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Step Deck Trailers

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ShipA1 Jul 22, 2024

Step Deck Trailers

A step deck trailer, also referred to as a drop deck or lowboy trailer, represents a specialized and ingenious solution in the world of cargo transportation. It serves a critical role in the logistics industry by enabling the movement of oversized or tall cargo that surpasses the height limit allowed on a standard flatbed trailer.

  • Advantages and Key Features of Dry Van Transportation:

    This method of shipping involves the use of fully enclosed trailers to protect cargo from external elements such as weather, dust, and theft. It is well known for its key features, which are:

  • Two-Level Design:

    The dual-level design comprises of both a lower deck and an upper deck. This configuration creates a significant advantage when it comes to hauling cargo that exceeds the legal height limit. The lower deck is situated closer to the ground, while the upper deck is raised, creating a "step" between them

  • Height Clearance:

    As the name shows the height clearance is one of the primary purposes of a step deck trailer it provides the necessary height clearance for transporting tall items safely. This becomes especially crucial when navigating areas with low bridges, tunnels, or overpasses. The step in the trailer's design ensures that cargo can be accommodated without risking damage or violating height restrictions.

  • Versatility in Loading:

    Step deck trailers come in various configurations, including fixed-neck, gooseneck, and removable gooseneck. These options allow for versatile loading and unloading methods. For instance, a removable gooseneck can be loaded either on the front or back of the trailer, providing flexibility to adapt to different types of cargo.

  • Weight Capacity:

    In the world of logistics weight play a vital role. These trailers are known for their impressive load capacity, typically around 46,000 pounds. This robust weight capacity makes them well- suited for transporting heavy machinery, construction materials, agricultural equipment, and other substantial loads.

  • Efficient Cargo Handling:

    The presence of both lower and upper decks on a step deck trailer facilitates efficient cargo handling. Items can be loaded and unloaded with relative ease, particularly when employing equipment like forklifts.

  • Avoiding Special Permits:

    Another notable feature of utilizing step deck trailers is their ability to eliminate the need for special permits in many cases. This can simplify the logistics of shipping and save time and paperwork for shippers.

  • Distinguishing from Flatbeds*

    While step deck and flatbed trailers share similar dimensions in terms of length and width, their primary difference lies in deck height. Flatbed trailers have a uniformly high deck, which makes them suitable for large, heavy loads with less height. In contrast, step deck trailers provide the crucial clearance for taller cargo.

    • Advantages of Step Deck Trailers

    Step deck trailers offer several benefits that make them a preferred choice for transporting certain types of cargo:

    • Enhanced Height Clearance: Step deck trailers are particularly valuable when transporting cargo that surpasses the legally allowed height limit. This becomes especially critical when navigating areas with low bridges or underpasses. The lowered design of the trailer ensures there is adequate clearance for taller items.
    • Adaptability in Loading: Step deck trailers offer diverse configurations, including fixed- neck, gooseneck, or removable gooseneck options. This adaptability enables a wide range of techniques for loading and unloading, making them well-suited for various types of freight.
    • Impressive Load Capacity: Step deck trailers are renowned for their substantial weight- bearing capacity, typically around 46,000 pounds. This substantial load capacity positions them as an excellent choice for transporting hefty machinery, construction materials, agricultural equipment, and similar substantial cargo.
    • Easy Access: Loading and unloading equipment onto a step deck trailer is simplified, especially when using a forklift. The presence of both lower and upper decks facilitates efficient cargo handling.
    • No Special Permits: One notable advantage of step deck trailers is that they often eliminate the need for special permits to transport taller cargo. Which saves time and paperwork while helping to streamline the shipping process.

    Difference between Step Deck from Flatbed Trailers

    As we have discussed in detail about features and advantages of step deck let’s check the major difference between both of them.
    While both step deck and flatbed trailers serve the purpose of transporting goods, their primary distinction lies in the height of their decks.

    • Deck Height: Step deck trailers have a lower deck height of approximately 3 feet 6 inches. In contrast, flatbed trailers have a uniformly high deck, making them unsuitable for taller cargo.
    • Cargo Types: Step decks are ideal for hauling tall and bulky items that won't fit on standard flatbeds. Flatbeds, on the other hand, are better suited for large, heavy loads with less height.
    • Height Clearance: Step decks provide the necessary clearance for cargo that may exceed maximum height restrictions, ensuring safe transport under bridges and overpasses.
    • Versatility: While step decks offer loading options like fixed-neck and removable gooseneck, flatbeds have a consistent deck height across the trailer's length.

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