What Are Step-deck Trailers?

A step-deck trailer is a type of specialized trailer that is ideal for hauling tall loads. They feature a lowered, extended deck that allows them to carry taller cargo. This makes them ideal for transporting items such as vehicles and machinery, including farm equipment. You can also equip step-deck trailers with winches and tie-downs, making them even more versatile.

Difference Between a Flatbed and a Step-deck Trailer

There are a few different trailers that you can use to ship your farm equipment. The most common are flatbed trailers and step-deck trailers. Here is a brief overview of the differences between these two types of trailers:

• Flatbed trailers have a completely flat surface. They are restricted to carrying smaller pieces of farm equipment. A forklift or crane will be required to load equipment due to the height that the trailer bed sits off the ground.
• Step-deck trailers are great for shipping larger pieces of farm equipment as the well portion of the trailer is considerably lower than that of a flatbed.

Advantages of Using Step-deck Trailers for Transporting Farm Equipment

Here are just a few of the benefits of using step-deck trailers for farm equipment:

• Step-deck trailers are versatile. You can equip them with unique features, such as winches and tie-downs, to make them even more versatile.
• Step-deck transportation is an excellent option when shipping larger pieces of farm equipment, making it easier to load and unload by way of a ramp.
• You can avail the services of step-deck trucking companies on an as-needed basis, providing an affordable option for farmers who do not have the budget for a dedicated fleet of vehicles.
• You can move loads taller than 8 1/2 feet without a permit. The lower deck is closer to the ground, thus allowing more room for cargo to clear height limits.

Consequently, flatbed trailers offer a versatile and cost-effective solution when transporting smaller pieces of farm equipment.

Get Step-deck Trailer Services With MGA International

Step-deck trailers provide an excellent option when transport of farm equipment is required. MGA International is one of the leading transport and logistics companies in Canada. We provide step-deck trailer services that are reliable, cost-effective, and efficient. We also have a wide variety of other transport options to suit your needs. Contact MGA International today to learn more about our services or to request a free, no-obligation quote.

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For the best service, look for step deck trucking companies that provide other transportation solutions. That way, you can build a strong business relationship with a single source. When it comes to having goods shipped, that makes a huge difference. Keep in mind that sometimes, these sources refer to themselves as drop deck trucking companies.

The Step Deck Truck

The type of truck used for step deck transportation services doesn’t have sides, a roof, or any doors. In those ways, it’s similar to a flatbed truck. The difference is that a drop deck truck has two deck levels, consisting of one level positioned higher with a shorter second level positioned closer toward the front.

With this design, the shorter deck level goes over the edge of the truck unit. However, it also drops down, which makes it easy to accommodate tall loads. A benefit of using one of the best drop deck trucking companies is that this truck provides extra space. As a result, it can transport more cargo compared to other types of shipping trucks.

Key Benefits of Step Deck Transportation

Beyond accommodating more freight, there are additional benefits for employing the services of step deck trucking companies.

Height Permits

The primary reason for the increased demand for drop deck trucking companies is that these trucks accommodate tall loads. Even better, there’s no need to secure a permit. So, that speeds up the overall process of getting freight delivered.

Easier Loading and Unloading

Similar to flatbeds, without doors, a roof, or sides, it’s easy to load and unload onto a step-down truck. One key difference is that with the two decks of different levels, a forklift can handle the loading and unloading process. That eliminates the need to use heavy cranes, which in turn reduces safety risks.

Diversity

Although multiple industries benefit from using the services of step deck trucking companies, construction depends the heaviest on this type of cargo transportation. Again, with the unique deck design, the trucks can handle all kinds and sizes of equipment and material.

Your Most Trusted Transportation and Logistics Source

MGA International Logistics ranks among the most respected step deck trucking companies. With access to a superior fleet, highly qualified drivers, and experts guiding the shipping process, customers rely on us. For a free, no-obligation quote, give us a call today.

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What Is a Flatbed Trailer?

A trucking company will use a flatbed to send wide or large items that you need a forklift to load. A company might use those for hauling machinery, construction equipment, or tools. There are some limitations to these trailers.

Many of them are around 48 to 53 feet long. That means that the maximum weight cannot be more than 48,000 pounds. The standard height and width for your cargo cannot exceed 8 feet and 6 inches. Anything bigger means it becomes a wide load. If you have a wide load, it might need an escort vehicle during transport.

When you have equipment that exceeds the maximum, then you need to turn to step deck trucking transportation. A step deck trailer is just as versatile as a flatbed, except the deck is slightly lower. That means it can accommodate a taller load.

With a step deck, the trailer’s maximum height is 20 inches more than a flatbed trailer. That means you can have a load as high as 10 feet, 2 inches for a standard step deck trailer. If your cargo is something even higher, then you could go with a double-drop flatbed. That has a maximum height of around 11 feet and 2 inches.

Flatbed Trailer Vs. Step Deck Trailer

The main difference between flatbed and step deck trucking transportation is the maximum allowed height. With a step deck, you can transport slightly taller cargo because it has a lowered deck.

The two types of trailers provide versatility. It is also fairly easy to load and unload equipment and other cargo from both trailers because of their open design.

Although both a flatbed and a step deck trailer are the same length and have the same weight limit, a step deck allows you to move taller cargo around. That helps you prevent the need for an escort vehicle or special permits.

Where Can I Find Step Deck Trucking Companies Near Me?

Step deck trailers give you greater versatility than a flatbed trailer. When you are searching for step deck trucking companies near me to haul extra tall equipment, turn to MGA International Logistics. Contact us today for a free quote.

The post How Is a Step Deck Trailer Different From a Flatbed Trailer? appeared first on MGA International.

Looking at the supply chain specific to step deck trucking services, it all starts with a customer calling to request assistance. From there, a logistics expert gets involved in making sure that all the pieces of the puzzle fit. That includes selecting the appropriate truck from a large fleet, assigning a skilled driver, and identifying and monitoring routes to find the fastest and safest.

As part of step deck transportation, the logistics specialist looks for ways to reduce cost, not just from a company’s operating perspective but also to provide customers with the lowest pricing possible. If a customer needs goods stored, logistics requirements will also entail finding and securing appropriate warehousing services. Depending on the situation, that might involve distribution services, as well.

Remember, no two customers and shipments are alike. That means for step deck trucking companies, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, these companies need to provide a supply chain that can accommodate your company where it is now, as well as where you anticipate it being in the future. In other words, it’s important to use services for step deck transportation that can grow with your business.

The Value of Supply Chain Management

One of the many roles of logistics experts is supply chain management. Unless a company can provide a well-organized transport of goods, there’s no way to satisfy any customer. Unlike what some people think, step deck trucking services are somewhat complex. There’s a lot involved from start to finish to ensure a seamless process.

Some of the key factors of a successful supply chain for step deck trucking companies include:

Load Securement – With proper securement, there’s less risk of damages or an unsafe situation. Step Deck equipment and freight is a specialization. The operators need to be trained to ensure your step deck freight is secure and safe.

Improved delivery time – With logistics involved, the best step deck trucking companies can improve on delivery time. This is especially important considering that when a shipment arrives late, not only does it negatively affect the customer, but the end-user it serves.

Enhanced business value – In line with on-time deliveries, when a logistics specialist follows the supply chain, services for step deck transportation enhance the customer’s business value. How? By ensuring that customers have access to equipment and supplies on time without costly site delays.

Effective Coordination

The bottom line is that reputable step deck trucking companies understand how critical logistics is for their success and the success of their customers. Today, millions of companies, locally, nationally, and internationally, rely on the trucking industry. When you need this type of assistance, it’s to your advantage to choose a company that has in-house logistics and a supply chain management system.

MGA International Logistics, a highly respected source for step deck trucking services, offers an incredible solution at a competitive price. You can learn more by visiting our website or call to speak with a company representative for personalized service.

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