Standard Stepdeck Trailer Specifications

FlatbedSource.com offers professional traffic managers the standard stepdeck (sometimes referred to as "dropdecks) specifications to assist them in load planning. The standard stepdeck is 48' in length. However, some of the new stepdecks that are coming out in the market are 53' in length and offer much more flexibility for the traffic/shipping managers. Most of the 53' aluminum stepdeck trailers are lighter in weight allowing more weight to be hauled. The most significant advantage for the shipper is the legal load height the stepdeck presents - most stepdeck are 36" to 40" off the ground vs. the 60" height a standard flatbed presents. The lower stepdecks allow legal loads to be as high as 10' 6"! Keep in the mind that the load from ground to the top of your freight can not exceed 13' 6".

The picture to the right gives you a good visual of what a standard stepdeck trailer specifications actually are. Again, trailer length, width, and type (steel vs. aluminum) vary. The average weight a stepdeck can carry is around 45,000 lbs. How much a stepdeck can load depends on the load and how the weight is distributed. The D.O.T. that keeps the tractor trailers within the legal weight limits regulate gross weight (80,000 lbs - everything included) to axle weight.

It is critical to know what kind of stepdeck you are ordering from your top trucking companies. You CAN get specific but just know that the more specific you get, the less likely the equipment will be at your back door within 24 hrs!