Step Deck Trailers: Best Solution for Hauling Oversized Freight
Freight companies, truckers and shippers choose the step deck trailers for the transportation of oversized or heavy freight. These are types of trailers, which are used to carry large, high, or heavy loads that cannot be transported by ordinary flatbed trailers.What is a step deck trailer and why does it prove to be the best one to use on specific freight? We shall discuss everything you should know about step deck trailers including their sizes and the type of the goods they are able to transport.
What is a Step Deck Trailer?
A step deck trailer or single drop deck trailer is an open-deck trailer with two levels. There is the upper level, which carries normal cargo, and lower part known as step which is use to carry higher loads to confirm that freight does not exceed legal limits during transportation.
The difference between step deck trailers and flatbed trailers is the lower deck height which is between 36 and 48 inches for step deck trailers (usually) and the deck of a flatbed trailer is higher. This low profile design helps in carrying oversized cargo like machinery, equipment and construction materials that are taller and need higher height clearance but cannot be carried using the flatbed trailers.
Main Features and Characteristics
Two-Level Design: The main difference of a step deck trailer is that it has two levels; the upper deck and the lower deck. The lower deck helps in the carrying higher freight and keeping it within height standards.
Length Flexibility: Step deck trailers are available in a different lengths, the most common of which are the 53 feet, 48 feet and 40 feet, which are helpful when dealing with various freight.
Open-Deck Platform: Step decks are open-deck like flatbed trailers.This is because they are used for transporting heavy,large or odd shape items.
Weight Capacity: Step decks have 40000 to 48000 pounds of cargo capacity based on the size of the trailer and the kind of cargo.
The step deck trailers are used when the cargo is too tall and cannot be transported by the flatbed, yet it does not exceed the legal weight limit.
Key Advantages of Using a Step Deck Trailer
Why Choose Step Deck Over Other Trailers?
The height is a major characteristic of step deck trailer and is the reason why a step deck trailer would be better than any other trailer. Many heavy and large freight products, including construction products, HVAC units, and industrial machinery, cannot fit on a flatbed because of height considerations. Step decks use the lower deck to fulfil those requirements without exceeding the height level.
Moreover, step decks are characterized by being flexible. These trailers can transport wide range of fright types; any type of freight such as a vehicle, building materials, oversized machinery. The step deck trailer is a flexible that’s why it has been used in various industries.
Common Uses for Step Deck Trailers
Heavy Equipment Hauling: Step deck trailers are one of the most frequently used trailers to transport construction equipment including bulldozers, excavators and backhoes. These heavy machines require bottom deck to maintain the total load height within the legal regulations.
Heavy Machinery: A large variety of heavy machinery such as generators or turbines require step deck trailers so that they do not exceed height restrictions.
Construction Materials: Step deck trailers are often used because of the capability to convey long and bulky cargo such as steel beams, pipes among other construction materials.
Oversized Cargo: If it is an oversized vehicle or an odd-shaped cargo that cannot fit in the customary size, step deck trailers are a perfect solution to oversized cargo.
Step Deck Trailer Dimensions: Finding the Right Fit
53-Foot Step Deck Trailer
The 53-foot step deck is commonly used step deck, and it is best to transport long and heavy materials such as steel beams, construction equipment, or large machine. It provides more space to large loads, however the low-profile design to carry higher freight.
48-Foot Step Deck Trailer
The 48-foot step deck trailer is a little shorter and can be used in regional hauls or in cases where the freight is not long but it requires height clearance. It is a smaller size, suitable for carrying oversized cargo.
40-Foot Step Deck Trailer
The step deck 40-foot trailer is used in the local transportation or when carrying smaller oversized cargo. Although it has less load capacity as compared to the 53-foot model and 48-foot model, but it is also suitable for carrying cargo especially in narrow areas.
How Much Weight Can a Step Deck Trailer Haul?
The step deck trailers are designed to carry heavy weights that usually range between 40,000 and 48,000 pounds depending on the size of the trailer. The weight capacity however may change depending on the nature of the cargo, the type of the trailer, and the weight limitations by the government.
Legal Weight Limits & How to Avoid Overloading
In several areas, the legal freight weight limit of trucks is 80, 000 pounds. In some cases more weight is allowed on special permits, especially when it is oversized or needs a particular kind of trailer. Ensuring that the weight capacity of the step deck trailer may not exceed legal requirements and corresponds to the weight requirements.
Step Deck Trailers vs. Other Types of Freight Trailers: Pros and Cons
Although step deck trailers are a highly flexible type of trailers, but some other types of trailers like flatbed trailers or lowboy trailers are also important in transporting specific types of freight. We can compare step deck trailers with others.
Step Deck vs. Flatbed
Height: Flatbed trailers are higher in height which limit them to transport high loads. On the other hand, step decks have a lower deck on taller freight.
Cargo: Both trailers are open-deck trailers although the step deck trailers are efficient in transporting oversized or tall cargo. Flatbeds are suitable for regular freight but it may have difficulties with height limit.
Step Deck vs. Lowboy Trailers
Lowboy trailers have an even lower deck height which makes them the best to carry very tall or heavy equipment that needs a very low ride. Lowboy trailers are however not suitable for carrying ordinary freight. Step decks are a little higher than lowboys but more flexible; they are used when transporting different types of freight.
Step Deck vs. RGN Trailers
Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailers are good in moving very heavy and large machines like cranes or bulldozers because of the neck of the trailer being detachable, so it is easily loaded and unloaded. Nevertheless, RGNs are normally costly and has more features compared to step decks so they are not always required in common or less specialized freight.
Alternatives to Step Deck Trailers
Even though step deck trailers are an excellent choice in the freight of various types, there are some cases when some other trailers could be considered more excellent and effective. The following are the possible alternatives.
Low-Profile Trailers
Low-profile trailers resemble step deck trailers except that they have a still lower deck height, typically 24 inches. They are perfect when carrying large-sized loads which are higher than the height constraint of step decks.
Flatbed Trailers
The other frequent type of freight transportation choice would be flatbed trailers, which may be utilized in transporting objects that are not oversized or have a lower deck in order to stabilize them. They are not good when it comes to tall cargo but excellent with regular freight, which includes lumber, pipes, or furniture.
Choosing the Right Step Deck Trailer for Your Freight Needs
How to Choose the Right Size and Type of Step Deck
The choice of step deck trailer depends upon the type of cargo. You should account on the size, weight and height of your freight when selecting a trailer. A 53 foot step deck suits better where the loads are longer, whereas a 40 foot step deck can be more appropriate to local deliveries. Also, think about whether your freight needs to be protected from the elements ((in which case a flatbed or enclosed trailer may be better suited).
Step Deck Trailer requirements for New Truckers and Fleet Owners
Investing in step deck trailers there are a few considerations to make, in case you are new to the freight business or you are dealing with a fleet:
Budget: Step decks are costlier than typical flatbeds, and therefore, you need to consider the cost is justified by your hauling requirements.
Maintenance: Your step deck trailer requires regular maintenance to ensure that it is in working conditions. One of the factors to consider is the expenses of repairs and maintenance when buying a trailer.
Regulations: Make sure to keep on top of local regulations on oversized freight since the legal weight and height limit may change depending on the state or country.
Step Deck Shipping Tips
Tips for Securing Freight Properly on Step Deck Trailers
It is important to make sure that your freight is secured to prevent damages during transit as well as to maintain safety. Heavy-duty straps, chains and tarps should be used to secure your load. Always follow DOT rules on the distribution of loads and cargo securing.
Maximize Efficiency: Load and Route Planning Optimization.
One of the best ways to maximize your step deck trailer’s potential is by optimizing load distribution and planning your route carefully. Distribution of the weight should be evenly spread on the trailer, and the routes should be planned to avoid many height and weight limits.
Step Deck Trailer Maintenance and Safety Tips
Checklist of Maintenance of Step Deck Trailers.
- Test tire pressure periodically.
- Look at the trailer deck and it should be free of damage or wear.
- Make sure that the suspension works.
- Coat all parts moving to prevent rust and corrosion.
Trailer Safety Regulations, Step Deck Trailer.
It is always important to maintain the necessary safety standards of your step deck trailer established by safety departments which include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA). This involves ensuring that the weight of the trailer is within the limit, strapping the load, and also making sure that the essential permits are acquired in case of an oversized cargo.
Ready to Haul Oversized Freight with Ease?
Don’t let tall or bulky loads slow down your operations. Contact Arrow Dispatch Services today to get matched with the right step deck trailer for your freight needs. Our team at 4313 Rustic Timbers Dr, Fort Worth, Texas, 76244 is here to help you transport oversized cargo safely, efficiently, and on time.
Faqs
A step deck trailer is designed to haul oversized or tall freight that won’t fit on a standard flatbed. Its lower deck lets you transport taller loads while staying within legal height limits.
An RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailer lets you load heavy equipment from the front by removing the neck, while a step deck has a fixed lower deck for taller freight. RGNs are more specialized, step decks are more versatile.
Step deck trailers typically cost between $35,000 and $60,000, depending on size, condition, and features.
Lowboys have an even lower deck than step decks, making them ideal for extremely tall or heavy equipment. Step decks are slightly higher but more flexible for a variety of freight.
The 60/40 rule refers to weight distribution on a trailer: about 60% of the load should be over the trailer’s axles and 40% toward the front, ensuring stability and safety on the road.
It depends on your cargo. Flatbeds are great for standard freight, but step decks are better for taller or oversized loads because of their lower deck design.
