023 920 05119 info@arbanks.co.uk

Flatbed Hire

Ideal for transporting a range of loads

Discover our Flatbed Hire Service, encompassing both rigid and articulated vehicles to cater for all your transport needs.

Our Vehicles

We have both rigid and articulated flatbeds on our fleet, allowing you to choose the level of manoeuvrability you need to fulfil your transport requirements. Our flatbeds are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art information systems and technology, ensuring our customers receive a smooth service from start to finish.

Our rigid flatbeds consist of a single, fixed chassis, whereby the cab and the flatbed are mounted on the same frame; there is no hinge or pivot point between the two. Our articulated flatbeds - sometimes referred to as a flatbed semi-trailer - consists of two parts: the tractor and the flatbed trailer. The tractor has a pivoting joint that connects to the trailer, allowing independent movement between the two.

Please note that customers are responsible for the loading and unloading of their own goods.

Rigid plant lorry transporting equipment
Flatbed lorry transporting a metal tank

Rigid V articulated - what’s the difference in capability?

Due to their fixed structure, rigid flatbeds have less flexibility in manoeuvring, especially in tight spaces, and the entire vehicle must turn as one unit. Articulated flatbeds provide superior manoeuvrability, especially in tight turning situations, as the pivot point allows the cab to move independently of the trailer, reducing the turning radius.

Rigid flatbeds are suitable for medium to heavy loads, while articulated flatbeds can handle larger and heavier loads. The separation of the cab and trailer on articulated vehicles allows for distributing the weight more efficiently, supporting heavier and more voluminous cargo.

Please note that our articulated flatbeds have a capacity of up to 28 tonnes.

Rigid flatbeds are ideal for general freight hauling over moderate distances and in environments where extreme manoeuvrability is not required. They are commonly used in construction, agriculture and local delivery services. Better suited to long-distance haulage of very large or heavy loads, articulated flatbeds are often used for transporting industrial machinery, large construction materials and other oversized items.

Specialist Trailers

Flatbed lorries are versatile in terms of which trailer can be paired with the articulated models. We often utilise specialist trombone trailers which are designed for transporting long and oversized loads. Their key feature is that they have an extendable frame which is crucial for accommodating loads that are longer than standard trailers. Trombone trailers are built to support heavy weights and large items securely during transport and their design ensures stability even when the trailer is extended to its full length.

Specialist trailer
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Speak To Our Team About Flatbed Hire

Telephone Number: 023 9200 5119 / 07891 984933

Email Address: operations@arbanks.co.uk

Client Testimonial

"Excellent Service from Start to Finish!

A R Banks were incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. We had a tricky Hiab delivery, and they handled it seamlessly, making everything smooth for us and ensuring a successful delivery to our customer.

Their pricing was very competitive, and I don’t think you’d find better value for money with such outstanding customer service at this price! We’ll definitely be using them again. Highly recommend!"

Sarah Bett

Additional Services

We can provide additional support services for abnormal loads including Route Surveys and Escorting, which serve a specific purpose in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of goods.

Route Surveys

A Route Survey is a detailed assessment conducted to identify the safest, most efficient route for transporting large loads, minimising risks and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. It involves:

  • Route selection: Choosing a path that can accommodate the size and weight of the load with minimal disruptions or modifications needed.
  • Infrastructure analysis: Checking for adequate infrastructure along the route, such as roads, bridges, overpasses, to ensure they can support the load’s weight and dimensions.
  • Obstacle identification: Identifying potential obstacles along the route, such as narrow passages, low bridges, or tight turns that might require special handling or rerouting.
  • Permit requirements: Determining what permits are required for the chosen route, as oversized loads often need special permissions from various local, state, or federal authorities.
Abnormal Load Escorting

Abnormal Load Escorting involves the use of escort vehicles to accompany an oversized load during transport. It’s crucial for maintaining road safety, protecting the load and infrastructure, and ensuring that the transport operation complies with legal requirements. Escort vehicles perform several functions:

  • Safety communication: Escort vehicles help communicate the presence of an oversized load to other road users. This can involve signalling when the load is making wide turns, changing lanes or encountering obstacles.
  • Traffic management: Escort vehicles can help manage traffic around the oversized load, ensuring safe passage and minimising disruption.
  • Route clearance: They may go ahead of the load to ensure the route is clear of unexpected obstacles or to manage traffic control.
  • Emergency support: In case of any issues during transport, escort vehicles are on hand to provide immediate assistance and help resolve problems.

Let’s talk safety

  • We’re FORS Silver and CLOCS accredited, demonstrating our commitment to safety in all we do.

  • Our flatbeds are equipped with specially-designed cycle safety systems, and we ensure all our drivers undertake additional training for Safe Urban Driving, which encompasses cycle safety.

  • Our flatbeds are fitted with fall protection and handrails to keep our driver/operators safe whilst moving on and off the vehicles.

Get in Touch Today

Flatbed Hire FAQs

 

We provide both rigid and articulated flatbeds. Rigid flatbeds have a single chassis and are ideal for medium to heavy loads over moderate distances. Articulated flatbeds feature a tractor and trailer with a pivoting joint, offering superior manoeuvrability and the ability to carry larger, heavier loads up to 28 tonnes.

Flatbed vehicles are ideal for transporting large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped loads that cannot be enclosed in a standard lorry. Common uses include construction materials, industrial machinery, modular units, steel or timber beams, and large pallets. For exceptionally long items, our trombone trailers can extend to accommodate oversized cargo safely.

Rigid flatbeds have a fixed chassis and cab, so the vehicle turns as a single unit, making them best for shorter, moderate loads. Articulated flatbeds have a pivoting connection between the cab and trailer, allowing independent movement, better manoeuvrability, and the capacity to carry heavier or larger cargo, particularly over long distances.

Yes. Our trombone trailers are designed for long or unusually shaped loads, ensuring stability and safe transport even when extended. This makes them perfect for oversized or awkward cargo that standard trailers cannot accommodate.

Yes. All our flatbed hire services come with a trained driver, so you don’t need to supply anyone. Customers are only responsible for loading and unloading their goods.

Customers are responsible for loading and unloading their goods. If you need assistance, we also offer HIAB hire, which provides a crane and operator to safely lift and move heavy items, ensuring efficient handling.

Yes. For abnormal or oversized loads, we offer route surveys to identify the safest, most efficient paths, and escort vehicles to manage traffic, communicate with other road users, and provide emergency support if needed.

Our fleet is FORS Silver and CLOCS accredited, showing our commitment to safe and compliant operations. Vehicles are equipped with cycle safety systems, handrails, and fall protection, and drivers follow rigorous training protocols

Yes, our flatbed hire service is available for both one-off and regular deliveries. Whether you have a single load to transport or an ongoing requirement, we can provide the right vehicle, driver, and support to suit your needs.

Our articulated flatbeds can accommodate very long loads when paired with specialist trombone trailers, which extend to carry items longer than standard trailers. Exact maximum lengths depend on the type of trailer and load, so we recommend discussing your requirements with our team when requesting a quote.