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A step deck hotshot trailers is a versatile piece of equipment. They’re a great choice for transporting taller freight that wouldn’t fit on a standard flatbed trailer.
They’re also easier for forklifts to load and unload, especially if they’re lower to the ground than flatbeds. Plus, they can avoid height restrictions, which can help reduce the number of permits necessary.
Size
Step deck hotshot trailers are a great option for hauling freight that is too tall to fit on flatbed trailers. This is especially helpful if the cargo or equipment you need to haul exceeds 10 feet 2 inches in height, as it gives you additional space for your cargo to be safely transported.
While a step deck trailer is similar to a standard flatbed trailer, the main difference is that a step deck trailer has a lowered deck for hauling heavier goods. This enables freight to be shipped with greater stability, resulting in better load securement and less damage from falls.
Another advantage of step deck trailers is that they offer a higher maximum height than flatbeds, which can be important for bridge clearance. This makes them a great option for hauling loads that are too tall for flatbeds, and allows you to avoid paying extra fees for obtaining permits.
Moreover, step deck hotshot trailers have the capacity to accommodate more than one load at a time. This can help you save money on fuel and allow for more efficient loading and unloading at each end of your haul.
This is particularly true of step deck trailers that are equipped with a double drop deck, which has a front upper deck and a back lower deck. With this setup, you can easily stack goods in the rear of the trailer, allowing you to maximize the capacity of the step deck hotshot trailer you have.
Some step deck trailers also feature removable goosenecks, which are an excellent choice for hauling loads that are too tall for standard flatbed trailers. These goosenecks are available in fixed-neck and removable styles, and you can choose which type is best suited to your needs.
Aside from the flexibility of these trailers, they also provide a wide variety of load sizes and can handle a range of shipping applications. For example, they can haul a variety of different types of machinery, including cranes, trucks, tractors and more.
As a rule, these trailers can handle a weight of 16,500 pounds and measure 40 feet in length at their longest. This means that they’re a cost-effective way to move freight for many shippers. However, if you need more capacity than this, a specialized trailer may be a better choice.
Weight
When you need to transport a cargo that exceeds the height limit for flatbed trailers, a step deck hotshot trailer may be the right trucking option. This type of trailer has a lower deck that allows taller loads to be carried safely without requiring permits.
A step deck trailer is typically used for hauling large vehicles and equipment that cannot be accommodated on a flatbed. It has a lower and upper deck, and this allows for easy loading and unloading of goods, as well as a reduced risk of damage due to overload.
Another benefit of using a step deck hotshot trailer is that it can be less expensive than a flatbed trailer. These trailers can be hauled with class 3-6 trucks and are significantly less expensive than flatbed trailers, which often require class 7-8 trucks.
The weight of a step deck trailer can vary, depending on the size and cargo it is carrying. It can be anywhere from 48,000 to 16,500 pounds, which is considerably more than the weight of a standard flatbed trailer.
There are also other factors that can affect the load’s weight, such as how much it weighs per square foot and whether or not it has an air brake system installed. The air brakes can help you stop the trailer faster, especially if you are towing a heavy load.
Step deck trailers are available in a variety of lengths, including 48 and 53 feet. These trailers have a payload capacity of up to 48,000 pounds, making them a great choice for overweight freight.
They are also popular for shipping oversized loads to and from long distances, as they are not limited by width and length restrictions like traditional flatbed trailers. Whether your shipments need to be moved across a city, a county or the country, we have the right trailers for the job.
In addition to being safer for your cargo, step deck trailers are also more flexible than traditional flatbed trailers. Because they can be adjusted to fit a variety of cargo, they are a cost-effective way to move your load.
Load Securement
Whether you’re a truck driver or just a cargo hauler, load securement is a key part of transporting freight. An improperly secured load could shift, dislodge, fall or damage your rig and your cargo.
In addition, failure to comply with load securement regulations can result in fines and other penalties. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces the North American Cargo Securement Standard to ensure that trucks and trailers can carry loads safely on public roads.
The process of securing a load begins with assessing the load and the appropriate tie-down equipment. Tie-downs consist of chains, straps or other securing devices that attach to an anchor point on your rig and restrain your freight. The working load limit (WLL) of each tie-down device should be equal to or greater than half of your total load’s weight.
Once you’ve figured out the correct equipment for securing your cargo, plan the layout of your trailer. You want to start out with a low center of gravity, then move outward until you’ve created an even surface with the right weight distribution across all sides.
You should also consider the angle of the horizontal tie-down to its anchor point on your trailer, as this affects how much downward pressure it exerts against the cargo. A lower angle means less pressure, and this can make your load more vulnerable to shifting.
When securing your load, you should also consider the type of cargo and its weight. For example, if you’re transporting a large amount of lumber, you may prefer using a chain binder to keep it secured in place. Alternatively, if you’re transporting piping or other softer materials, a cargo strap may be the better option.
It is important to take the time to properly secure your load before every trip. It’s a non-negotiable safety step that helps prevent accidents and keeps you in compliance with the laws and regulations of the road.
The best way to get started is to fill out a Secure Load Best Practice Checklist for the items you’re planning to haul. It should be filled out before each load and reviewed each time you load a new piece of equipment. Keeping track of each step will help you ensure that you’re always following the right procedures and complying with all regulations.
Safety
Whether you’re hauling cargo from one location to another or across state lines, you’ll need to be sure that you’ve got all the right equipment. This is especially true if you’re a transportation service that handles heavy freight or oversized loads.
Flatbed trailers are an essential tool for many companies, but they have their own limitations when it comes to transporting taller loads. Depending on the specific laws in your area, you might need to get special permits/procedures if you want to exceed the height limit of a typical flatbed.
If you’re hauling a load that’s taller than 8 feet 6 inches, a step deck might be the better option for you. They’re about 2 – 2.5 feet lower than the typical flatbed, which allows you to keep your logistics to a minimum and avoid paying extra charges for exceeding the height limit.
These trailers are also easier to load because their lower deck is less likely to fall down, making them easier to access. They also have ramp capabilities, which can make it more convenient to load self-powered machinery or other large goods.
The best way to ensure you’re using the appropriate trailer is to consult with a transportation provider and explain your needs to them. This will give them the opportunity to source you a suitable trailer that meets your requirements and offers the lowest pricing.
While most hotshot truckers use a gooseneck trailer, it’s important to know that there are many other types of trailers available to suit your specific needs. This is especially true if your product requires a specialized type of trailer that’s more difficult to navigate, such as a lowboy.
To help you stay safe when driving, a trailer with electric over hydraulic disc brakes is an ideal choice. These disc braking systems are operated by an in-cab controller that activates a small hydraulic pump to send fluid to the brakes. They’re a great choice for hotshot trailers because they can save you time and money in the long run, even if you don’t need them every day.
