Conestoga vs Flatbed
Understanding rolling tarp Conestogas, curtainside trailers, and standard flatbeds
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Flatbed | Conestoga |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Protection | Exposed; manual tarp optional (~$125) | Built-in rolling tarp (roof + sides + rear) |
| Top/Crane Loading | Yes (always open) | Yes (roof fully retracts) |
| Payload Capacity | ~48,000 lbs | 43,000-48,000 lbs |
| Cost | Base flatbed rate (+ ~$125 tarp fee if needed) | 5-15% premium over flatbed |
| Multi-Stop Efficiency | 30-60 min to re-tarp at each stop | 2-3 min to open/close at each stop |
| Oversized Loads | Yes — no width or height constraints from enclosure | No — tarp frame limits width and height |
A standard flatbed is an open deck trailer with no sides, roof, or enclosure. Freight is secured with straps, chains, and tarps as needed. The most common and widely available open deck trailer.
Pros
- Most widely available trailer type
- Easy side, top, and rear loading
- Lowest cost for open deck freight
- Handles oversized and overweight loads
- Maximum payload capacity (48,000 lbs)
Cons
- Exposed to weather during transit
- Manual tarping adds ~$125 and 30-60 min per stop
- Tarps can shift or leak in transit
- Re-tarping required at each multi-stop delivery
- Not suitable for weather-sensitive freight without tarp
Specifications
- Deck Height:
- 60 inches (5 feet)
- Length:
- 48-53 feet
- Width:
- 8.5 feet (102 inches)
- Cargo Height:
- 8.5 feet legal max
- Capacity:
- 48,000 lbs typical
A Conestoga is a flatbed with an accordion-style rolling tarp system on wheeled tracks. The entire enclosure — roof, sides, and rear — retracts in 2-3 minutes, giving full open-deck access for crane, forklift, or rear loading. When closed, it provides complete weather protection. The system was invented by Aero Industries in 1984 and named after the canvas-covered Conestoga freight wagons of colonial Pennsylvania.
Pros
- Full weather protection (roof + sides + rear)
- Roof fully retracts for crane and top loading
- One person opens/closes in 2-3 minutes
- No manual tarping — saves time at multi-stop deliveries
- Improves driver safety (no climbing on loads to tarp)
Cons
- Less available — niche equipment, book in advance
- 5-15% rate premium over standard flatbed
- Slightly less payload capacity than bare flatbed
- Cannot haul over-dimensional loads (tarp frame limits width)
- Interior width limited to ~100 inches (side tracks)
Specifications
- Deck Height:
- 60 inches (5 feet)
- Length:
- 48-53 feet
- Width:
- 100 inches interior (side tracks)
- Cargo Height:
- 8-8.5 feet (96-102 inches)
- Capacity:
- 43,000-48,000 lbs
When to Choose Each Option
- Freight is weather-resistant (raw steel, concrete, pipe)
- Load is over-dimensional (overwidth or overheight)
- Maximum payload capacity needed (48,000 lbs)
- Cost is the primary concern
- Single-stop delivery where tarping time is acceptable
- Conestoga unavailable in your lane or market
- Freight is weather-sensitive (lumber, paper, finished metals, machinery)
- Multi-stop deliveries (avoid re-tarping at each stop)
- Need crane or top loading AND weather protection
- Shipper or receiver requires covered equipment
- High-value freight where cosmetic damage is unacceptable
- Shipping during rainy or winter months
Cost Comparison
Conestoga costs 5-15% more than standard flatbed, but eliminates tarping fees and saves significant time on multi-stop loads.
A standard flatbed with a tarp adds ~$125 per load for the tarp fee plus 30-60 minutes of driver time per stop. A Conestoga's rate premium covers built-in protection without additional charges. The value increases dramatically on multi-stop loads: one trucker reported completing 10 stops per day with a Conestoga vs. only 3 stops with manual tarping. If your cargo doesn't need weather protection (raw steel coils, concrete blocks), flatbed is always more economical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Get quotes for both options and let our team help you choose the best solution for your shipment.
Get a Quote