Step Deck Legal Dimensions

A stair deck trailer, also known as a lower-deck trailer or low-deck trailer, is a commercial trailer designed to carry high cargo that exceeds the legal height limit when transported on a conventional low-loader. Transporting large cargo on a stepped bridge eliminates the need for drivers and operators to obtain permits. Due to the open-air nature of these trailers, decks also offer limited protection from the elements, even if they are camouflaged. For any cargo where protection during transport is an issue, a stepped deck does not meet your requirements Low loaders are another commonly used type of trailer. Their measurements vary from trailer to trailer, but they are generally between 24 and 53 feet (7.3 and 16.2 meters) long. Like graduated deck trailers, platforms do not have sidewalls, but their deck is usually higher than the lower platform of a stair deck trailer, making it easier for drivers to reach the legal load height limit. For this reason, you should expect to pay more money to move merchandise that requires a lowboy trailer instead of a step bridge. Shipping devices such as those described in this article is not an easy task. You need 100% professionalism every step of the way to ensure a smooth and safe journey. What the lowboy abandons throughout the well room, he compensates for with the height capacity. And the maximum legal height of any cargo carried by a low trailer can reach 11 feet, 6 inches – as long as the trailer is 24 inches above or below the ground.

Size: 51` x 102″ three-axle A/R; 40ft lower deck with container locks (20s and 40s) and 11 feet above Note: If you need it, step decks also provide a deployable ramp to move cargo to/from their deck. This is especially convenient for shippers/consignees without cranes or other riggers on site for loading and unloading. A double-drop trailer is a type of graduated deck trailer that has two drops instead of one. The central platform is the lowest, which can hold goods up to 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) high and nearly 29 feet (8.8 meters) long. Most standard graduated deck trailers can carry goods with the legal maximum weight and dimensions. The maximum legal dimensions and weights for progressive deck trailers are as follows: Heavy goods and machinery are usually transported on progressive deck trailers due to their larger size. Each state has different laws regarding cargo size, but generally the maximum height is 13`6″ to 14`, even with a permit. This is especially important to ensure driver safety and clearance for bridges. Double-deck trailers are used for particularly large and heavy loads. They take their name from the two upper decks – one forward, one aft – which reserve a lower deck. The lower deck is commonly referred to as the „well“.

Stair deck trailers can only carry goods less than 10 feet 2 inches high before they become oversized. For this reason, if you hope to move goods that exceed this height, you should use a more specialized type of equipment. The typical stair trailer is between 48 and 53 feet (14.6 and 16.2 meters) in length, while it is 102 inches (2.6 meters) wide. Today we are here to help you decide if a stepbridge or lowboy trailer is best for your needs. In the transport industry, we measure the legal capacity of a lorry and trailer by subtracting the weight of the semi-trailer plus the weight of the empty trailer by £80,000. You may come across graduated deck trailers with ramp capability, which make it easier for drivers to load and unload large equipment, although you can place the load on the lower platform using a forklift. When it comes to the main differences between stair deck trailers and flatbed trucks, the altitude capabilities most separate the two. If you are considering renting or buying a trailer to carry heavy loads, read on to make sure you choose the right trailer for your needs.

Lowboy trailers – especially lowboy RGNs – are a more specialized type of equipment than your traditional stair deck trailer. Consisting of an upper deck and a stern section close to the ground, the most common stair trailers can carry loads up to 10 feet, 2 inches high before being considered oversized. Platforms are a large, indispensable trailer without sides or roof, often used for standard-sized loads. For heavier cargoes, many platforms have the option to add additional axles to meet federal weight guidelines. Technically, drop-down and stair deck trailers are platforms with additional bridges. Given the legal dimensions, the following factors must be taken into account when choosing between a stair trailer or a flatbed trailer: On a standard deck trailer, you can download up to a maximum of 10` from the lower deck. That`s above the maximum height of 8`6″ on a standard flat bed. The standard bunk bed is best used when height is not a factor. Bed height is usually 60 to 62 inches, so 8`4″ to 8`6″ height is available for legal shipments. Federal regulations require trailers to maintain a certain number of axles based on the weight of the cargo. Using a lower-deck trailer with additional axles helps drivers and operators transport heavy goods without additional licenses.

When trying to choose between a stair deck and a low deck, you need to consider both size and weight. Loading a stair trailer can be done from any side as it has no side walls. The lower platform is several meters above the ground and supports most of the trailer load. Cyclists typically place larger pieces of equipment on the lower platform to comply with height restrictions and may not require a permit. Low loaders can be made of aluminum, steel, and composite materials and have options for additions such as curtain walls, extendable decks, and multi-level decking (drop-down deck). They have a standard deck height of 5 feet and can carry loads up to 8`6″ tall. You can recognize a stair trailer by its double-platform construction. Platforms vary in height, so you can place large cargo lower to stay within height limits.

The lower platform is useful when transporting large equipment such as excavators and tractors. The standard length of the stepped bridge is 11` for the upper decks and 37` to 41` for the lower decks. A staircase and a drop bridge are different names for the same thing. A drop bridge or step bridge, whatever you want to call it, looks like a low-loader that contains a „step“ at the end of the trailer driver. Step Decks and Drop Decks trailers are both wide open and homeless. Stair deck trailers are useful for a variety of tasks. Due to their pulling capacity and clearance from the ground, stepped decks are a good choice for both elevated and oversized loads. For example, things like wood and related equipment, pipes and steel, petroleum products, concrete products and coils are usually transported on stair trailers. The lower platform of a stair trailer is used to give the driver the ability to load large loads without exceeding height limits.

For example, if your cargo is more than 2.6 metres (8 feet 6 inches) tall, consider a stair trailer instead of a low-loader trailer. This trailer is used to tow units that are too high to safely transport a standard platform on the highway. The stair deck trailer can carry parts up to 10`. The following list shows the general permissible total load dimensions for commercial trailers, including the tread deck and the roadbed.