If you’re considering transporting tall cargo, step deck truck is a great option. They can haul loads of up to 10 feet high, depending on the truck model.
Although flatbeds are one of the most common types of shipping trucks, step decks have added a lot of flexibility to the industry.
Lower Deck Height
If you are transporting cargo that is taller or heavier than the recommended load for a flatbed truck, you may need to use a step deck trailer. They are an excellent option for oversized freight because they offer more height clearance than traditional flatbed trucks.
Whether you’re shipping agricultural or construction equipment, or other types of large freight that doesn’t fit in dry vans, Joski Trucking can provide the solution with step deck trailers. These trailers are lower than standard flatbeds, and they allow us to get your oversized loads under bridges without the need for special permits or escorts.
The lower deck height of a step deck truck also makes it easier to load cargo onto the trailer. This includes equipment, machinery, and even small items like lawn mowers or go-carts. It also makes it easy to unload, as the lower deck means shorter ramps and a lower approach angle.
In addition, lower decks are also safer to drive on. They are less likely to tip over and cause damage to the cargo you are hauling.
Another important advantage of a lower deck is that it helps you get more cargo under bridges. If you’re shipping a heavy item that needs to go under a bridge, the extra foot of clearance from a step deck can make a difference between getting it over the bridge safely and risking damage to the vehicle.
There are many different types of step deck trucks, and they all have a slightly different setup. However, the key differences are usually in the length of the trailer and how wide it is. All of these factors are important in helping you decide which step deck truck is right for your business.
Easy Loading & Unloading
When you need to transport taller loads, it’s best to use a step deck truck. Typically, they’re used to haul machinery and construction equipment, but they can also be helpful for freight that is too tall to fit on a flatbed trailer.
A step deck truck is very similar to a flatbed trailer, but with a higher and lower deck. The upper deck sits atop the front of the semi-truck’s rear axle, while the lower deck drops down after that.
The lowered deck height makes it easier to load and unload cargo onto these trailers. Moreover, these trailers are also safer for truckers because they’re situated closer to the ground.
Another advantage of a step deck truck is that they are able to accommodate oversized loads without the need for special permits or procedures. This can be particularly helpful if you’re working with clients who want to ship heavy or unusually shaped materials and equipment.
However, it’s important to note that if you need to transport cargo that exceeds the maximum height limit of flatbed trailers, you may need to secure a permit or escort your trailer at times.
Fortunately, many reputable transporters offer multiple transportation solutions to meet the needs of their clients. In addition to step deck trucking, they often provide drop deck freight services.
The lower deck height of a step deck truck makes it easier to load and unload cargo. Additionally, if you’re shipping large loads or cranes, you can place them anywhere on the lower deck of a step deck truck. This can greatly reduce your time on the road and improve your bottom line. You can also add bulkheads to secure your cargo on the lower deck.
Easy Maintenance & Repairs
Step deck trucks offer a number of benefits, including ease of maintenance and repairs. For instance, if you need to replace a battery, it’s much easier to do on the road than in the garage. This can save you time and money in the long run – especially when you’re running a busy hauling business. The same is true when it comes to repairing or replacing other parts of your trailer, like the tilting bed. For this reason, step deck trucks are a wise investment for your fleet. They are also a good choice for hauling specialized loads, such as piping, vehicles, or hay.
Lower Fuel Consumption
A step deck truck is much more fuel efficient than a flat deck, which means it saves money for both truckers and the shipment companies they haul for. As a result, these vehicles can be a cost-effective investment for fleets that operate in high-fuel-cost regions. The EPA estimates that a typical step van could save about $1,200 in fuel costs per year compared to a traditional enclosed delivery van. This savings can be even more significant for larger, heavier step decks that handle heavy loads and spend many hours on the road.
There are several ways to reduce truck fuel consumption, including improving aerodynamic performance, adopting driving techniques that optimize fuel efficiency and investing in newer engines with improved horsepower and technology that captures energy from braking and deceleration. The ATA supports setting technologically feasible national fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks that do not compromise their performance.
Higher Paying Loads
If you’re in need of transporting cargo that doesn’t fit in dry vans, a step deck truck can be an excellent option. These trucks have a lower main deck that gives truckers an additional 18-inch margin for cargo that’s taller than recommended for flatbeds.
Whether you’re shipping agricultural machinery, construction materials, or large vehicles, you may need to find a way to transport your freight safely and quickly. These loads can be challenging to handle, especially when they require a special type of trailer.
A step deck truck can help you move these types of loads faster, easier and cheaper than a traditional flatbed. The lower deck height also allows you to load and unload items without worrying about them getting stuck in the bottom of your truck.
Another advantage of a step deck truck is that it’s usually more affordable to rent. These trailers are also more reliable than flatbeds, so you won’t have to worry about wasting money on repair costs or replacement parts.
If you’re looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to find loads, consider using a load board that specializes in step deck trucking. These boards have advanced search and filter capabilities that cut through the clutter and get you to the loads you need quickly.
Some popular load boards for step deck trailers include DAT, Truck Stop, and Fr8Star. For a fee, these sites give you access to a wide range of features, including real-time load board updates, rate insights, best paying loads, route planning and broker credit.
You can also sign up for a trial membership to see how well a paid load board can work for you. For example, DAT has three subscription options, the cheapest being $39 per month. They’re a clear market leader and offer tons of loads that are suitable for step deck trailers.
