How Does a Step-Deck Trailer Compare to a Flatbed for Heavy Loads?

For businesses heavily reliant on transporting and picking up oversized, oddly shaped, or over-dimensional goods, finding the best method to transport this equipment is crucial to business success and meeting tight deadlines. Many 3PL logistics companies offer sustainable and affordable transportation solutions for easily moving equipment and machinery. Step decks and flatbeds are the most commonly used modes of transporting heavy haul equipment, ensuring the process is carried out smoothly without disruptions.

This article will discuss the difference between the two, their efficiency in transporting heavy loads, and the best 3PL logistics company in the US for carrying out efficient business functions.

Step-Deck Trailers for Heavy/Over Dimensional Load

A step deck trailer is an excellent innovation for sustaining oversized cargo needs. Also known as drop-deck trailers, these trailers are used for carrying cargo that would otherwise not fit in traditional trailers.

Let’s look at some standard features of step-deck trailers:

Height Benefit

Step-deck trucking is an excellent way of transporting tall cargo that would otherwise not fit in traditional carriers. These trailers allow cargo as tall as 10 feet to be carried easily and legally. The trailer’s lower deck is around 3 feet, giving it a clearance advantage.

Two Level Deck

The noticeable feature of a step-deck trailer is its two-level deck design. The upper deck is located directly behind the truck cab and is used for holding/carrying bulky or medium-sized equipment that generally does not require the height advantage of the lower deck. On the other hand, the lower deck is positioned closer to the ground and is the more extended section of the trailer, often spanning 37 to 43 feet. The lower deck is ideal for carrying tall equipment exceeding the height limit on other types of carriers.

Ease of Loading and Unloading

Step-deck trucking is usually preferred for over-dimensional equipment due to its ease of loading and unloading. The lower deck makes it easier to load and unload tall equipment or machinery with ramps, reducing the need for cranes or other specialized equipment.

Versatility

Step-deck trailers are used for various equipment, including construction machinery, industrial materials, and heavy machines. This makes it one of the most affordable and is one of the reasons for its ease of use and popularity among logistics.

Permits

Although step-deck trailers usually do not require a height permit, over-dimensional and longer loads might still need some form of license, depending upon the jurisdiction.

Advantages of Step-Deck Trailers

Many 3PL companies in the US offer step deck trucking as an affordable and versatile form of transferring heavy cargo from one place to another. Here are some benefits of step-deck trailers that you must consider before making the right choice for your cargo needs:

Among the most common benefits is the ability to transport taller loads without surpassing legal height limitations, a significant advantage of using this trailer type. Moreover, step deck trailers offer more stability due to the lower center of gravity provided by the lower deck and fewer chances of tipping during transport.

Additionally, the two-level deck allows for equal weight distribution, enhancing fuel efficiency and handling during cargo transport. Step-deck trucking is a cost-effective approach to transporting tall and oversized equipment as it does not require separate trucks to transfer tall and over-dimensional equipment.

Flatbed Trailers

Many 3PL companies in the US often rely on flatbed trailer types for their logistics operations due to their simple yet versatile design. The trailer has a single, open, flat deck without a roof or side walls, making it a suitable mode of transporting a wide range of cargo.

Features of a Flatbed Trailer:

Open Deck

The overall surface of the flatbed trailer is an open and flat deck that allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo from all four sides. This open design makes it highly versatile for hauling various types of freight.

Standard Dimensions

Flatbed trailers are usually 48-53 feet long, with a deck height of around 5 feet and a width of 8.5 feet, making it a convenient mode of transporting cargo with the legal height limit of 8.5 feet.

Versatile

Flatbed trailers are ideal for transporting a wide range of cargo, including construction materials, heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and automobiles. Because flatbeds have no sides or roofs, they are among the most popular modes of transportation among 3PL service providers in the US.

Benefits of Flatbed Trailers

The choice between a flatbed or step-deck trailer depends largely on the type of cargo you need to transport and your specific logistics requirements.

A step-deck trailer is ideal for cargo that exceeds standard height restrictions or for bulkier loads that cannot fit on a traditional flatbed. On the other hand, a flatbed trailer is versatile and works well for a wide range of cargo, provided it doesn’t require additional height clearance.

Both options offer distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your specific needs. When deciding, consider your load’s type, size, and dimensions. For more clarity, seeking expert guidance from a 3PL logistics service provider can help you make the best decision for your transport needs.

What Should You Choose for Your Cargo Needs?