Flatbed now available on National FTL, plus longer LTL freight | 2026-10-27
Flatbed is now available on National FTL through Echo for pieces up to 52 ft. LTL also takes longer freight, up to 26 ft 8 in on select National LTL partner carriers.
Release Date: 2026-10-27
Flatbed trucks are now available for National Full Truckload (FTL) shipments through our partnership with Echo Global Logistics. Flatbed fits freight up to 52 ft long, 8 ft 6 in wide and 8 ft 6 in tall. We also raised the piece length limit on four National LTL Partner Carriers, so freight longer than 12 ft can now ship LTL.
What changed
Flatbed on National FTL
- Book flatbed truckloads in the Mothership dashboard.
- Pieces can be up to 52 ft long, 8 ft 6 in wide and 8 ft 6 in tall.
- Flatbed rates are labeled Flatbed.
- Before checkout on a Flatbed rate, you'll be asked whether your freight needs a tarp.
Longer freight on National LTL
Previously, National LTL pieces were capped at 12 ft (144 in). These partner carriers now accept longer pieces:
|
Carrier |
Maximum piece length |
|---|---|
|
XPO |
26 ft 8 in |
|
ABF |
26 ft |
|
TForce |
20 ft |
|
Forward Air |
20 ft |
Other National LTL Partner Carriers and the Mothership Carrier Network stay at 12 ft (144 in).
Why this matters
Long and open-deck freight no longer needs a workaround. Quote, book and track it in the same dashboard as the rest of your shipments.
How it works
- Go to Ship → Single Shipments.
- Enter the exact length, width, height and weight of each piece.
- Pick a rate. Available options are based on your shipment details and the limits each carrier supports.
- On a Flatbed rate, choose your options for tarping and describe what you need to secure your freight. This information will go to the carrier with your shipment.
What you need to do
- Enter accurate dimensions for every piece, measured at the longest point.
- Answer the tarp question when you book a Flatbed rate.
- Contact your account team if you have questions about whether a specific shipment qualifies.
Learn more about National Full Truckload (FTL) shipping and extended-length freight.