In the transport industry, there are many types of trailers, each with its own unique design and purpose. Among these types, the Step Deck Truck is a common flatbed trailer. This type of trailer is often used for heavy and high-cargo transport. If you’re curious about how many types of flatbed trailers there are, then this article on 6 Common Types of Flatbed Trailers may be for you.
This article, by Truckman, explores step deck trailers. It covers their definitions, uses, features, benefits, and challenges. Whether you are in the transport industry or an individual or business with a need for trailer selection. The information we will present in this article will provide you with a valuable reference.
Next, let’s explore the ladder deck trailer and learn how it can be a valuable aid in the transport of high and heavy loads.
Table of Contents
What is a Step Deck Trailer?
Step Deck Truck, also known as a drop deck trailer. It is a type of trailer designed for transporting tall cargo. Compared to a traditional flatbed trailer, a step deck trailer is a type of trailer that has an upper and lower deck design. It can provide a lower loading platform. This allows for taller cargo that exceeds a standard flatbed trailer’s limits. Typically, the front platform is usually about 5 feet (about 1.5 meters) high, while the rear platform drops to 3 feet 6 inches (about 1.07 meters). This trailer can transport cargo up to a maximum height of 10 feet (about 3 meters).
This trailer’s low profile d accommodate a wide range of extra tall cargoes. Common ones are such as heavy machinery, construction materials, and containers. It can transport taller items and enables forklift loading.
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Types of cargo carried on ladder deck trailers
The ladder deck trailer loading advantage is the low platform design. It has a rear platform height of 3 ft 6 in (1.07 m) and a maximum transport height of 10 ft (3 m). This provides more space than a standard flatbed trailer and allows for transporting taller loads. It is also easy to load and unload, making it particularly suitable for heavy or long objects that require forklift loading and unloading. However, it is worth noting that it has limited weather protection due to its open design.
It is particularly suitable for transporting the following types of cargo:
- High and heavy cargo: e.g. mechanical equipment, construction materials, etc.
- Long objects: e.g. steel, pipes, etc.
- Special items: extra tall cargoes that are difficult to load. Examples include containers and oversized vehicles
What is the difference between a flatbed trailer and a step deck trailer?
Flatbed trailers and step deck trailers differ in construction and use. Flatbed trailers have a larger deck area and are better suited for transporting standard-sized cargo. But there are some limitations for taller cargo. The step deck trailer is a good solution. It has an upper and lower double-deck design that allows for the transport of taller types of cargo. It also provides superb carrying capacity.
| Feature | Flatbed Trailer | Step Deck Trailer |
| Structure | Single deck design, higher platform | Two-tier structure, front platform higher, rear platform lower |
| Suitable Cargo | Heavy cargo such as construction materials, agricultural equipment, etc. | Tall cargo such as machinery, construction equipment, containers, etc. |
| Transport Advantage | Suitable for standard size and heavy items, larger surface area | Suitable for transporting oversized tall cargo, easier to load and unload, more flexible space |
| Applicable Scenarios | Low height requirement, suitable for general cargo transportation | High height requirement, ideal for oversized equipment and tall cargo transportation |
| Cost | Generally lower cost, higher transport efficiency | Higher cost, suitable for transporting special cargo |
What is the difference between a step deck trailer and a lowbed trailer?
While both trailers are suitable for specialised cargo transport, they differ in design and usage scenarios. Stepped deck trailers are designed with two decks, making them ideal for transporting tall cargo. Low deck trailers, on the other hand, are lower overall and are suitable for transporting extra-low cargo. Therefore you have to choose the right type of trailer based on the height and weight of your cargo and your specific transport needs. Here are the differences between these two models:
| Feature | Step Deck Trailer | Lowboy Trailer |
| Design | Two-tier deck design (upper and lower decks) | Single-tier low deck design |
| Platform Height | Upper deck higher, lower deck lower (3 feet 6 inches) | Overall ground clearance is lower (about 24 inches) |
| Applicable Scenarios | Suitable for transporting taller cargo, especially heavy equipment | Ideal for transporting extremely low cargo or cargo requiring a very low deck |
| Transport Capacity | Suitable for transporting cargo up to about 10 feet (3 meters) high | Can transport taller or special low-clearance cargo |
| Flexibility | Offers good loading and unloading flexibility, suitable for various cargo types | Better suited for cargo requiring an extremely low deck, flexibility is slightly lower |
Want to know the difference between a flatbed trailer and a lowbed trailer? Then visit Flatbed Trailers Vs Lowbed Trailers.
Pros and Cons of Step Deck Trailers
Advantages
Ideal for transporting tall or heavy cargo: As noted in our trailer comparison, a ladder deck trailer can carry tall cargo that a flatbed trailer can’t. It can reach a maximum height of 10 feet (approximately 3 metres).
Offers more flexible loading: The low platform design of this trailer allows for more flexible loading and unloading of cargo. It is ideal for use with cranes and forklifts, especially for cargo that requires special loading and unloading equipment.
Easy loading and unloading, especially for high loads: the stepped deck trailer design allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo. In addition, loading and unloading efficiency can be greatly improved when using ramps or forklift trucks.
Extra transport space: Compared to standard flatbed trailers, its low platform design provides more space for transport. This effectively avoids encountering physical or legal issues such as bridge clearance restrictions.
Disadvantages
Higher requirements for access to flat ground and bridges: due to the low chassis design, step deck trailers may have limited access to low bridges and rough surfaces.
Not as efficient as flatbed trailers when transporting low-height cargo: For standard cargo that doesn’t need the extra space of height, ladder deck trailers may result in increased transport costs and be less efficient than flatbed trailers.
Exposure to the elements: Ladder deck trailers are usually open and cargo is exposed to the elements during transport. This can easily lead to problems such as damage to the cargo. While the use of tarpaulins can partially solve this problem, it may still not work for fragile or sensitive items.
Low load capacity: It has a relatively low total load capacity and is not well suited for carrying overweight cargo.
Loading and unloading is not convenient for standard terminals: due to the stepped design, loading and unloading of step deck trailers usually
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Step Deck Trailer Dimensions and Loading Height
The Step Deck Trailer is designed to make loading cargo both easy and efficient. It is ideal for tall or heavy cargo. Below are the specific steps for loading:
Ensure balance
Cargo Positioning: Unlike flatbed trailers, the cargo on a step deck trailer should be placed as far forward as possible. This ensures that the trailer is balanced and the tyres wear evenly. At the same time, placing the cargo near the front not only helps with balance, but also extends the life of the tyres.
Use a ramp: If the trailer is equipped with a ramp, cargo can be easily loaded from the rear. This is because ramps enable the cargo to be moved smoothly onto the trailer and are particularly suitable for heavy or irregularly shaped items.
Securing cargo
Straps and chains: Ensure that the load is securely fastened with straps or chains to avoid shifting or tilting during transport. Make sure the tools are tight when securing to keep the goods stable.
Check fixing: Check all fixing points to ensure there is no looseness before transport.
Specialised loading
Tyre protection: Pay special attention to the position of the centre of gravity and tyre pressure when loading to avoid overloading and causing tyre damage. Maintain professional handling and ensure that all steps comply with safety regulations.
Co-operation with Chinese trailer manufacturer Truckman
Truckman is a professional trailer manufacturer. With our customization service, we can tailor-make a trailer to meet your transport needs. Whether you aim to transport construction equipment, machinery, or extra-high cargo, we have the perfect solution. In addition to ladder deck trailers, we can also offer a wide range of trailer types such as lowbed trailers as well as flatbed trailers.