step deck truck

step deck truck were created to haul tall cargo that was too high for traditional flatbeds. Their higher legal height limits allow drivers to transport these loads without the need for extra permits.

Whether you’re looking to rent or buy step deck trailers, there are many benefits to this type of truck. Keep reading to learn more about them.

Loading

When it comes to shipping cargo, there are many different types of equipment and machinery. A single trailer cannot be used to transport all of these items, so there are specialized trailers that work well for certain types of freight. For example, a step deck truck is an ideal option for hauling large loads that would not fit into a traditional dry van.

In general, a step deck trailer has two deck levels: an upper deck that connects to the tractor and a lower deck that drops down below. This gives the trailer a lower deck height than flatbeds, which makes loading and unloading freight much easier.

Another benefit of step deck trucks is that they are less expensive to operate than other trailers. This is because they do not require fork lifts to be lifted as high when unloading and loading cargo. This reduces the amount of strain on the fork lift and increases safety for all involved.

Weight Distribution

One of the most important aspects of loading a step deck trailer is proper weight distribution. This means that heavier cargo should be placed on the front of the trailer, while lighter cargo should be loaded on the back of the trailer. This is to ensure that the load is not overweight and will not shift during transportation.

The type of cargo you are loading on a step deck should also be considered. You should always follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) guidelines for properly loading trailers to reduce the chances of accidents and other injuries.

Typically, step decks have a fixed neck or a goose neck, but they may also be available with removable goosenecks (RGN). A RGN can be removed and used for additional load capacity without the need to move the truck.

When looking for a step deck trailer, be sure to choose a load board that has easy-to-use features and tools that make finding loads of all kinds easier. This can include advanced search and filtering capabilities that help you cut through the clutter to find specialty loads quickly, efficiently, and affordably.

Safety

When transporting freight in a step deck truck, there are several safety measures you must take. These steps include inspecting your cargo, securing your load, and keeping the trailer and other vehicles safe.

First, determine the height of your freight and what type of trailer will work for your haul. This will help you to decide whether a step deck trailer or flatbed trailer will be the best choice. The majority of freight will fit in a flatbed, but if the load is more than 8 feet tall or if you’re carrying heavy machinery, a step deck truck is likely to be your best option.

Next, secure your load as required by the FMCSA. This is a crucial step for any haul and is often overlooked, but it’s necessary to ensure your cargo will be securely locked in place.

Also, ensure that your cargo is properly weighted so it won’t shift or fall off of the trailer. This will reduce the risk of damage and injury.

care

When you’re ready to start loading your load, it is vital that you choose a level and stable area away from other trucks or equipment. This will make it easy to load and unload safely, and ensure that the cargo remains in the same position during the journey.

Lastly, it is important to remember that step decks have a higher center of gravity than flatbeds, so it is essential that your freight is balanced on the truck. This means placing heavier items on the front of the trailer and lighter items on the back to improve stability and prevent the cargo from shifting or falling off.

Lastly, it is crucial to check the loading area for any loose gravel or dirt. This could potentially fall onto the trailer, causing it to break down or damage other equipment. It is also important to inspect the cargo and trailer after it’s loaded, checking for any loose tools, hardware or straps that may have fallen off during transport.

Maintenance

Step deck trucking is an ideal choice for transporting heavy loads that exceed the height of a flatbed trailer. This is a common requirement in the construction industry where access to loading docks can be difficult and time-consuming.

Unlike conventional semi-trailers, step deck trucks feature a dual-deck design which provides more stability for heavier cargo loads. These trailers are great for hauling things like piping, hay or vehicles of all sizes.

One of the most important maintenance tasks is to make sure your step deck truck and trailer are in tip-top shape before they hit the road. This includes checking a number of items, including tires, lights and brakes. It’s also a good idea to inspect the anchor & tie-down points and hydraulic hoses for any leaks or tampering.

There’s no denying that hauling a large load is an impressive feat, but the real challenge lies in finding and navigating the myriad regulations and other hoops that need to be navigated for a successful delivery.

Luckily, we’ve got the solution for you with our easy to use dispatch software and services. From generating and presenting the right information in the proper format, to monitoring for compliance and ensuring that your company remains in compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies and sector guidelines, we’ve got you covered.

Insurance

Step deck trucks are a popular option for transporting heavy cargo and equipment. They have a lower loading deck than flatbed trucks, which makes them easier to load and unload. They also have a higher payload capacity than standard flatbed trailers, which makes them ideal for hauling oversized items.

The team at SafeLine Truck Insurance is familiar with the unique needs of step deck trailers and can build a custom package that includes all the important coverages you need, including liability insurance, physical damage and any additional policies you may want. We’ll help you make sure that your trailer is protected from all risks, so you can focus on the work that matters most to your business.

Our dependable, vetted brokers are ready to work with you. Our tools put quality rate data right at your fingertips, along with planning features to save you time and money. Our online freight matching tool gets you on the road quickly and easily, with loads refreshed in real time and relationships that go the distance.

We know that if you have access to good-paying loads in your preferred lane, it can make a huge difference to your bottom line. That’s why we built one of the first digital freight matching tools to give you the power to find loads and book them instantly.

Unlike other load boards, ours gives you the best combination of search and posting capabilities that get your step deck trucks moving faster. Plus, you’ll have decision tools that guide you to the best routes and rates, and access to tens of thousands of trusted brokers.

You’ll have the freedom to post and search unlimited times a day and access our real-time load board plus Rate Insights, best paying loads, route planning, broker credit and days-to-pay. Then, when you spot a great load, you can book it immediately with a rate confirmation.

Book It Now has been saving carriers money on freight loads for over 25 years. It’s easy to use, and it’s a great way to get the most value for your time and money. In fact, carriers who book freight loads using Book It Now over a period of time made about $200 more per load than they would have if they booked it through other method.