Flatbed Trailer Dimensions: 20 ft, 40 ft and 45 ft Sizes Explained

18 de agosto de 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.

Flatbed trailer dimensions by length

Especificação Plataforma de 20 pés plataforma de 40 pés Plataforma de 45 pés
Comprimento total 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
Eixos 2 ou 3 2 or 3 (4 as a custom build) 3
Capacidade nominal 20-40 toneladas 30 a 80 toneladas 30 a 80 toneladas
Container loads 1 × 20 ft 1 × 40 ft or 2 × 20 ft 1 × 40 ft or 1 × 45 ft
Fechos de torção 4 conjuntos 12 conjuntos 12 conjuntos
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.

Feet and metres: quick conversion

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.

What each dimension means for your operation

Comprimento

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.

Largura

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.

Altura do convés

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 reboque rebaixado with a lower deck may be the better choice.

Capacity and axles

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.

How to choose the right flatbed size

  1. Start with the cargo: container sizes (20, 40 or 45 ft), or the length and weight of steel, machinery or building materials.
  2. Check road limits: maximum length, width, height and axle loads in every country on the route.
  3. Pick the axle count: 2 axles for light loads and short trips; 3 axles for most container and general cargo work; 4-5 axles for heavy cargo.
  4. Decide between flatbed and skeleton: if you only carry containers, a skeleton (container chassis) trailer is lighter. If you also carry loose cargo, choose a flatbed.
  5. Consider sides: for bulk goods or agricultural products, a sidewall or fence version of the same chassis keeps the load in place.

Flatbed trailer dimensions FAQ

Quais são as dimensões de um semirreboque plataforma de 40 pés?

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.

How wide is a flatbed trailer?

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.

How long is a 45 ft flatbed trailer?

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.

Can a 40 ft flatbed carry two 20 ft containers?

Yes. The 40 ft flatbed has 12 twist locks, positioned for one 40 ft container or two 20 ft containers.

What is the height of a flatbed trailer?

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.

Can the dimensions be customized?

Yes. Length, axle count and deck equipment can be configured to your cargo and local regulations. Pricing is factory-direct and confirmed on inquiry.

Get a flatbed sized for your cargo

See all models and full specifications on our flatbed and container trailer page, ou send us your cargo and route for a recommendation.

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