Equipment
Step Deck
Use a step deck when freight is 8 ft 6 in to 10 ft tall and needs open-deck loading.
Dimensions and limits
- Lower deck
- 37-43 ft
- Upper deck
- 11 ft
- Deck height
- ~40 in
- Max payload
- 48,000 lbs
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Extra legal height
- Ramps for drive-on freight
- No permit needed up to 10 ft
Limitations
- Slightly lower payload than flatbed
- Upper deck limits long freight
- Still needs tarping
Freight examples
- Tractors
- Tall crated machinery
- Bulk bins
Frequently asked questions
When is a step deck required instead of a flatbed?
Once freight exceeds about 8 ft 6 in tall, a flatbed would go over height. A step deck's lower deck buys you ~20 in.
Do step decks carry ramps?
Most do, rated for equipment up to roughly 20,000 lbs.
Related pages
Other equipment
Related services
Book step deck capacity
Send us the lane, commodity, weight, and pickup window. You will get a firm rate and confirmed capacity, usually within the hour during business hours.