So you’ve contracted with a freight carrier, and they have indicated that they will be using a step-deck trailer. What does that mean? Will the freight arrive safely to your destination? How does the carrier determine which type of trailer is best for your particular freight?
The trucking industry has an almost unlimited amount of jargon and industry terms — including the types of vehicles used during transit. It can seem daunting when you hear how your freight will be hauled without really understanding what that means.
At Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), we’ve been in the trucking industry for more than 65 years. We’re fluent in the jargon and work with customers on freight of every shape and size. And we use step-deck trailers and their alternatives every day. Most importantly, we want you to understand and feel comfortable with how your cargo will be moved.
In this article, we will cover:
A step-deck trailer is also known as a drop-deck trailer. A step-deck is similar to a standard flatbed (open-deck) trailer, with one important difference.
A flatbed trailer is 5 feet high. A standard step-deck has a front platform that is five feet high – but the majority of the length of the trailer (more on length later) is 3 feet, 6 inches high.
Why is the lower deck height important? Depending on where you are in the country, the legal height limit ranges from 13 feet, 6 inches to 14 feet, 6 inches. If you are carrying tall freight (including high cube containers), you are likely to need the extra height that a step-deck trailer allows to move the load legally.
A low-profile step-deck trailer is the same style of trailer placed on smaller-diameter tires. A low-profile step-deck trailer is only three feet off the ground.
The additional six inches lets the carrier legally move even taller freight such as machinery, equipment or building commodities.
If the cargo is over the legal height for a step-deck trailer, there are some alternative options.
Double-drop trailers are five feet tall at the front of the trailer, and three feet six inches at the back of the trailer. The center well (typically 26-30 feet long) is 18-24 inches off the ground — lower than both a step-deck and low-profile trailer.
A double drop trailer is ideal for freight that is tall but not as long, or has some length that can rest on either the front or rear deck, such as attachments on construction equipment.
Low-profile step-deck trailers are typically 24 inches off the ground and are suitable for the tallest freight. To get this additional height, low-profile trailers are heavier and shorter than other types of trailers.
Low-profile step-decks are considered specialized equipment, which means an extra cost. Most shippers will prefer to use a standard step-deck rather if possible.
No matter which type of trailer you need, the carrier matters. Download the Freight Carrier Selection Checklist to vet your carrier now.
Standard step-deck trailers, like other flatbed trailers or dry vans, are 8 feet, 6 inches wide. Wider freight is considered overdimensional and will require additional permits.
The two most common lengths of step-deck trailers are 48 feet or 53 feet. Additional permits are needed for 53-foot step-deck trailers with overhang (freight that extends beyond the length of the trailer), so specifying the length of your freight is important to make sure it will fit within the legal limits.
The most important advantage of a step-deck trailer is it allows you to move freight that is too tall for a flatbed trailer legally.
Compared to dry vans or other enclosed vehicles, step-decks also have additional flexibility for loading and unloading: they are accessible by crane and forklift. For especially large items that can not be driven onto the deck, this can save valuable time at the point of origin and destination.
Step-deck trailers are often necessary because of the size of freight to be transported. But understanding the disadvantages of this type of vehicle is important to make sure you fully understand how your cargo will be transported.
Unenclosed trailers, including flatbeds, drop decks and double-drop trailers, leave your freight exposed to outside conditions. While this may not matter for equipment meant to be used outside, some cargo may need to be covered during transport. Tarping is one way to cover your freight during transit.
Step-deck trailers typically are heavier than flatbed trailers. Because weight limit requirements are based on the total weight of the trailer and freight, this leaves lower weight capacity available for the freight.
Loading and unloading cargo onto a step-deck trailer can be more challenging compared to a flatbed trailer. Flatbed trailers are at the height of the loading dock. The step or drop in the deck height of a step-deck trailer requires the use of ramps, forklifts, or loading equipment to adjust for the height difference.
Understanding the pros and cons of a step-deck trailer is one way you can work toward a successful shipment. Working with your carrier is the next step.
No matter what type of trailer will carry your load, selecting the right carrier will help your trip go smoothly from start to finish.
When you decide on a carrier, specify the exact length, width and height of your cargo as soon as possible – during the first conversation, if you can. Accurate dimensions will help the carrier determine:
Other information you will want to discuss with your carrier may include:
Working with an experienced freight shipper means that you can rely on their expertise, without needing to become an expert in every type of trailer and the capabilities and requirements of each.
While you’ve probably seen step-deck trailers without knowing it (and now you will recognize them when you share the road), understanding the different types of trailers and how they are used gives you an advantage when working with a freight carrier.
To learn more about different trailer types you may see on the road, check out What Are Common Trailer Types Used in the Trucking Industry?