In the trucking business, countless types of deck trailers are available depending on the type of cargo and operational needs. Two of these types of trailers are the step deck trailer and lowboy trailers. These two are always clumped together because of their similarities. The most obvious similarity is that both step deck trailers and lowboy trailers feature a lower deck design than standard flatbed trailers.
In this article, we will tell you about step deck trailers, their uses and how it is similar to and different from a lowboy trailer.
What is a step deck trailer?
A step deck trailer, also referred to as a drop deck trailer, is a type of semi-trailer with a bottom deck that drops down after the trailer’s front wheels. This design allows the trailer to accommodate freight that cannot be transported on a standard flatbed trailer due to height restrictions.
The main features of a step deck trailer include:
1. As its name suggests, the front part of the trailer has a lower deck height compared to the rear, creating a ‘step’ between them.
2. Step deck trailers are versatile for transporting taller cargo that exceeds the height limit for regular flatbed trailers. They are commonly used for hauling machinery, construction equipment, and other tall or bulky items.
3. The lower deck allows for easier loading and unloading of cargo using ramps or by driving equipment onto the lower deck before securing it for transport
4. Step deck trailers help comply with height regulations on roads and bridges that may restrict the maximum height of cargo.
5. They often include additional safety features such as ramps and tie-down points to secure the cargo safely during transportation.
Step deck trailers offer a practical solution for transporting various types of freight that require a lower deck height than standard flatbed trailers can provide.
When transporting material on your step deck trailer, Verduyn Tarps offers a wide variety of high quality tarps to cover your load.
How is the step deck trailer similar to a lowboy?
Both trailers share similarities in their capability to handle oversized cargo, their loading flexibility, and their compliance with regulatory requirements for transporting large and heavy loads. Both the step deck trailers and lowboy trailers are specially used for cargo that is too oversized and bulky for normal flatbed trailers. Moreover, both trailers offer more flexibility for loading and unloading cargo. Lowboy trailers allow easier loading of tall and heavy equipment because of their significantly lowered deck. Step deck trailers typically include ramps or drop sections to facilitate the loading of taller cargo.
How is the step deck trailer different from a lowboy?
Lowboy trailers and step deck trailers are both specialized types of trailers used in transportation, but they serve different purposes and have distinct design features. Here’s a comparison between lowboy trailers and step deck trailers:
1. Deck height: Lowboy trailers have a very low deck height relative to other types of trailers. This low deck height allows them to carry tall and oversized cargo, such as heavy machinery, construction equipment, and industrial components. On the other hand, step deck trailers have a lower deck in the front and an upper deck in the rear, creating a “step” between the two levels
This design allows step deck trailers to accommodate cargo that is taller than the legal limit for standard flatbed trailers but not necessarily as tall as what a lowboy trailer can handle.
2. Cargo types: while both can carry tall and heavy equipment, step deck trailers are more versatile for transporting a wide range of cargo that exceeds the height limit of the standard flatbed but do not require the extremely low deck height of lowboy trailers
3. Loading and unloading: Generally, it is easy to load bulky and tall cargo on the lowboy because of its extremely low deck height. The step deck trailer, however, has ramps or drop sections for smoother loading and unloading of cargo with uneven heights.
4. Regulatory considerations: step deck trailers can handle taller loads than flatbed trailers, they are generally more straightforward in terms of regulatory compliance compared to lowboy trailers, as they do not typically require extreme height considerations. Lowboy trailers may require special permits, escorts, or pilot vehicles to comply with local regulations and ensure safe transportation on public roads.
5. Versatility and Cost-effectiveness: Step deck trailers offer versatility for a wide range of cargo types and are often more cost-effective than lowboy trailers for transporting moderately tall equipment and machinery that do not require the extremely low deck height provided by lowboy trailers. Lowboy trailers are specialized and may be more expensive to operate compared to step deck trailers due to their specific design and regulatory requirements.
Uses of a step deck trailer?
Due to its unique design, step deck trailers are versatile tools in the transportation industry. Here is a summary of the common uses of the step deck trailers.
1. Transporting tall equipment and handling oversized loads: Step deck trailers are ideal for hauling tall equipment and machinery that exceed the height limits of standard flatbed trailers. This includes items such as agricultural machinery, construction equipment (like bulldozers and cranes), and industrial machinery. The lower deck design is essential in efficiently and safely transporting large and irregularly shaped cargo.
2. Accessibility for Loading and Unloading: Step deck trailers feature a lower deck height towards the front (after the gooseneck) compared to the rear, which makes it easier to load and unload equipment using ramps or by driving the machinery onto the lower deck.
3. Accommodating height restrictions: They help comply with height restrictions on roads and bridges, as their design allows for transporting taller loads without exceeding legal height limits.
4. Versatility across industries: Step deck trailers are used across various industries, including construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy sectors. They are essential for moving specialized equipment and materials required for large-scale projects.
5. Safety and stability: Step deck trailers often include features such as ramps, secure tie-down points, and sometimes hydraulic lifts to facilitate safe and stable transportation of heavy and bulky loads.
In essence, step deck trailers play a crucial role in efficiently transporting oversized and tall cargo while adhering to regulatory requirements and ensuring safety during transit. Their design makes them a practical choice for industries that require reliable transportation solutions for heavy and bulky equipment. We offer a variety of machine and step deck tarps to provide the ultimate protection for your oversized loads.
If you are looking for a reliable tarpaulin that ticks all the right boxes, Verduyn Tarps is the company you can trust. With a wide range of tarps and accessories to consider, Verduyn Tarps is your one-stop shop for your trucking needs. Contact 313-270-4890, visit the two locations we have in the USA, or visit our shop page to learn more about our products and services.
