What is a Step Deck Trailer?
In the world of moving large industrial machines, the step deck trailer is a vital asset. These flatbed trailers can stretch over 50 feet long and are known for their two-tiered platform with an upper deck up front and a lower deck on the back. This lower deck in particular is a major feature that allows for otherwise oversized equipment to be transported without the need for extra permits. Versatile and with great carrying capacity, the step deck trailer can achieve a lot. Here are some of the machinery a step deck trailer can handle as well as the important information to have when planning your transport.
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What Equipment Can a Step Deck Trailer Handle?
The step deck trailer can be versatile in the equipment it can handle. Here is a quick overview:
Taller Industrial Machinery
Taller industrial machinery is a great option for the step deck trailer to take advantage of the lower platform/extra clearance. Equipment like large cranes/rigging systems, digging machines, large saws, and many other large machinery can be comfortably transported.
Manufacturing Equipment
Manufacturing equipment like storage tanks, centrifuges, industrial mixers, generators, and more can all fit comfortably on a step deck trailer. The large machinery and heavy weights are easily handled by a step deck.
Large Crated Equipment
Large crated equipment, similarly, makes for a great option to transport on the step deck trailer. Large crates can be strapped down easily while taller boxes can comfortably fit in the lower platform to give adequate clearance on the roads.
Oversized Palletized Loads
Oversized palletized loads are another great option for the step deck trailer. The unruly sizes of oversized pallets can be easily handled by the large carrying capacity of the step deck while ensuring there are no issues regarding clearance on the roads.
Construction Equipment with Height Clearance Needs
Construction equipment is the pinnacle of things to haul on the step deck trailer. The lower platform is tremendously important for larger machinery to be able to safely move around the roads without costly damages.
What Information is Needed Before Scheduling a Step Deck Trailer?
Before you schedule a step deck trailer to help haul, there is some vital information to collect. Here are some of the major factors to consider:
Equipment Weight
Before any hauling can take place, the equipment weight is a major factor. This ensures the trailer can handle the weight as well as providing important information surrounding axle weight on bridges to allow for safe transportation.
Equipment Dimensions
At the same time, understanding the dimensions of the equipment is vital. This includes height, but also width to see what trailer size is best for the equipment at hand.
Overall Height Requirements
The overall height requirements are vitally important. The step deck trailer is best to take advantage of taller equipment as the lower platform can provide essential clearance on the roads.
Pickup and Delivery Access
Outside of the equipment itself, ensuring the facilities have easy access for pickup and delivery is vital for a smooth operation. Barred access can cause major workflow issues, and can even totally derail a move if access cannot be granted quickly thereafter.
Loading and Unloading Requirements
Especially for large equipment, understanding any specific loading or unloading requirements is vital to a successful move. Large equipment may require additional tools to successfully move, like a forklift or some sort of rigging operation.
Any Special Handling Instructions
At the same time, any special handling instructions for your equipment or the facilities should be provided as well. Movers can only be as good as the information you give them – don’t hold any info back!
Step Deck Trailer vs. Other Heavy Haul Options
Step deck trailers aren’t the only option for heavy hauls. Here is how some of these trailer options stack up against one another:
Step Deck Trailer vs. Sliding Axle Trailer
The sliding axle trailer stands apart from the step deck due to its flat platform during transportation, but also its ability to hydraulically lower the end of the trailer to the ground to allow for easier loading. The step deck trailer really excels here with its lower platform that can transport taller equipment that wouldn’t work on a sliding axle.
Step Deck Trailer vs. Double Drop Trailer
The double drop takes the dropped trailer to another level. While the step deck trailer only has one upper platform and one lower deck, the double drop has both of these platforms alongside a lower well in the middle. This provides additional clearance on top of what the step deck trailer can achieve. That said, the ground clearance of the double drop is very minimal, which can impact transportation.
We Move Machines & Equipment Across CT & the North East
Sullivan Industrial Services is warehoused in Milford, CT with a second location in Bloomfield, CT, and serves small and large businesses throughout Connecticut and the North East including but not limited to:
Hire a Step Deck Trailer with Sullivan Industrial Services
For large equipment transportation, especially taller equipment, look no further than the step deck trailer with Sullivan Industrial Services. With years of experience of transporting unruly machinery, you can rest easy that your equipment is in good hands. Before scheduling, be sure to gather the vital pieces of information for the transportation team. From there, be amazed by the efficiency that we work with. To get your step deck trailer day scheduled, contact Sullivan Industrial Services today.
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