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FLatbeds For Heavy Hauls 

Versatile, Durable, and Ready for Any Load

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. 

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.

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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. 

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