What Is a Step Deck Trailer?

The "step" is the drop between the short upper deck (over the truck) and the long main deck, which sits around 3′6″ high — about a foot lower than a flatbed. That foot allows cargo up to roughly 10′ tall to travel without over-height permits.

Step decks are the workhorse for mid-size equipment: backhoes, mini excavators, forklifts and compact tractors, plus tall crated freight. Ramps make drive-on loading routine, and capacity is plentiful, which keeps rates competitive.