Advantages of Step Deck Trailer

A step deck trailer is a common trailer used to transport freight that is too tall for a flatbed truck. These trucks have a lower deck that provides more space for cargo and allows you to meet legal height limits without having to apply for permits or pay additional fees.

These trailers have two decks, an upper and lower, and a ramp system. They also have more flexibility in loading and unloading than traditional flatbeds.

Size

The size of a step deck trailer depends on the type of freight it carries and its weight. Typically, they have an 11-foot upper deck and a 37-foot lower deck (equaling the general legal max length of 48 feet).

Step decks are often used to carry construction equipment, heavy machinery, or other resources that are too tall for a traditional flatbed truck. They also have a higher platform that is more compatible with forklifts, making loading and unloading cargo easier and safer.

Oversized loads

In addition, these types of trailers are also popular for oversized loads that don’t fit in dry van trucks. This allows them to transport larger items without having to pay for extra permits or an escort.

These are also great for transporting heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. They can also be used for other heavy cargo, such as pallets or boxes.

They can also be fitted with a beavertail, which is an adjustable ramp that can be flipped down for loading and flipped up when traveling on the highway. Beavertails also allow you to load more equipment, such as cross braces and toolboxes.

The best way to determine which step deck trailer will work best for your freight is to ask your freight shipping company. They will be able to assess your freight’s dimensions and weight to recommend the best trailer for the job. Choosing the right trailer can help your company save time, money, and energy while making your freight transportation safer and more efficient.

Weight

A step deck trailer is often the best choice for shipping oversized cargo, like boxes of machinery or equipment. They are also used to haul freight that doesn’t fit on a flatbed or dry van. The lower level of a step deck allows for taller freight to stay under the legal height limit. This allows for easier compliance and better clearance under bridges.

This saves fuel and prevents dents on the truck’s tires. Step decks are also a cost-effective solution for hauling heavy equipment that’s too big for a standard flatbed trailer. They allow truckers to transport larger pieces of machinery, while maintaining safe and efficient transportation.

48- or 53-foot lengths

These trailers are available in 48- or 53-foot lengths with a maximum weight capacity of 48,000 pounds.

Tri-axle step decks are the best option for larger pieces of equipment. They have a third axle that lets your driver transport more weight without the need to get overweight permits.

This means that your trailer can carry a load that’s up to a few thousand pounds more than a dual-axle trailer, which will make the cost of hauling that heavy machinery much more affordable.

You can load a tri-axle step deck trailer with a variety of equipment, from warehouse forklifts to mini-excavators. The front-deck space is also perfect for transporting extra attachments, like winches and skidsteer loaders.

Height

If you’re shipping freight that is too tall or too heavy for a traditional flatbed, you may need a step deck trailer.

Step deck trailers are perfect for transporting large machinery like tractors, construction equipment, and farm equipment. They can fit most different kinds of equipment on them, and they’re also safe to use by forklift operators.

The first big advantage of a step deck trailer is that they’re lower to the ground, which makes it easier for forklifts to maneuver. This means that forklift operators don’t have to lift their forks as high while loading or unloading cargo, which can save them time and make the process more efficient.

Another advantage of step deck trailers is that they’re more flexible than flatbeds when it comes to oversized cargo. They’re able to haul loads that are too large for standard flatbeds, which can help you save money on shipping costs.

Step Deck trailer

There are many types of step deck trailers available, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, some step deck trailers feature a beavertail, which can make the load more secure and prevent the need for storage underneath. Beavertails can also be equipped with ramps that flip down when you need to load equipment.

Other step deck trailers feature a double drop, which allows you to increase the maximum cargo height by 38 inches. This allows you to haul your freight up to 11 feet 8 inches without a permit or special routing, which is ideal for taller freight like tractors and agricultural or building materials.

If you’re unsure which trailer is right for your transportation needs, contact Joski Trucking to discuss your options. Our knowledgeable and experienced sales specialists can help you select the best type of trailer to ship your freight. They can also guide you through the entire step deck trailer process and make sure you’re compliant with all local, state, and federal laws.

Loading and Unloading

Step deck trailers are used to transport loads that are taller than the maximum height of standard flatbed trailers. They also allow for more space in the bed than flatbeds, making them ideal for shipping heavy machinery and equipment.

The most important thing to consider when deciding whether or not to ship on a step deck is the dimensions of your load and how it will fit into the trailer. Generally, this means knowing the size of the cargo, its weight and how it will be protected in transit (if it is fragile).

If your load is too large for a standard step deck, it might be better to choose a lowboy trailer instead. These trailers are closer to the ground than step deck trailers, thanks to two drops that occur behind the gooseneck and before the back wheels of the truck.

They are also less expensive than step deck trailers, so they’re a great choice for freight that’s not large enough to fit on a standard step deck. However, they’re not as versatile as a step deck.

Unloading

One of the biggest advantages to a step deck is that it allows you to haul higher loads without needing to apply for permits. This is especially helpful if you’re a construction company that needs to transport taller pieces of machinery.

It’s also much easier for forklift operators to load and unload a step deck trailer. Because the platform is lower to the ground than the standard flatbed. They are all designed to transport a wide range of freight, from palletized goods to machinery.

Choosing the right step deck trailer for your cargo is important. As it will help you to avoid unnecessary delays or fines. It’s a good idea to work with a transportation provider to determine. Which type of equipment will best suit your needs.