18 August 2026 CHENLU Engineering Team | Updated October 2026
Quick answer: A flatbed semi trailer is sized by the containers it carries. A CHENLU 20 ft flatbed measures 7,000 × 2,500 × 1,570 mm, a 40 ft flatbed 12,400 × 2,500 × 1,570 mm, and a 45 ft flatbed 13,950 × 2,500 × 1,600 mm (length × width × height). Width is 2,500 mm on all three, which keeps them within the road width limits used in most markets.
Buyers search for flatbed dimensions for two reasons: to check that the trailer carries their container or cargo, and to check that it is legal on their roads. This guide gives the dimensions of each standard length, explains what each figure means, and shows how to choose.
| Specification | 20 ft flatbed | 40 ft flatbed | 45 ft flatbed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall length | 7,000 mm | 12,400 mm | 13,950 mm |
| Overall width | 2,500 mm | 2,500 mm | 2,500 mm |
| Overall height (deck) | 1,570 mm | 1,570 mm | 1,600 mm |
| Axles | 2 or 3 | 2 or 3 (4 as a custom build) | 3 |
| Rated capacity | 20-40 tons | 30-80 tons | 30-80 tons |
| Container loads | 1 × 20 ft | 1 × 40 ft or 2 × 20 ft | 1 × 40 ft or 1 × 45 ft |
| Twist locks | 4 sets | 12 sets | 12 sets |
| Platform (deck plate) thickness | 2.5 mm | 3 mm | 3 mm |
| Main beam height | 500 mm | 500 mm | 500 mm |
Data: CHENLU flatbed semi trailer specifications. Rated capacity is the designed capacity under standard conditions; the legal payload depends on your country’s axle and gross-weight limits.
| Nominal length | Container length (ISO) | CHENLU trailer length |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | about 6.06 m | 7.0 m |
| 40 ft | about 12.19 m | 12.4 m |
| 45 ft | about 13.72 m | 13.95 m |
1 foot = 0.3048 m. The trailer is slightly longer than the container it carries, so the twist locks at each corner can engage the container’s corner castings.
Length decides which containers fit and how much loose cargo the deck holds. A 40 ft deck is the most flexible size because it carries either one 40 ft container or two 20 ft containers. A longer trailer also has a wider turning circle, which matters in ports, mines and narrow city streets.
All three CHENLU flatbeds are 2,500 mm wide. Many countries set the standard maximum vehicle width at around 2.5 to 2.6 m; wider loads usually need an oversize permit. Check the limit in each country on your route.
The deck height (about 1.57-1.60 m) plus the height of the cargo gives the loaded height. A standard 8 ft 6 in container is about 2.59 m tall, so a loaded 40 ft flatbed stands at roughly 4.2 m. If your route has low bridges, or you carry tall machinery, a lowboy trailer with a lower deck may be the better choice.
More axles spread the load and allow a heavier legal payload. For loads beyond what a 3-axle flatbed can carry, CHENLU also builds a 5 axle flatbed trailer rated 50-160 tons.
A CHENLU 40 ft flatbed semi trailer measures 12,400 mm long, 2,500 mm wide and 1,570 mm high, with 2 or 3 axles (4 as a custom build) and a rated capacity of 30-80 tons.
CHENLU 20 ft, 40 ft and 45 ft flatbeds are all 2,500 mm (about 8 ft 2 in) wide, which is within the standard width limit in many countries.
The CHENLU 45 ft flatbed is 13,950 mm long, 2,500 mm wide and 1,600 mm high. It carries one 40 ft or one 45 ft container.
Yes. The 40 ft flatbed has 12 twist locks, positioned for one 40 ft container or two 20 ft containers.
The deck height of CHENLU flatbeds is 1,570 mm (20 ft and 40 ft) or 1,600 mm (45 ft). Add the cargo height to get the loaded height.
Yes. Length, axle count and deck equipment can be configured to your cargo and local regulations. Pricing is factory-direct and confirmed on inquiry.
See all models and full specifications on our flatbed and container trailer page, or send us your cargo and route for a recommendation.
A container chassis (skeleton trailer) is a lightweight frame with twist locks for ISO containers. See 20/40 ft types, capacity and flatbed differences.
Fixed gooseneck, removable gooseneck, folding gooseneck and multi-axle lowbed trailers compared: loading method, capacity and the equipment each suits.
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