What counts as flatbed freight?
Flatbed freight is cargo strapped or chained to an open trailer — steel, pipe, lumber, pallets of building materials, machinery, generators, and equipment that will not fit through a dock door. For Austin-area contractors and industrial shippers, flatbed is the default for oversized footprints, top-loaded cargo, or anything that needs crane or forklift access from above.
Gooseneck flatbed (heavy deck)
Our Ram 3500 dually pulls a 40′ gooseneck with megaramps, set up for heavy equipment and dense freight up to 17,500 lbs. That combination is ideal when you need a low approach angle for rollers, forklifts, or tracked units — and when timing matters more than lining up a full semi.
Tilt-deck car hauler
For vehicles and lighter equipment, we also run a Chevy 1500 with a 20′ tilt-deck and winch — useful for cars, light trucks, ATVs, and smaller units that need a gentle load without a full heavy gooseneck setup.
| Setup | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 40′ gooseneck + megaramps | Steel, pallets, machinery, dense freight, equipment loading | Up to 17,500 lbs; primary deck for most hotshot freight buyers |
| 20′ tilt-deck + winch | Cars, light trucks, ATVs, small equipment | Gentle angle; winch assist when needed |
Flatbed freight buyer FAQs
We are in Austin or Cedar Park—do you pick up today?
Text Hotshot with pickup and delivery, weight, and photos. We answer from the road and give a flat rate when we can commit. For lane fit, see service area.
Do you tarp or secure open-deck loads to DOT standards?
Yes—straps, chains, blocks, and tarps as the load requires, to applicable DOT open-deck rules.
How does this differ from LTL or van freight?
Open-deck is for cargo that cannot use dock doors, needs top loading, or needs ramps. When you also need speed and a single driver from pickup to delivery, pairing flatbed with hotshot is often the right call.
What is the difference between flatbed and hotshot?
Hotshot describes the operating style — a pickup-and-trailer rig running fast-turn, often expedited loads. Flatbed describes the equipment type — an open deck. Many of our loads are both. If you are unsure what to call your shipment, send photos and dimensions — we will match you to the right deck.
Moving a fifth-wheel or camper? That’s a different line of work from open-deck freight—see that page for how we handle trailer relocations.
Where does Centex run flatbed from Austin?
We are based in Austin and regularly serve the Central Texas triangle, San Antonio, the I-35 corridor, and DFW / Houston by arrangement. See our Central Texas service area page for lane details.
How do I book flatbed capacity?
Text Hotshot to (737) 419-8485 or call with pickup and delivery, weight, and photos. We are USDOT 4451038 — verify on FMCSA SAFER anytime.