What are the dimensions of a 13.6m flatbed semi-trailer?

A standard 13.6m flatbed has a deck length of 13,620 mm and a deck width of 2,480 mm. There is no fixed internal height (no roof), but the practical cargo height is around 3,000 mm — the deck sits roughly 1,000 mm above ground, and the EU total vehicle height limit is 4,000 mm (Directive 96/53/EC). A step-frame (lowbed) lowers the deck to ~700 mm, allowing ~3,300 mm cargo height.

What is the maximum payload of a 13.6m flatbed trailer?

Net payload is typically around 25,000 kg on a 5- or 6-axle combination (max GVW 44,000 kg). On a 4-axle combination the GVW cap is 40,000 kg, yielding roughly 20,000 kg payload once tractor and trailer tare weights (~15,000–16,000 kg combined) are subtracted. Always confirm with your carrier's specific tare weight plate.

What lashing rules apply to a flatbed trailer in the EU?

EU flatbed cargo must be secured per EN 12195. The minimum restraining force in the forward direction is 80% of cargo weight (friction-adjusted), 50% sideways, and 50% rearward. For tie-down lashings, each must exert a vertical pre-tension force of at least 400 daN. All lashing equipment must carry EN 12195-2 certification markings (LC, STF, SHF values). Cargo heavier than 3,500 kg with a high centre of gravity also requires blocking or direct lashing to prevent toppling.

How much can overhang off the rear of a flatbed?

In most EU member states: up to 1.0m rear overhang with no markings required; 1.0–2.0m requires a rear red-and-white overhang marker board; over 2.0m typically requires advance notification and in many countries a police escort. Front overhang beyond the cab is generally limited to 1.0m. Rules vary by country — always check national regulations for each transit state.

What is the difference between a standard flatbed and a step-frame (lowbed)?

A standard flatbed deck sits roughly 1,000 mm above ground, leaving ~3,000 mm of practical cargo height before hitting the 4.0m EU road limit. A step-frame lowers the deck to ~700 mm behind the gooseneck, giving ~3,300 mm cargo height — useful for tall machinery or steel structures. Both share the same 13.6m deck length and 2,480 mm width.

Do I need a permit for a flatbed load wider than 2.55m?

Yes. Any load that causes the vehicle + cargo to exceed 2.55m width (or 2.60m for refrigerated units) requires an oversize permit in the EU. Width between 2.55m and 3.0m usually requires a simple notification permit; 3.0–3.5m typically requires an escort vehicle; above 3.5m requirements escalate significantly and may require road authority advance approval and police escort in each transit country.

Can I load a flatbed with a forklift?

Yes — the open deck allows loading from any side or from the rear. However, forklift point loads on the deck must be checked against the deck's load capacity (typically 8,000 kg/m² for steel decks). For heavy point loads such as machinery, spreader beams or load-spreading plates are required. Crane loading from above is also common for steel coils, structural steel, and heavy machinery.

Trailer Dimensions Guide

13.6m Flatbed Semi-Trailer — Deck Dimensions & Cargo Specifications

Deck length, max payload, axle weight limits, overhang rules, and lashing requirements for the full-size 13.6m open-deck flatbed semi-trailer

Deck length

13.62m

Deck width

2.48m

Max cargo height

3.00m

Max payload

~25,000 kg

Max GVW (EU)

40,000 kg

Linear meters

13.60 LDM

Loading access

Top, sides & rear

Standard Flatbed vs Step-Frame — Variant Comparison

Variant	Deck (L × W)	Max cargo height	Max payload	Max GVW	Loading access
Standard Flatbed	13.62m × 2.48m	3.00m	~25,000 kg	40,000 kg	Top, sides & rear
Step-Frame Flatbed	13.60m × 2.48m	3.30m	~25,000 kg	40,000 kg	Top, sides & rear

Standard Flatbed

Deck (L × W)

13.62m × 2.48m

Max cargo height

3.00m

Max payload

~25,000 kg

Max GVW

40,000 kg

Loading access

Top, sides & rear

Step-Frame Flatbed

Deck (L × W)

13.60m × 2.48m

Max cargo height

3.30m

Max payload

~25,000 kg

Max GVW

40,000 kg

Loading access

Top, sides & rear

Note: Dimensions are typical for 13.6m standard flatbed semi-trailers (deck: 13,620 × 2,480 mm). An open deck has no roof or sidewalls — all cargo must be secured with lashings, chains, or blocking in compliance with EN 12195. A step-frame (lowbed) variant lowers the deck behind the gooseneck for taller cargo without exceeding the 4.0m height limit. Actual deck dimensions vary by trailer builder — always verify with your carrier.

Explore the 13.6m Flatbed in 3D

Interactive 3D model of the full-size 13.6m flatbed semi-trailer — drag to rotate, scroll to zoom

Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom

Loading Specifications

Payload, lashing rules, and axle weight limits

Lashing requirements (EN 12195)

Minimum securing forces for open-deck flatbed cargo

Friction coefficient (wood on steel) μ = 0.3 (typical)

Direct lashing (tie-down) ≥ 50% of cargo weight in forward direction

Loop / over lashing Pre-tension ≥ 400 daN per lashing

STF marking on straps Required — use EN 12195-2 certified equipment

Deck load limit 8,000 kg/m²

Typical for steel flatbed decks. Point load from crane outriggers or machinery feet may require spreader plates — check with your carrier.

Weight limits

EU axle group limits for a tractor + flatbed semi-trailer

Max GVW (5–6 axles) 44,000 kg

Tractor rear bogie limit 19,000 kg

Trailer axle bogie limit 24,000 kg

Net payload available ~25,000 kg

Axle & weight distribution: EU Directive 96/53/EC limits GVW to 40,000 kg for a 4-axle combination and 44,000 kg for 5–6 axles. Because a flatbed has no fixed internal walls to contain cargo, correct longitudinal CoG placement (40–60% of deck length from the front) is critical to keeping both tractor and trailer axle groups within their legal limits.

EU dimension & permit rules

EU total vehicle height limit is 4.0m (Directive 96/53/EC) — with the deck sitting ~1.0m off the ground, practical cargo height is ~3.0m (step-frame: ~3.3m). Max width without permit is 2.55m; max length 13.6m. Cargo overhanging the rear by more than 1.0m requires a rear marker board; over 2.0m requires a police escort in most EU states. Width over 2.55m triggers an oversize permit.

Deck length 13.62m

Deck width 2.48m

Max cargo height (standard) 3.00m

Max width without permit (EU) 2.55m

Max height without permit (EU) 4.00m

13.6m Flatbed — Frequently Asked Questions

Your next load, perfectly planned.

Start free. No credit card. No install.

Plan a Container Plan a Truck Load