The flatbed trailer is a giant vehicle. It consists of an oversized tractor, ideal for hauling oversized freight. Moreover, flatbed trailers do not have side walls and a traditional roof cover, which is why it is considered the best vehicle for transportation, the oversize equipment that is all tall or wide.

If you want to start a truck company or invest in the hauling industry, it is high time to familiarize yourself with flatbed trailers. Flatbed trailers come in different dimensions, shapes, and varieties. They could have different lengths and widths.

And before buying any flatbed trailer for your company, you should know How wide is a Flatbed trailer and how much longer it has. There are variations in the size of the flatbed trailer.

Knowing the exact sizes and types of flatbed trailers can help you decide on the ideal trailer for your freight. In this article, we will explain different types of flatbed trailers according to their dimension and different laws regarding the dimensions of the flatbed trailer.

What is the standard width of a flatbed trailer?

The standard width of the flatbed trailer is 8.5 feet, but this width varies in different regions worldwide. For instance, in India, the standard width of the flatbed trailer is 6-7 feet. These trailers are ideal if you want to carry medium to oversized freight.

However, flatbed trailers are wider in the US, and all the trailers are 8.5 feet wide.

In China, the traffic regulations for heavy vehicles are strict, and the allowed width for a car career is 2.6 meters.

Like China, In the EU, the allowed width of the trailer is lesser, and it falls somewhere between 2.5 -2.6 feet.

How wide is a Flatbed trailer – based on different types?

We will discuss various types of flatbed trailers and their standard width.

Lowbed trailer

As the name suggests, these trailers have a lower profile than other trailers. Its height is within one meter, which makes this trailer perfect for hauling oversized freight. The average width of the trailer is about 10.5 ft.

Dry Van Trailer

Dry van trailers are the best choice for transporting nonperishable items. They have excellent capacity and can transport your freight in one go. The standard width of the dry van is about 8.6 width.

Refrigerator trailer

As the name shows, it is a trailer with a refrigerator inside. This type of trailer is perfect for maintaining the cold chain. The standard width of these trailers is about 8 feet and 1.5 inches.

Step Deck Trailer

This type so the trailer does not have side walls, a roof and any doors. These trailers resemble the platforms. Loading and unloading on these trailers are super easy. The standard width of the step decal trailer is 8.5 feet.

Specialized flatbed trailers with unique width

Configurable flatbed trailers

These trailers have a unique 5 feet width. They lack the side extensions that make loading and unloading super easy.

FG20 trailer

These are business trailers with a large surface area and a width of 2.3 m.

FG23

Tees trailers are 7 m long and 2.3 m wide.

Regulation and requirement of flatbed trailer width

Every country has laws and regulations regarding vehicles' maximum acceptable length and width. Following these rules are necessary to avoid heavy charges. Any vehicle exceeding the maximum dimension limit needs authorities' permission to roll on the highways and roads.

Here we will provide brief guidance regarding the maximum width of flatbed trailers in different countries.

Country-specific laws – flatbed trailer dimension

• South Africa：the maximum width of a flatbed trailer, including any load carried on it, is 2.6 m or 53 feet wide.
• India: any vehicle having a width of more than 2.44 m is not allowed on the roads.
• UK: the maximum width of the flatbed trailer is 2.55 m, any trailer wider than this is illegal.
• USA: in the USA, the maximum width of the flatbed trailer can be 8.5 feet or 102 inches.
• China: according to the updated law, the maximum flatbed trailer width is about 2.6 m.
• Europe: the maximum width of the flatbed trailer could be 2.6 m.

Consideration for choosing the right flatbed trailer width

There are a variety of flatbed trailers available in the market. Choosing one right trailer among the various option could be overwhelming, especially for a naïve person. But don't worry. We have your back. Here are some considerations to keep in mind before choosing the flatbed trailer.

Size of flatbed trailer

Before buying, you need to consider How wide is a Flatbed trailer and how much length it has. Knowing these details helps you estimate the amount of material or freight you can carry or deliver with this trailer in one go.

Legal Requirements

Every country has some road rules that decide the specific speed, dimensions and maximum weight-carrying limit of heavy vehicles. Before buying the flatbed trailer, read and understand all the laws and regulations. And make sure that the specifications of the flatbed trailer match all these rules.

Route restrictions

In addition to the country laws, there are some route restrictions. Some countries have made special rules for specific routes. For instance, most countries do not allow oversize and long vehicles in hilly areas. So, it is crucial to understand the route restrictions before buying.

Speed restrictions

Some countries also have speed restrictions. Any vehicles faster than this speed are not allowed on roads.

Final thoughts

Flatbed trailers are huge investments, so before purchasing, you must know How wide is a Flatbed trailer is and how much its length is. Knowing the trailer's dimensions will help you decide on the best vehicle according to your budget and requirements. If you want to import cheap flabed trailers from chaina or any other questions about flabed trailers, feel free to contact us.