Advantages of a Step Deck Trailer

When you need to haul freight that cannot fit into dry vans, step deck trailer are an excellent option. They provide extra headroom for taller cargo, allowing you to transport larger loads without needing additional load permits.

Step deck trailers also come with ramp capabilities, making loading and unloading easy for forklifts. They can have fixed necks, goosenecks, and removable gooseneck (RGN) options to best meet your needs.

Height Permits

If you’re shipping cargo that exceeds the height restrictions for a traditional flatbed, a step deck trailer may be the right equipment for you. This type of trailer has two levels, with the lower level allowing for extra headroom and flexibility.

These types of trailers are often used for oversized freight that doesn’t fit in dry van trucks or standard flatbeds. The open space allows you to carry a variety of items, including pipes and heavy-duty equipment.

Another advantage of a step deck trailer is that it’s easier to get permits for your load, saving you time and money. This can be especially important if you’re transporting tall cargo that would normally require an oversize permit on a standard flatbed truck.

It’s also important to note that the height clearance regulations on state routes vary by state, and you should always check with local and state authorities before attempting to haul a large load. This will ensure that you can legally operate your trailer on the road and safely navigate potentially hazardous bridges.

Transporting shorter

In addition to the general limit of 13 feet 6 inches, some states allow for a higher limit of 14 feet. This can be especially helpful if you need to haul a larger load under a bridge, as the additional clearance allows for the freight to pass without obstruction.

The most important thing to remember when deciding which trailer is best for you is what type of freight you’ll be hauling. If you’ll be transporting shorter, lighter loads, a traditional flatbed trailer will work best for you.

If you’ll be hauling oversized loads that are more than 8 feet 6 inches tall, you’ll need to use a step deck trailer. This will save you time and money by avoiding the cost of permits, escorts, and other fees associated with transporting an oversized load on a flatbed trailer. This can be especially useful if you’re transporting heavy-duty machinery, such as turbines.

Easier for Forklifts

If you need a trailer to haul your forklift, it is best to select one with the proper specifications. This will ensure that the lift will be able to fit onto the trailer and travel to its destination without any issues.

The most common type of trucking equipment used to haul freight is a flatbed trailer. They are excellent for shipping standard-sized loads and can be fitted with additional axles to comply with federal regulations.

However, there are times when you may need a trailer that is more versatile or can accommodate larger loads. This is where a step deck trailer can be helpful.

A step deck trailer is a semi-trailer that has two deck levels. The higher level is positioned closer to the front of the trailer, and the lower level makes up the rest of the length. The higher level is designed to clear the edge of a tractor unit safely, and the lower level can drop down to help with taller cargo.

As a result, step deck trailers are great for hauling agricultural machinery, construction equipment, building materials, large vehicles, and other types of freight that wouldn’t typically fit on a standard flatbed trailer. They also allow you to ship a variety of goods using the same trailer, enabling you to reduce cost and improve efficiency by transporting more products at once.

Standard flatbeds

Besides height permits, step decks are also easier to load and unload than standard flatbeds. They don’t have restrictive sides or roofs, making them easier for forklifts to maneuver on.

Some step decks have a beavertail platform, which eliminates the need for storage underneath the trailer for loading ramps. These flip down when you need to load equipment and flip back up as you are traveling on the road.

While step decks are easy to load and unload, you still need to consider the load dimensions and weight of your freight. These factors will determine whether a step deck or a flatbed is the right option for you.

Depending on the size of your freight, you might need to invest in a loading ramp that is capable of meeting the height requirements of a step deck trailer. This is especially important for materials that have an overall height of 10 feet, two inches or longer.

Easy to Load & Unload

If you need to transport heavy equipment or machinery, a step deck trailer may be the right solution. They are specially designed to allow you to carry cargo that exceeds the legal height limit if transported on flatbed trucks without having to request special permits.

Many step decks are equipped with ramps to make loading and unloading freight easier, as well as allow forklifts to easily access the logistics of the trailer. A variety of different types are available, including fixed-neck, gooseneck, and removable gooseneck (RGN) models, according to your requirements and freight type.

The most common use of step deck trailers is to transport construction equipment. This can include front end loaders, steel girders, and concrete pieces that are used in construction projects. When used in tandem, step deck trailers can haul up to 45,000 pounds, making them a safe and convenient way to transport heavy machinery.

Another advantage of step decks is that they are easier to maneuver than flatbeds. This is because they are lower to the ground than flatbeds, allowing forklifts to access the logistics of the trailer.

Truck Loads

These trailers are also safer for forklifts to operate, as they don’t have to lift the forks as high. This makes loading and unloading a breeze, as forklift operators don’t have to worry about damaging or injuring themselves in any way.

This is important for transportation businesses because it allows them to move large loads quickly and safely. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that many companies choose to use step deck trailers for their freight shipping needs.

If you need to transport an extremely large freight, you may want to consider a double drop step deck trailer. These trailers have two higher decks upfront and a long lower deck that is sandwiched between them, which creates a deep well to support exceptionally large loads.

There are many different ways to load and unload large machinery, so choosing the right option for your business is essential. The best way to determine what is right for you is to research the types of freight your business has, and learn more about each option.

Transporting Large Machinery

If you need to transport large machinery, a step deck trailer is a great choice. They offer three advantages that standard flat bed trailers do not: height permits, easier for forklifts and equipment diversity.

The first advantage is that you can easily load and unload the cargo from either side of the trailer. Making it much easier to get your freight onto and off the truck. This is especially helpful when loading and unloading heavy machinery like. Tractors and farm implements that may be too tall to fit through a rear door on a flatbed trailer.

Another advantage is that you can lower the deck of a step deck trailer. If necessary to accommodate the load you are hauling. This allows you to avoid height restrictions and permits, saving you time and money on transportation costs.

Step deck trailer

This is an especially helpful option if your load is oversize. As you can avoid having to obtain additional permits or have an escort such as a pole car. This also makes it easier for your drivers to navigate the terrain. As they do not have to worry about swerving around the cargo as they would with a standard flatbed trailer.

When you’re loading or unloading a step deck trailer. Take your time and make sure all of the cargo is secured properly. If not, it can cause serious damage to your freight and even your trailer.

It’s also important to be aware of the DOT regulations when transporting your freight. These laws are designed to ensure that you are safe and your freight is secure. Which can save you money in the long run.

Finally, it’s important to remember that your freight’s dimensions are going to impact the cost of the trailer you use. This is why it’s a good idea to work with your transportation provider to determine. Whether your freight could be shipped on a step deck trailer or a flat bed trailer. This will ensure that you’re not paying more for a trailer than you need to. Which can be frustrating and costly in the long run.