This is where step deck truck come in to haul cargo that is too tall for standard flatbed trucks. A step deck truck can save drivers time and money by transporting loads without the need for special permits.
Safety
As the supply chain moves goods from one place to another, companies and consumers depend on specialized freight that doesn’t fit in dry vans or flatbed trucks. Whether they’re vehicles, construction equipment, or machinery, these loads need to be transported with care.
The best way to do that is by hiring a step deck truck. This type of trailer is perfect for hauling oversized and bulky cargo that cannot fit into dry vans. It also provides extra clearance for specialized cargo, which reduces safety risks and makes it easier to transport these shipments.
Step deck trailers can be used to transport a wide variety of cargo, including construction equipment, vehicles, and machinery. This means they can be used for a variety of jobs and will help you save money on shipping costs and time.
This type of trailer is typically used to haul heavy freight and machinery, so it’s important to choose the right type for your shipment. Each state has different regulations for a cargo’s height, so make sure you’re following the rules in your region.
Most states have a maximum height of 13’ 6” to 14’, so you’ll need to get a permit if your load is over this height. This is especially helpful if you’re delivering equipment and machinery to a construction site or other building project that requires special clearance.
If you’re using a step deck truck to transport freight, it’s important to take the time to load the trailer correctly. This means placing heavier items on the front of the trailer and lighter ones in the back to ensure that your load is not overweight.
You’ll also want to make sure that all of your tarps are secured properly and that your cargo is not shifting around or falling from the trailer. This will not only increase your safety but it will also ensure that your cargo arrives on time and in good condition.
When it comes to dispatching your step deck truck, you need a professional who can find and book loads that will make you the most money possible. That’s where Northeast Dispatching Services can help. We have a team of dedicated dispatchers who are committed to helping you find and book the loads that will pay you the most.
Weight
If you’ve been in the trucking industry for any length of time, you’re likely familiar with flatbed trailers. They’re a common type of trailer used by truckers to haul wide and heavy loads, like machinery, construction equipment, or tools.
But there’s another trailer that’s been making its way into the transport industry, and it’s called a step deck. The step deck truck is a trailer that combines the capabilities of both a flatbed and drop-deck trailers.
It’s a unique combination that can be helpful for dispatch because it allows trucks to haul taller loads without violating freight challenges regulations. In addition, the lower level of a step deck trailer adds a foot of extra headroom to help with some cargo that may create some issues for traditional flatbed trucks.
A step deck can be between 48 and 53 feet long, and they’re 8.5 feet wide. They can haul cargo up to 10 feet high and can support a maximum weight of 48,000 pounds.
When it comes to pricing, step deck trailers aren’t typically more expensive than flatbed trailers. Instead, the price of a step deck depends on factors such as the amount of load you need to move, how urgent it is and seasonality.
The specialized nature of step decks also means they’re more cost-effective for larger, heavier cargo. This is especially true if your business regularly transports construction equipment or machinery.
This is why many drivers and owners choose step decks for the versatility they provide. They can haul large amounts of cargo and can receive a higher rate per mile than flatbeds.
As long as you’re careful to follow DOT regulations when loading your step deck, you can rest assured it’s safe and legal. You can also protect your cargo by putting up tarps or crate covers.
If you’re looking for a step deck truck for your next transportation job, give Cowtown Express a call and we’ll help you find a trailer that’s perfect for your needs! We’ll send one of our experienced drivers to your location for a free quote.
Dimensions
A step deck truck is a flatbed trailer with a lowered deck, which allows it to haul loads that are too tall for a standard flatbed. They’re commonly used for transporting lumber, pipe and steel, oilfield products, concrete products, coils and more.
A standard step deck is 48’ long and can accommodate loads up to 10 feet in height, but they can also be 53’ long with an 11’ top or 37’ long and 41’ bottom. They are also available in stretch and double drop models, which allow them to haul larger loads.
These types of trailers are helpful for dispatch because they make it easier to move large loads around without needing to secure a permit or requiring a crane to load the cargo. Plus, they can be more affordable than other types of equipment.
However, you should note that a step deck isn’t a replacement for other freight transportation equipment. If you’re looking to ship a commodity that’s taller than 8 feet, 6 inches or has an overall length over 53 feet, a step deck trailer won’t be the right option for your shipment.
To determine if a step deck is the right option for your shipment, talk to your logistics manager and ask them what type of cargo you’re planning to move. They’ll be able to tell you whether a step deck is the best option or if you need to use a more specialized equipment type.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that a step deck will not be an affordable option for every shipment. This is because it’s more specialized than a flatbed, which means that drivers must be more experienced in hauling large freight.
This is why it’s often helpful to use a combination of freight transportation equipment types, so you can get the most out of your trucking fleet. Depending on the nature of your business and the urgency of your shipment, you may be able to save money by using a step deck instead of a flatbed trailer.
Regulations
Step deck trailers are designed to carry cargo that exceeds the height limit of a traditional flatbed truck. They also have a lower and upper deck, which makes them easier to load and unload. They can be helpful for dispatch as they allow you to transport loads without having to obtain special permits.
They also make it easier for cranes and forklifts to lift and move cargo. They are lower to the ground than conventional flatbeds, which means they are less prone to damage when moving large loads. They are also safer for forklift drivers because they don’t have to climb as high in order to pick up and load heavy freight.
The regulations that apply to step deck trucks vary by state, but in general they have a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches (2.6 meters). This is important for bridge clearance and safety. Additionally, these vehicles can be equipped with pipe stakes that raise vertically at the sides of the vehicle to provide additional support for cargo.
This is especially helpful for large machinery that is difficult to transport on a flatbed truck because of its size. It is also a good choice for shipping items that require more security than a flatbed can provide, such as high-value goods or products that are hazardous.
Some step decks can accommodate up to 48,000 pounds of weight, which is about the same as a conventional flatbed truck. They can also have up to two axles, which allows them to haul heavier loads.
They are a good choice for transporting items that are too tall to fit on a flatbed trailer or that would otherwise not be allowed to travel under low bridges. They can be a great alternative to reefer or dry van truck types, and they are generally more affordable.
These vehicles can be used to transport agricultural equipment, crated industrial machinery, and other large goods. They are also useful for transportation of oversized cargo such as I-beams, concrete, and lumber.
However, making money with step deck trucks can be challenging. You need to find and assess prospective loads, negotiate prices and rates, compile paperwork in accordance with regulations, monitor compliance with transportation standards, and more. All of these tasks can take up a lot of your time and drain your energy. It’s hard to focus on your business when you have so many responsibilities that demand your attention.
