Step Deck Truck – What Are the Functions of a Step Deck Truck?

A step deck truck is a commercial trailer used to haul cargo that is too tall for dry vans and flatbed trucks. It is also called a drop deck or lowboy trailer.

It is often used for transporting heavy construction equipment, crated industrial machinery and other large cargo. It is a safe and reliable way to ship freight.

Functions

Step deck trucking transportation is necessary for hauling cargo that is taller than flatbed trucks can accommodate. The freight can be a variety of types, including agricultural equipment and crated industrial machinery.

Many people think of dry vans as the ideal type of trailer for hauling cargo that is too tall to fit in a flatbed, but these vehicles have their limits. If the load is too tall for a dry van, a step deck truck can haul it safely and legally without the need for a permit.

Another big advantage of step deck trucks is that they are closer to the ground, making it easier for forklifts to load and unload the cargo. This is especially important for loading heavy loads, which can be dangerous if the forklift operator needs to lift their forks as high as possible in order to do so.

In addition, a step deck is more versatile in its loading abilities than a flatbed. It can be loaded from both sides and has a ramp on the rear of the trailer, which is especially useful for loading/unloading cargo at a facility or job site that does not have cranes.

Rules and Regulations

A step deck is also more stable than a flatbed because the weight of the cargo is spread out across the entire length of the trailer, rather than being concentrated on one area. This helps to prevent the cargo from shifting on or falling off of the truck.

Some step deck trailers also have pipe stakes to secure the cargo, similar to those found on flatbeds. This is an additional safety measure, which may be required by state or federal regulations depending on the commodity being hauled.

Other features that may be available on some step deck trailers include a stretch or extendable bottom deck, load levelers, and coil racks. These add versatility to the step deck as they can be used for long commodities or full deck utilization, depending on the specific needs of the company.

When looking for step deck loads, it is a good idea to use a load board that gives you the most accurate rates and information on loads and brokers. Using a load board can increase the number of loads you haul and boost your profitability.

Design

A step deck truck is a type of truck that can haul freight that is too tall for flatbed trucks. This kind of freight is often transported for construction and farming. It’s also used for transporting machinery that needs extended clearance.

This type of trailer has two deck levels, with the shorter one positioned closer to the front of the trailer unit. This design allows for the load to be stacked on top of the higher deck, which increases its height and gives the trailer more space.

The lower deck of this trailer can drop down to accommodate cargo that is too tall for standard flatbeds, which helps drivers avoid obtaining permits and makes it easier for forklifts to access goods. This feature is particularly useful for transporting hay or other specialized loads.

Another major benefit of this type of trailer is that it can be loaded and unloaded with ease. The lower level is usually 3 feet 6 inches off the ground, which is a good height for loading and unloading, especially with a forklift.

Adding these trailers to its fleet will allow Melton Truck Lines to serve a wider range of customers, the company said. The 53-foot trailers are all-aluminum and can handle a 48,000-pound payload, the carrier said in a statement.

Stability

These trailers have sliding tandem axles and are designed to travel throughout the United States, including California, Canada, and Mexico. They can also carry oversized equipment, the company added.

Step-deck trailers can handle a wider range of freight than flatbeds, which may help you save money and time by increasing your fleet’s efficiency. They are available in several models and configurations, depending on your specific needs.

This type of trailer is typically made of steel, aluminum, or composite materials. Some step-deck trailers are equipped with ramps, which make loading and unloading much easier.

A step deck trailer can handle different types of cargo, ranging from piping and vehicles to hay and machinery. They can also be customized with features like dunnage, straps, and tarps to accommodate cargo in all shapes and sizes.

Weight

A step deck truck can be used to transport a variety of goods, including cargo that cannot fit in dry vans or flatbed trucks. These types of freight often include heavy equipment, agricultural products, and building materials.

They can be towed behind any commercial vehicle and are designed to haul large loads. In fact, the maximum weight of a step deck truck can be up to 48,000 pounds.

This is a significant amount of weight, and it’s important to weigh your load before loading to ensure that it doesn’t exceed the limit. It also helps to allocate your load to spread the weight evenly on the platform.

Choosing the right truck for your load is crucial. A professional transport agent will be able to assist you in determining the size and weight of your load, as well as what kind of trailer will suit your needs.

Step deck trailers are a popular option for businesses looking to haul oversized freight. Because they offer a lower height than standard flatbeds, they can be transported using more direct routes that avoid the need for escorts and permits.

Platform

The upper platform of a step deck is typically 11 feet long, and the lower deck is around 37 feet. The overall length of a step deck trailer is between 48 to 53 feet, and the width is typically 8.5 feet.

These dimensions are a good starting point to determine whether a step deck truck is a viable option for your freight shipping needs. If your cargo will be too tall for a step deck, you may need to consider another type of trailer.

For example, if your load is too wide or tall for a step deck, you may want to look into a stretch single drop trailer or a stretch double drop trailer. These types of step deck trailers are specifically designed to accommodate taller shipments that are often too long for standard or traditional step decks due to length restrictions.

They can also be towed by a pickup truck. If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, consider a tri-axle step deck trailer. This type of trailer has a wider track, which makes it easier to navigate.

Safety

If your freight has to be transported in tall pieces of equipment or machinery, a step deck truck can help you move it safely and securely. These trailers are ideal for transporting heavy materials and other goods that would not fit on a traditional flatbed truck.

They can also carry a large amount of weight without causing too much wear on the vehicle. Because they are designed to be more stable than a conventional flatbed, step deck trucks are also less susceptible to damage and collisions.

However, you should always be sure to follow strict safety regulations when loading the truck. It’s important to place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones higher up on the platform for added stability. This will ensure that the trailer’s tires stay in good condition and last longer.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates how cargo is loaded on commercial motor vehicles to reduce the risk of accidents. This involves weighing cargo and determining whether it is overweight. It is crucial to know what the maximum legal load weight and dimensions are for your particular truck type before shipping.

Transportation

This will allow you to make the most of your step deck truck, ensuring that your cargo arrives at its destination safely and on time. It will also help you avoid unnecessary fines and delays.

These trucks are especially valuable for freight that has to travel under bridges or is otherwise difficult to transport. The height clearance from a traditional flatbed doesn’t work for these types of loads, but a step deck trailer can increase that height so that you can get more cargo under a bridge and still comply with the laws.

At Joski Trucking, we have a wide range of step deck trailers that meet your tallest freight shipping needs. From double drop step decks that can haul 38 inches more without special routing and permits, to reverse gooseneck flatbed trailers with a third drop down rung, our step deck trucks have the capacity you need for oversized loads.

When transporting your oversized freight, you can trust Joski’s team of experienced logistics managers to get your shipment to its final destination safely and on time. Our solutions cover everything from routing to escorts and permits. We will handle every detail and keep you informed throughout the process so that you can rest easy knowing your shipment is in good hands.