Flatbeds: steel, aluminum and combo decks
Standard flatbed trailers are financed much like vans: secured by the trailer, with year, condition and your deposits shaping the terms. Aluminum decks cost more but weigh less, which can mean more payload. Steel and combo decks are cheaper and tough. Many funders finance all three. Requirements vary by product and funder.
Choosing a deck is an operating decision first:
- Aluminum: lighter, holds resale value, higher price.
- Steel: lower price, durable, heavier.
- Combo: middle ground many carriers like.
See trailer financing for how funders review trailer deals.
Step decks, lowboys and RGNs
Step decks open up taller loads, while lowboys and removable gooseneck trailers move construction machinery and other heavy, tall freight. These trailers cost more and serve a narrower market, so funders often ask about your experience with over-dimensional freight and where the loads will come from.
A carrier moving from flatbed to lowboy work usually needs more than a trailer. Heavy haul often calls for a tractor with the right axle setup and horsepower, plus experienced drivers.
Oversize and overweight rules differ by state, so check permit and escort requirements with the official agency in each state you run. A customer relationship with equipment dealers or contractors can strengthen the application.
| Trailer | Typical freight | What funders focus on |
|---|---|---|
| Flatbed | Lumber, steel, building materials | Deck type, condition |
| Step deck | Taller machinery and loads | Condition, freight source |
| Lowboy / RGN | Heavy construction equipment | Experience, customers, hydraulics |
Paying for securement gear and startup supplies
Moving into open-deck freight means buying straps, chains, binders, edge protectors, tarps and sometimes a headache rack or toolboxes. Some funders fold gear into the trailer deal; others do not. Carriers often use a small amount of working capital for the gear and the first weeks of new freight.
Gear is easy to underestimate. A single tarped load can call for several tarps, and heavy haul securement costs more again. Price it out before you apply so the funding covers the whole setup, not just the trailer. Growth working capital is one way to cover it.
Heavier tractors for heavy haul
Heavy haul work often needs a tractor spec’d for heavier loads, which can cost more than a standard highway unit. Funders finance these with equipment financing, looking at the tractor’s spec and condition along with your deposits and experience. Buying a tractor that cannot legally or safely pull the load is a costly mistake.
Talk with your dealer and insurance agent about the spec before committing. For a larger move that combines a tractor, lowboy, gear and driver training, a fleet expansion term loan can be simpler than several separate deals.
When to hold off on specialized trailers
If you do not yet have customers, drivers experienced in securement or a plan for slow construction months, a lowboy payment can outrun the freight. Open-deck and heavy haul volumes often follow construction and industrial cycles, so building reserves before expanding usually means fewer surprises.
Some carriers start with one step deck on broker freight, learn the market, then add heavier trailers once the customer base is steady. That slower path often produces a stronger file for the next deal.
Frequently asked questions
Is aluminum or steel easier to finance?
Both are commonly financed. Aluminum costs more upfront but tends to hold value, which some funders like. Steel is cheaper, so the amount financed and down payment are smaller. Pick the deck that fits your freight, then compare the offers.
Do I need flatbed experience to finance a flatbed?
Not always, but experience helps. Funders want to know that loads will be secured properly and that you have freight for the trailer. A driver with open-deck history or a customer ready to use the equipment strengthens the file.
Can permits and escort costs be funded?
Permits and escorts are operating costs, so they are not part of equipment financing. Some carriers cover them with working capital. Permit rules vary by state, so confirm requirements with the official agency before quoting a heavy load.
Can I finance a used lowboy or RGN?
Many funders finance used heavy haul trailers. Expect them to look at the deck, gooseneck, hydraulics, tires and axles, and sometimes ask for an inspection. Older units may bring shorter terms or a bigger down payment ask.
Moving into open-deck freight?
Tell us what you haul and the equipment you need, and we will help you compare options from our funding partners.
Updated September 14, 2026 · FastRoute Capital Funding Team