A step deck trailer (also called a drop deck trailer) is the practical choice when your equipment is too tall for a standard flatbed but doesn’t require the specialized lowboy configuration. With an upper deck at standard flatbed height and a lower main deck 10–11 feet off the ground, step decks handle equipment up to 10 feet tall at legal height — no height permits in most states. Freedom Heavy Haul operates step deck trailers for loads across all 48 states, with permits handled in-house for any shipment that exceeds standard dimensions.
A step deck trailer has two deck levels: a short upper deck (at standard flatbed height, ~53 inches) and a longer lower main deck that “steps down” to about 34–36 inches off the ground. This two-level design gives a loaded height of 10–11 feet for most equipment — significantly lower than a standard flatbed, which would put the same equipment at 13–14 feet loaded.
Choose a step deck when:
Choose a lowboy when equipment is over 10 feet tall, over 48,000 lbs, or is tracked self-propelled equipment that benefits from RGN drive-on loading.
Most step deck loads ship without oversize permits if they’re within standard limits. Permits are required when:
Freedom Heavy Haul handles all permit applications when required. For standard-dimension step deck loads, we often ship without any permit requirements, reducing both cost and transit time.
Step deck trailers are used for equipment and cargo that is too tall for a standard flatbed (over 8.5 feet) but doesn’t require the extreme low-profile of a lowboy. Common uses include compact construction equipment, forklifts, scissor lifts, agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery.
Standard step decks handle 42,000–48,000 lbs of cargo weight. Tri-axle step decks can handle up to 51,000–53,000 lbs in states that allow higher axle weights. For heavier loads, a lowboy with multi-axle configuration is the right choice.
With a 34–36 inch deck height, equipment up to 10 feet tall typically transports at 12–12.5 feet — well under the 13.5-foot legal limit. Equipment up to ~11.5 feet tall may transport legally with height permits depending on the route and states involved.
Not always. If your load stays within standard limits (under 8.5 ft wide, 13.5 ft tall, 53 ft long, 80,000 lbs GVW), no permit is required. Many step deck moves ship permit-free, which reduces cost and lead time.
They’re the same trailer — “step deck” and “drop deck” are used interchangeably. Both refer to the two-level trailer design with an upper and lower deck section.
Yes, if the forklift is rated for the equipment weight and the loading area allows safe approach. Most step deck loads are forklift- or crane-loaded from the side or rear. Unlike an RGN, a step deck doesn’t have drive-on capability for tracked equipment.
Tell us the equipment dimensions (height is most critical) and weight. We’ll confirm whether a step deck is appropriate or whether a lowboy would be required. Call (866) 305-6018 for a free assessment.