoring.
FREEDOM XP
All-aluminum
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Main Beam Design
Built for powerful performance, the Freedom XP is equipped with a two-piece riveted main beam contoured for optimal swing clearance and engineered for superior strength. Multiple beam configurations allow for concentrated load ratings from 52,000-60,000 pounds and evenly distributed load ratings from 80,000-120,000 pounds.
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Flexible Load Securement
Heavy-duty extruded aluminum siderails provide ultimate flexibility in load securement. Standard on 24″ centers, pipe spools and stake pockets offer additional securement points. Our side rail design features a built-in winch track and built-in provisions for flat hook anchor points, to secure loads safely at any point on the trailer.
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GPS Asset Tracking and More
Comes standard with FleetPulse GPS tracking, with the ability to upgrade to a full suite of telematics options including ABS fault-code alerts and TIS monitoring.
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Innovative Floor Design
Our aluminum floor is standard with a safety-grip surface for increased traction and load stability. Double floor fasteners are located in high stress areas for increased strength.
Features
BUILT FOR YOUR HAUL
Our Freedom flatbeds stand apart from the competition, offering unbeatable performance with durable features and customizable options found nowhere else.
LOAD SECUREMENT
Freedom flatbeds ensure every load is securely tied down, even in tough conditions. Heavy-duty side rails, pipe spools, stake pockets, and rub rails provide strength and flexibility. Choose from twist locks, rope ties, D-rings, and pull-up chain ties—or customize a securement solution to fit your needs.
VERSATILE FLOOR DESIGN
Combining aluminum and apitong, a rot- and insect-resistant wood known for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, our Freedom line offers durable flooring that can be enhanced with safety grip and nail strip surfaces.
MOUNTED TOOLBOXES
Our mounted toolboxes provide storage for straps, chains, binders, wheel chocks, extra tools, and roadside equipment, like emergency flairs and triangles.
STRAP AND CHAIN TIE-DOWNS
Strap and chain tie-downs offer load securement; many are self-storing and mounted flush with the deck – so they’re out of the way during loading or unloading.
BULKHEADS
Bulkheads can be attached to the front of your Freedom flatbed, for controlling cargo and protecting your drivers when they’re hauling heavy loads.
FLEETPULSE TELEMATICS
FleetPulseGO, standard on all Great Dane trailers, goes beyond GPS to deliver data on location, mileage, geofences, and more. It also provides proprietary trailer specs and CAN harnessing for easy sensor upgrades.
Get Started
Speak with a Great Dane representative for more information on our Freedom Flatbed series.
FAQS
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
What types of products are best suited for open deck transportation?
Open deck flatbed transportation is ideal for large, heavy, or oversized cargo such as:
- Construction materials (steel beams, pipes, lumber)
- Heavy machinery and equipment
- Precast concrete products
- Pallets, crates, and bulk items
- Vehicles and oversized loads
What sets Great Dane apart from the competition?
The following versatile and high-quality features offer unbeatable load security, safety, and efficiency:
Load Securement
Great Dane offers a wide variety of load securement options including twist locks, rope ties, D rings, and pull-up chain ties but we can also customize a load securement that’s perfect for your needs.
Versatile Floor Design
Combining aluminum and apitong, a rot- and insect-resistant wood known for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, our Freedom line offers durable flooring that can be enhanced with safety grip and nail strip surfaces.
Mounted Toolboxes
Our mounted toolboxes provide storage for straps, chains, binders, wheel chocks, extra tools, and roadside equipment, like emergency flairs and triangles.
Strap and Chain Tie-downs
Strap and chain tie-downs offer load securement; many are self-storing and mounted flush with the deck – so they’re out of the way during loading or unloading.
Bulkheads
Bulkheads can be attached to the front of your Freedom flatbed, for controlling cargo and protecting your drivers when they’re hauling heavy loads.
FleetPulse Telematics
Much more than a GPS, FleetPulse is standard on all Great Dane refrigerated, dry, and flatbed trailers, delivering real-time data and valuable insights like GPS location, mileage data, geofences, automated yard checks, tethered status, heading, and speed, as well as proprietary trailer specifications and parts information. The standard also includes built-in CAN harnessing, so smart sensors can be added in the aftermarket and when new technology is introduced.
What are the advantages of using flatbeds for dry freight?
Versatility: Flatbeds can accommodate various sizes and shapes of cargo, including over-dimensional loads.
- Accessibility: Loading and unloading are easier because there are no sides or a roof to get in the way.
- Cost-effective: For certain cargo types, flatbed transportation can be more affordable than enclosed trailers due to the lower weight and space restrictions.
- Security: Properly secured cargo on a flatbed can be just as safe as in an enclosed trailer, with appropriate tie-downs and restraints.
How do I secure cargo on a flatbed?
Securing cargo properly is crucial for safety and compliance. Common methods include:
- Straps: Heavy-duty ratchet straps and tie-downs are used to secure the load.
- Chains and binders: For heavy or bulky cargo, chains may be necessary for securement.
- Edge protection: To prevent damage to the cargo or straps, use corner protectors and edge pads.
Tarps: If weather protection is needed, tarps or Conestoga systems can be used to cover and secure the load.
What are the main safety considerations when transporting dry freight on a flatbed?
Ensure that cargo is properly balanced and secured to prevent shifting or falling during transport.
- Follow weight limits and distribution requirements to avoid overloading the flatbed.
- Use proper load securing techniques and check that all equipment is in good working condition.
- Consider weather conditions, especially wind, which may affect load stability.
Comply with local and federal regulations regarding load height, width, and securement.
What are the challenges of open deck dry freight transportation?
- Exposure to the elements: Unlike enclosed trailers, flatbed loads are exposed to weather conditions such as rain, snow, or high winds.
- Load securement: Ensuring the load is properly secured can be more complex, especially for irregularly shaped or oversized cargo.
- Route restrictions: Certain roads may have height, weight, or width restrictions that require careful planning, particularly for oversized loads.
- Increased handling time: Loading and unloading may take longer compared to enclosed trailers, especially for large or difficult-to-handle loads.
Latest Articles for Trustworthy Flatbed Delivery
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