Everything You Need To Know About Step Deck Trailers Transport

When you need to ship a variety of equipment types and machinery, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always cut it. You might have already noticed that several different types of trailers can be used for shipping awkwardly shaped, oversized, or bulky machinery, and we’re here to tell you what makes a step deck trailer an excellent choice for transport.

What Is A Step Deck Trailer?

Step deck trailer transport is a shipping platform that has no restrictive sides, roof, or doors. A step deck is a semi-trailer with two deck levels: a higher deck that’s close to the truck cab and a lower deck towards the rear. The higher deck at the front is designed to clear the edge of a tractor safely, but it can also drop down to help the towing of taller cargo.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of hauling step deck trailers is that you can tow a wide variety of equipment using the same trailer type. The design of the step deck enables tandem step deck trailers to haul a range of equipment as part of the same shipment.

Construction equipment, especially, is well suited to step deck trailer shipping methods, as even the most awkwardly shaped machinery can often safely fit onto the trailer, and multiple different types can be shipped in tandem.

How Does a Step Deck Trailer Compare to a Flatbed Trailer?

Both the flatbed and step deck trailers are popular options for transporting large or oversize cargo. However, there are a few important differences between the two that can help you decide which one is the best fit for your towing needs. For example, flatbed trailers have a uniform height above the ground, typically around 5ft. This standard height limits the vertical clearance for cargo, while a step deck trailer can transport taller items without additional permits. 

Another difference is in the versatility and usage of each trailer type. The open nature of flatbeds makes them great for transporting a wide variety of goods, from building materials and machinery to industrial equipment. Step decks are especially suitable for hauling tall equipment, including vehicles and other machinery that exceeds the height limitations of a flatbed. The two deck heights also allow you to transport different types of cargo together, which is a great way to optimize space and cut down on transportation costs.

Even the safety of loads can differ between a step deck trailer and a flatbed. While flatbed trailers offer ease of loading and versatility, securing cargo can be more challenging due to the height and the need for specialized tie-downs to accommodate different cargo types. On the other hand, the lower deck height of step deck trailers makes it easier to load and often allows for better cargo securing and stability during transport. This can help reduce the likelihood of movement and potential accidents.

The Advantages of Step Deck Trailer Shipping

Step deck trailer haulage can be used to transport large equipment of a variety of shapes and sizes with ease. Some of the most significant advantages of step deck trailers include, but are not limited to:

• Easier to load via forklift
• Can transports taller loads without requiring additional permits
• Suitable for towing a wide variety of equipment
• Goods can be stacked on the lower level to transport more at a time

Loading equipment via forklift is common in many industries, and because the step deck trailer platform sits closer to the ground, it means forklift operators don’t need to raise the forks as high to load and unload cargo. Thus, the loading and unloading process for step deck trailers is much safer for everybody involved.

Another essential advantage of shipping machinery using step deck trailers is that the lower deck height can allow up to 41″ of additional cargo height more than a standard flatbed trailer before you’ll need to apply for a height permit.

Large cargo can be placed lower to the ground, ensuring that the shipment meets federal shipping and transport regulations without additional paperwork stress or delays. Using a step deck trailer tow, you can transport equipment up to 11ft in height, whereas flatbed trailers can carry equipment with a max height of 8ft.

How Many Step Deck Trailer Haulage Types Are There?

You may have come across multiple trailer names when looking into the right type of step deck trailer for your transport project. Step deck trailers can have a single drop or double drop deck, a detachable deck or flatbed, extended single drop deck, or extended double drop deck. The right step deck trailer towing trailer for your cargo will depend on its weight and dimensions.

• Single Drop Deck: These trailers have one drop in the deck height that creates a higher section at the front and a lower section at the back. This design is especially useful for transporting tall items that need to stay within legal height limits on the road.
• Double Drop Deck: This type of step deck trailer has two drops in deck height, with an even lower central section than the single drop offers. This makes it ideal for extremely tall—or heavy—items. The double drop design means there is plenty of space and stability for oversized equipment.
• Detachable Deck: Also known as removable gooseneck trailers, these step decks allow the front part of the trailer to be detached. This is useful for when you need to drive the cargo onto the trailer at ground level. For example, when transporting heavy vehicles or equipment that can be driven directly onto the trailer. 
• Extended Drop Deck: These step deck trailers extend the length of either the single or double drop sections to transport longer items without the need for additional trailers. Extended drop decks are perfect for hauling long pieces of construction material. 
• Flatbed Convertible Step Deck: These trailers offer the most versatility since they can function as both a traditional flatbed and a step deck. Convertible trailers provide the flexibility to adjust the deck configuration based on the specific dimensions of each load. 

Ultimately, choosing the right step deck trailer will depend on what kind of equipment you need to transport. For instance, the weight and height of your load will dictate whether a single or double drop is necessary, while the length could determine if an extended deck is required.

How Much Weight Can a Step Deck Trailer Haul?

Typically, the maximum legal weight of a step deck is 48,000lbs. Step deck trailer towing can also be used to transport cargo that meets the following maximum dimensions: 48ft – 53ft length if using an extended trailer, 8.5ft width, and 10ft – 11ft height.

Which Types of Cargo Are Suited for Step Deck Trailers?

Step deck trailers are designed to hold a wide variety of cargo types, especially those that are oversized or unusually shaped. Their unique structure means they are ideal for transporting items that would otherwise require special handling or permits when shipped using standard flatbed trailers. Some of the key types of cargo that you might want to use a step deck trailer for include: 

• Construction Equipment: Items like bulldozers, excavators, and backhoes fit well on the lower deck of step deck trailers, which can handle substantial weight and provide ample space for secure attachment. They can also haul long beams and precast concrete sections for large construction projects.
• Agricultural Equipment: The height and weight of agricultural machinery make them perfect candidates for step deck trailers, which can manage their size without going over height restrictions. Even large irrigation systems with lengthy pipes and pumps can be arranged on step decks for safe transport.
• Industrial Machinery: Equipment used in manufacturing, such as presses and lathes, often requires the additional height clearance provided by step deck trailers. Other industrial equipment, like turbines and generators, have heavy or tall elements that require the strength and unique configuration of step deck trailers.
• Specialized Containers and Modular Units: Modular homes and mobile offices, which are bulky and high, can be transported effectively on step deck trailers. Storage tanks and pressure vessels used in various industries can also be shipped securely using step decks since they have the ability to handle heavy loads that other transport trailers do not.
  

Each type of cargo benefits from the step deck trailer’s design, which minimizes the need for lifting equipment to clear high edges and reduces the risk of damage during loading and unloading.

Harnessing Step Deck Trailers for Efficient Transport

From construction and agricultural equipment to industrial machinery and specialized containers, step deck trailers are equipped to handle the complexities of modern transport demands. Their adaptability across different industries is unmatched, providing tailored solutions that flatbeds or other types of trailers simply cannot offer.

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