When you need to ship a variety of equipment types and machinery, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always cut it. You might have already noticed that several different types of trailers can be used for shipping awkwardly shaped, oversized, or bulky machinery, and we’re here to tell you what makes a step deck trailer an excellent choice for transport.
What Is A Step Deck Trailer?
Step deck trailer transport is a shipping platform that has no restrictive sides, roof, or doors. A step deck is a semi-trailer with two deck levels: a higher deck that’s close to the truck cab and a lower deck towards the rear. The higher deck at the front is designed to clear the edge of a tractor safely, but it can also drop down to help the towing of taller cargo.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of hauling step deck trailers is that you can tow a wide variety of equipment using the same trailer type. The design of the step deck enables tandem step deck trailers to haul a range of equipment as part of the same shipment.
Construction equipment, especially, is well suited to step deck trailer shipping methods, as even the most awkwardly shaped machinery can often safely fit onto the trailer, and multiple different types can be shipped in tandem.
How Does a Step Deck Trailer Compare to a Flatbed Trailer?
Both the flatbed and step deck trailers are popular options for transporting large or oversize cargo. However, there are a few important differences between the two that can help you decide which one is the best fit for your towing needs. For example, flatbed trailers have a uniform height above the ground, typically around 5ft. This standard height limits the vertical clearance for cargo, while a step deck trailer can transport taller items without additional permits.
Another difference is in the versatility and usage of each trailer type. The open nature of flatbeds makes them great for transporting a wide variety of goods, from building materials and machinery to industrial equipment. Step decks are especially suitable for hauling tall equipment, including vehicles and other machinery that exceeds the height limitations of a flatbed. The two deck heights also allow you to transport different types of cargo together, which is a great way to optimize space and cut down on transportation costs.
Even the safety of loads can differ between a step deck trailer and a flatbed. While flatbed trailers offer ease of loading and versatility, securing cargo can be more challenging due to the height and the need for specialized tie-downs to accommodate different cargo types. On the other hand, the lower deck height of step deck trailers makes it easier to load and often allows for better cargo securing and stability during transport. This can help reduce the likelihood of movement and potential accidents.
The Advantages of Step Deck Trailer Shipping
Step deck trailer haulage can be used to transport large equipment of a variety of shapes and sizes with ease.