Difference Between Drop Deck And Step Deck Trailer
Are you running a business and looking for the best options for deck trailers in the market? Need clarification on different trailers available in the market? Well! It depends on how you use it and what stuff you want to ship using these trailers. Usually, these trailers ship vehicles, so you must see what vehicle you use. The market is full of amazing trailers such as heavy haulers, drop decks, step decks etc. and choosing one is difficult, but once you clear the purpose, the decision will be easy.
Regarding shipping vehicles, drop deck and step deck trailers are the top choices, so it is essential to understand the clear difference between them.
Let’s have a look at the difference between them:
Differences
Size
First, let’s talk about the size of these two trailers, which makes them serve different purposes. Drop or flat decks usually have a height of five feet off the ground and can carry standard-size loads. On the other hand, step decks have two deck heights, as is evident by the name step deck. A shorter upper deck of 11 feet clears the tractor axle, and a five feet pulls and connects with the trailer.
And the second lower deck ranges between 32-42 feet and is typically three to six inches off the ground. It can easily carry freight of 10 feet. Best trucking companies in Ontario and nearby areas usually have both options for their customers.
Weight
Usually step deck trailer is usually heavier than the drop deck, so it is also categorized as a heavy hauler.
Standard freight on the step deck
The size, weight, and shape differ, so both trailers carry different freight. In the case of the step deck, specific sizes are allowed, but each state has different rules for the weight and height of the freight.
Following is the list of the most common freight transported using a step deck:
- Tractors
- Excavators
- Building materials
- Agricultural materials
- Machinery
Standard freight on the drop deck
These trailers carry various types of freight, huge quantities or heavy items, as they are drop decks, so the taller cargo is not recommended to transport on it.
Following is the list of the most common freight transported using a drop deck:
- Raw material
- Construction supplies and equipment
- Lumber
- Heating and cooling units
- Formed concrete
- Vehicles
What should you choose?
As mentioned earlier, it depends upon the customer’s needs. That is why it is important to discuss everything with the dealer or best trucking companies in Ontario, so they can show you the best option available to ensure everything is clear. Both trailers maintain their limitations and have different types of usage, but it is essential to check with your legal authorities before deciding on a specific state.
A third option, a double drop trailer, is used for extra large and heavy cargo. As it is clear from the name, the double drop trailer has two decks providing extra space, making it the preferred choice for heavy freights.
Conclusion
To cut it short, both drop deck and step deck trailers have specifications that can fulfil a job according to your need. You can easily find these trailers in the best trucking companies in Ontario and enhance your business in no time. These trailers bring ease in shipping and do the job on challenging roads. If you are a business owner, working with a third party to ship the freight is suggested rather than investing in it.