Step Deck (Drop Deck) Freight Shipping
A lowered deck that clears bridges for taller freight a flatbed can't legally haul.
Best for: Freight 8.5–10 ft tall that won't clear on a flatbed but is still legal height.
Pricing
Per mile at a step-deck premium, plus securement/ramp accessorials.
Typical weight
Up to 48,000 lbs
Equipment
48–53 ft step deck with lower main deck and ramps
Transit
2–3 days regional, 4–6 days cross-country
About Step Deck Freight
Step deck (also called drop deck) trailers have a lower main deck than a flatbed, giving extra vertical clearance for freight that would exceed the 13.5 ft legal height limit on a standard flatbed. That lower deck means taller machinery, tractors, and equipment can ship on the open deck without oversize-height permits. Step decks also carry their own ramps for roll-on/roll-off loading of wheeled or tracked equipment. KeepShippin prices step deck per mile and matches carriers with ramps and securement rated for your specific load height and weight.
Common Commodities
- Tall machinery
- Tractors & farm equipment
- Industrial tanks
- Construction equipment
- Prefab structures
Key Accessorials
- Ramps (roll-on/roll-off)
- Chains & binders
- Tarping
- Winch (non-running loads)
- Oversize permits (if applicable)