In the trucking business, various types of deck trailers are available depending on the type of cargo and operational needs. There are two types of trailers: step deck trailers and lowboy trailers. Because of their similarities, these two are always clumped together.
A step deck trailer, also known 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 load that cannot be transported on a common flatbed trailer due to height restrictions. So, as its name suggests, the front part of the trailer has a lower deck height than the rear. Step deck trailers are versatile for transporting trailer cargo that exceeds the height limit for regular flatbed trailers.
Step deck trailers help comply with height regulations on roads and bridges that may restrict the maximum height of cargo. They also include additional safety features such as ramps and tie-down points to safely secure cargo during transportation. So, step deck trailers deliver a suitable resolution for transporting various types of freight that require a lower deck height than authoritative flatbed trailers can provide.
Step deck trailers and lowboy trailers are similar in several ways, such as both can handle oversized cargo, have loading flexibility, and comply with regulatory requirements for transporting large and heavy loads. However, they serve different purposes and have distinct design features, such as Lowboy trailers having a very low deck height relative to step deck trailers. While both can carry tall and heavy equipment, step deck trailers are more versatile for transporting a wide range of cargo.
Loading and unloading bulky and tall cargo on the Lowboy trailer is easier than step deck trailers because they have extremely low deck heights. Step deck trailers can handle taller loads than flatbed trailers because they are generally more straightforward in terms of regulatory compliance compared to Lowboy trailers, as they do not require extreme height considerations. Step deck trailers offer versatility for a wide range of cargo types. They 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.
Step deck trailers are versatile tools in the transportation industry, so they are frequently used to haul tall equipment and machinery that exceed the height limit of standard flatbed trailers. It offers features such as ramps, secure tie-down points, using dry van products and sometimes hydraulic lifts to facilitate safe and stable transportation of heavy and bulky loads. They are also useful in loading and unloading equipment using ramps or by driving the machinery easily. They help comply with height restrictions on roads and bridges. They are also used across various industries to move specialised equipment and materials required for large-scale projects.
At Brampton Straps, we specialise in supplying top-quality dry van products, flatbed products, and stamps to our clients in the transport and logistics organisation. We have demonstrated excellence in customer service, product innovation and competitive pricing. We provide a high range of quality curtains and track procedures designed to help secure and protect cargo during transport.
