What is Open Deck Shipping and Why Does It Matter?

August 5, 2025
, 11:21 am
, Industry

What is open-deck shipping and why does it matter?

If you’re moving oversized or oddly shaped freight that just won’t fit in a dry van or standard trailer, open deck shipping might be exactly what you need. Whether you’re transporting construction equipment, steel beams, wind turbine blades, or even massive tanks, open deck trailers offer the flexibility and accessibility required to get the job done right.

🚚 What Exactly Is Open Deck Shipping?

Open deck shipping refers to freight transportation using trailers that don’t have walls or a roof. Unlike an enclosed dry van, these trailers are completely open—making it possible to load cargo from the top, sides, or back. This type of shipping is perfect for freight that’s:

Too wide, tall, or heavy for a standard trailer
Not sensitive to weather exposure (or properly tarped if it is)
Better suited to being crane-lifted or loaded by forklift

In short, open deck trailers are all about flexibility and accessibility. And when you’re working with complex, large-scale freight, that makes all the difference.

Types of Open Deck Trailers (and When to Use Them)

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in open deck shipping. That’s why it’s important to understand the different trailer options out there. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types:

Flatbed Trailer

These are your standard open deck option—completely flat, with no sides or roof. Great for things like lumber, pipe, or machinery. If your load isn’t too tall and can be loaded from any direction, this is usually your best bet.

Drop Deck Trailer

Need to haul something a little taller than usual? Step decks drop down in the middle, giving you more vertical clearance without breaking height regulations. Perfect for taller equipment or prefab structures.

Double Drop Trailer

For really tall cargo, double drops come into play. They have a lower middle “well” section that allows for even more clearance, making them ideal for moving oversized industrial equipment or tanks.

Removable Gooseneck

These allow you to drive equipment directly onto the trailer, thanks to a detachable front. They’re ideal for hauling heavy machinery like bulldozers or excavators—no crane or forklift required.

Multi-Industry Use

Open deck freight is popular, but particularly with the construction, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. Basically any industry moving heavy, oversized, or awkwardly shaped equipment has probably relied on open deck shipping at some point.

Heavy Machinery & Equipment: Bulldozers, cranes, generators.
Industrial Components: Steel beams, large tanks.
Wind Turbine Parts: Blades, towers, nacelles.
Telecommunications: Cell towers, antenna arrays.
Construction Materials: Precast concrete, bridge segments.
Agricultural Equipment: Tractors, combines.
Aerospace Components: Wings, fuselages, engines.
Oversized Vehicles: Military vehicles, buses, specialty transport.

Benefits of Open Deck Shipping

Choosing the right transport gear is essential. LYNC leverages a network of carriers and equipment to match each shipments specs.

Flexible Loading Options: Forklifts, cranes, side access—you name it.

Handles oversized loads: No need to disassemble massive machines just to make them fit.

More Trailer Options: As already covered, there are lots of trailers to fit every situation.

Custom Securement: With straps, chains, tarps, and more, freight can be safely fastened without the constraints of an enclosed space.

The Challenges of Open Deck (and How We Handle Them)

Just like every type of shipping, open deck isn’t without it’s quirks:

Weather Exposure: Your freight might need tarps or shrink-wrap to stay protected from rain or snow. LYNC only partners with carriers that keep your freight safe from the elements.

Permit Requirements: Oversized loads often require special permits and route planning. With decades of experience, LYNC has no problem handling all of this to make sure your freight is in complete compliance with all regulating bodies.

Load Securement: Every shipment needs to be strapped, chained, or tarped properly to meet safety regulations. Your freight is only as good as the condition it arrives in, and LYNC makes sure that your freight is safe before it moves an inch.

Ready to Ship Your Open Deck Freight?

At Lync Logistics, we take pride in making complex freight feel easy. Our team works closely with shippers to match your cargo to the right trailer, secure permits if needed, and schedule experienced drivers who understand open deck hauling.

You’ll never feel left in the dark. We communicate every step of the way—tracking, updates, timelines, you name it—because when you’re moving something this big, transparency matters. We deliver good news fast, and bad news faster.

Let’s get it moving. Whether you know exactly what you need or want help figuring it out, Lync is here to make your next shipment smooth and stress-free.