Step Deck Truck

A step deck truck is a commercial trailer that allows drivers and operators to transport cargo that exceeds the height limit. These cargo types include agricultural machinery, construction equipment, building materials, large vehicles, and other items that would not fit on a flatbed truck.

Step decks have two deck levels; a higher one that’s closer to the front and a lower one at the rear. The higher level is designed to clear the edge of the tractor unit, while the lower level can drop down to handle taller loads.

Size

Step deck trucking is a great solution for hauling loads that are too tall for traditional flatbed trailers. They are also useful for specialized freight shipping that requires special permits or routing.

A step deck trailer is a semi-trailer that has an upper and lower deck with one or more platforms that drop down below the front axle of the tractor unit. This allows the load to be lifted into the top of the trailer, where it can be stacked on the lower level.

These semi-trailers are used for a variety of cargo, including machinery and construction equipment. They can be a lot safer for drivers than standard flatbeds, as they give more height clearance to the cargo, making it easier to transport.

Typically, the trailer will be 48 to 53 feet long and can carry a total weight of up to 80,000 pounds. The length and width can vary, but most step decks are 8 feet 6 inches wide.

Each state has different legal requirements for a step deck trailer. These requirements are designed to protect drivers and the public from accidents that occur when oversized loads exceed bridge clearance heights.

Cargo Transported

However, some freight can barely exceed these requirements, making it unsafe to travel under bridges. These loads can cause severe damage to vehicles and property if they become stuck or get run over.

The most common types of cargo transported on step deck trailers are heavy machinery, agricultural products, building materials, and construction supplies. These loads can be transported on either a single-drop or double-drop step deck trailer.

Another type of trailer is a lowboy, which has two axles and can be towed by a semi-truck. It can handle cargo that is up to 12 feet high, but it requires additional permits and escorts.

For those hauling specialty loads with their step deck trucks, finding a way to keep up with demand is crucial. Truck stop has tools that help you find and book good-paying loads that are specific to your requirements, so you can stay on the road. Plus, we give you instant rates and broker credit when you book a freight load with us. This makes it a no-brainer for the step deck truck owner-operator to book freight with us.

Weight

When you need to haul freight that is taller or heavier than standard, a step deck truck can help. This type of trailer is used for transporting oversized freight that won't fit in dry vans or flatbed trucks.

Step deck trailers have two levels: a higher level that's close to the cab and a lower level at the rear. This allows freight to sit closer to the road, which makes them better suited for hauling taller cargo.

In addition to the two levels, step decks also have ramps that can be used to load freight at the rear of the trailer. This helps to ensure that cargo is secure during transit.

These step decks are a great choice for a variety of commodities, including lumber and its related equipment, pipe and steel, oilfield products, concrete products, coils, and other bulky items. In addition to their versatility, they can also help you meet legal maximum height and weight requirements for freight.

Depending on your needs, step decks come in different forms and can be used for both local and long-haul freight. They include single drop trailers, double drop trailers with detachable decks, lowboy flatbeds, and stretch double drop trailers.

Shipping Destination

Another great thing about step decks is that they can be customized to your specific needs. For example, they can be equipped with pipe stakes or tarps to protect the freight from damage during transit.

They can also be equipped with a telescopic boom for extra visibility and to help you maneuver around obstacles on the road. Additionally, they can have a detachable tailgate for ease of loading and unloading, making them more versatile than other types of trailers.

The cost of using a step deck truck is typically not more expensive than a flatbed, and it can even be less depending on your shipping destination. However, you should always ask your transportation agent about the price of a step deck trailer before you decide to use it for your next shipment.

If you need to find specialty loads for your step deck truck, access the Truck stop step deck load board to help find the right loads that pay good rates and book them fast. Our real-time load board gives you Rate Insights, best paying loads, route planning, broker credit, and days-to-pay.

Height

When cargo exceeds the height limit for traditional flatbed trailers, a step deck truck can be a good alternative. These commercial trucks are designed to transport tall freight without needing special permits. They work well for hauling machinery, construction equipment and other loads that cannot be transported with a standard flatbed.

The height of a step deck is usually 3 feet 6 inches in the lower level and about 37-41 inches on the upper level. The trailer is also often equipped with ramps to ease the loading and unloading of freight.

There are several different types of step deck trailers available, including fixed-neck and goose neck. These vary in their loading and unloading options, so it’s important to choose one that meets your needs.

Another important factor to consider is the type of load you want to transport. If it’s bulky, you may want a fixed-neck step deck trailer, which has limited loading and unloading options. A goose neck trailer, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be loaded from either side.

Freight Transport

If you’re not sure what type of freight you need to transport, your logistics manager can help determine which kind of trailer is best for you. They will be able to tell you if it’s too large or heavy to fit in a flatbed, and if you need to use a step deck or not.

Some step decks are double drop trailers, which have two deck levels (one front and one back) with a long lower deck in the middle. These are great for transporting extremely large and heavy loads.

Unlike a flatbed, these trailers do not have a roof, sides or doors. The lower deck of a step deck is more resembling a platform than a trailer, so it can be easily loaded and unloaded with a forklift.

The main advantages of using a step deck over a flatbed are that they can transport cargo without needing special permits, they’re easier for forklifts and they have a variety of equipment to accommodate all kinds of load types. In addition, step decks are more flexible than flatbeds in that they can move freight across a wide range of terrains.

Safety

Whether you’re a driver or a business owner, safety is a major concern when it comes to hauling freight. Luckily, there are some options out there that can help you transport your load without causing any harm to yourself or anyone else.

One of these options is a step deck truck. These trailers are designed specifically to carry cargo that exceeds the legal height limit for a flatbed truck. In addition to preventing you from having to get a permit, these trailers also help ensure the safety of your drivers and other passengers on the road.

The height restrictions that apply to cargo can be a challenge for some truckers, particularly when it comes to transporting oversized equipment. However, a step deck trailer can provide truckers with an additional 18 inches of clearance for their freight.

If you’re not sure whether a step deck is the right trailer for your shipment, consider calling an experienced logistics company for guidance. These companies will be able to answer all of your questions and help you select the best trailer for your needs.

Many Options

Another option to consider is a lowboy truck. A lowboy trailer is similar to a step deck trailer in that it has two levels, but the lower level is more shallow and scoffs down below the axle height.

These trailers are a great option for large loads and can also be used to transport oversized items that won’t fit in dry vans. They also allow you to store more cargo, which can make each trip more profitable.

When loading a step deck, it is important to make sure the cargo is evenly distributed on the platform. This will improve the stability of your load and will prolong the lifespan of your tires.

You should also make sure that the load is properly secured to the trailer and vehicle. This is a crucial step to take if you want to avoid unnecessary fines or accidents that could occur due to improper loading practices.

It’s also important to inspect the trailer and load after each shipment. This is because if there are any loose pieces of gravel, it can fall off and damage other vehicles or equipment on the road.