What is a Step-Deck Trailer?
Step-deck trailers, also commonly referred to as “drop-deck” trailers, are a natural alternative to the traditional flatbed. These trailers, which typically measure either 48 or 53 feet in length, are an incredibly versatile equipment type.
Comprised of an upper deck and a close-to-the-ground rear section, most common step-deck trailers can haul loads measuring up to 10 feet, 2 inches in height before being considered over-dimensional.
Where flatbeds are typically 5 feet off the ground, step-deck trailers are much shorter, measuring 3 feet, 4 inches at their lowest point. In the 53 foot version, the lengths of the upper and lower decks of these trailers are 10 feet and 43 feet respectively, leaving plenty of room to haul many kinds of freight.
What is a Step Deck Trailer Used For?
In the transportation industry, we measure a truck and trailer’s legal capacity by subtracting the weight of the semi-tractor plus the weight of the empty trailer from 80,000 pounds.
The number we’re left with is the total amount of freight weight that a trailer can legally haul without over-dimensional permitting. Although this number varies from one trailer to another, the typical weight capacity of a step-deck trailer falls right around 46,000 pounds.
As such, these trailers are used to haul freight that falls at or near 46,000 pounds and below their 10-foot, 2-inch ceiling.
Although these trailers can be used to haul open deck freight interchangeably with a flatbed, such as construction materials (I-beams, concrete, lumber), they also have a specific use case centered around hauling taller freight.
Products such as agriculture equipment created industrial machinery and other large goods are commonly transported using step-deck trailers.
Note: should you need it, step-decks also offer a deployable ramp for driving freight onto/off of their deck. This is especially convenient for those shippers/consignees without cranes or other riggers on-site for loading/unloading
What is a Lowboy Trailer?
Also known as a double-drop, low-bed, or float trailer, the lowboy trailer is far closer to the ground than any other trailer type — typically 24 inches above the pavement. This proximity to the ground is thanks to two drops that occur behind the gooseneck and before the rear wheels.
Because of the nature of these drops, the total length capacity offered by the lowboy trailer is limited to their well-space. This well-space typically measures between 25 and 30 feet in total length.
What the lowboy gives up in overall well-space, it makes up for in height capacity. And, the maximum legal height of any freight carried by a lowboy trailer can reach 11 feet, 6 inches — as long as the trailer is 24 inches above the ground or under.
What is a Step What is a Lowboy Trailer Used For?
With a weight limit ranging between 40,000-80,000 pounds (depending on the number of axles) lowboy trailers are plenty capable of heavy hauls.
Couple this with their advanced height capacity, and the lowboy becomes the perfect solution for hauling large equipment such as excavators, crated machinery, large tractors and industrial equipment measuring less than or equal to 11 feet, 6 inches high.
When needed, the upper and rear decks of these trailers — which vary in height and typically measure between 6 and 10 feet long — can be used to haul any additional freight that doesn’t fit within their 25 to 30 feet of well-space.
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