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Step deck drop-deck trailer for oversized freight transport
Quickway Transports

Step Deck Transport

Drop-deck trailers for tall freight and mid-size equipment, nationwide coverage

Step Deck Transport

Nationwide Step Deck Transport and Stepdeck Trucking

Step deck transport uses drop-deck trailers with two deck heights: a short upper deck above the wheel wells and a lower main deck that sits closer to the ground. This two-level design lets step deck freight that is too tall for a standard flatbed (over 8.5 feet) move legally without the heavy permitting burden of a full RGN. Quickway Transports is an FMCSA-licensed broker (MC# 1245224) connecting shippers with a nationwide network of stepdeck trucking carriers.

Step decks are ideal for agricultural equipment, mid-size construction machinery, large vehicles, and tall industrial components. The lower deck height, typically 36–42 inches, allows loads up to approximately 10 feet tall to move under most overpass clearances with standard oversize permits. We handle carrier matching, routing, and all permit logistics end to end.

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Key States Served TXCAFLILMNNC All States →
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FMCSA Licensed

MC# 1245224

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Step Deck Experts

All trailer types

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Permit Experts

All 48 states

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1-Hour Response

Fast quotes

Freight Types

Step Deck Freight We Move

agriculture

Agricultural Equipment

Planters, sprayers, tillage equipment, and smaller combines often fit on step-decks without the full RGN permitting burden. Ideal for seasonal farm equipment moves.

construction

Construction Machinery

Skid steers, compact track loaders, small excavators, telehandlers, and scissor lifts are frequently transported on step-deck trailers with minimal permit requirements.

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Large Vehicles & Buses

Charter buses, RVs, large trucks, and specialty vehicles that exceed standard flatbed height limits move safely on step-deck trailers with standard oversize permits.

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Wind Energy Components

Smaller wind turbine nacelles, hub assemblies, and component boxes that do not require full superload permitting are good candidates for step-deck transport.

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Industrial Components

Large HVAC units, electrical switchgear, industrial racks, and tall manufacturing equipment that exceed flatbed height limits but don't require RGN configurations.

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Tall Palletized Freight

Machinery crates, fabricated steel structures, and tall palletized industrial freight that won't fit under a flatbed tariff can be accommodated on step-deck trailers.

Also Transport

agriculture Agricultural Equipment Transport construction Excavator Transport wind_power Wind Turbine Transport local_shipping RGN Transport local_shipping All Heavy Haul Services
FAQ

Step Deck Transport, Common Questions

A step deck (also called a drop-deck) trailer has two deck levels. The upper deck is above the rear axles (about 60 inches from the ground, like a standard flatbed). The lower main deck drops down to about 36–42 inches, allowing taller freight to be transported legally under most highway overpasses. In stepdeck trucking, this design carries loads too tall for a flatbed without full RGN permitting.
On the lower deck, most step-decks allow freight up to approximately 10 feet tall (including the 36–42 inch deck height) with standard oversize permits. Legal height for unrestricted travel is 13.5–14 feet in most states. Some corridors allow up to 14.5–15 feet with special routing.
A standard flatbed sits at about 60 inches from the ground and can carry freight up to about 8.5 feet tall without permits. A step deck's lower deck sits at 36–42 inches and handles freight up to approximately 10 feet tall. Step decks are used when cargo is too tall for a flatbed but doesn't require the heavier permit burden of an RGN.
A step deck does not have a removable gooseneck. It loads from the rear via a fold-down ramp or a detachable rear axle. An RGN drops the front gooseneck to the ground to allow tracked equipment to self-load. RGNs handle heavier, taller loads. Step decks are the right choice for mid-size machinery and tall freight that doesn't need superload permits.
A standard step deck has a payload capacity of approximately 40,000–48,000 lbs, with a legal GVW of 80,000 lbs. The exact capacity depends on trailer configuration and axle count. Overweight permits are available for heavier loads.
Usually yes for oversize loads. If freight exceeds 8.5 feet wide, 13.5–14 feet tall (varies by state), or 80,000 lbs GVW, oversize or overweight permits are required. Step deck loads typically require fewer and less expensive permits than RGN or superload moves. We handle all permits for every state on the route.
Get a Quote

Get a Step Deck Transport Quote

Response within 1 business hour

Provide your freight or equipment details and we'll confirm the right trailer type, handle permits, and match you with a qualified stepdeck trucking carrier. Free quote, all 48 states.

Do you have any questions?

Call us today at

+1 (631) 898-4248