Step Deck Heavy Equipment Transport
Built for tall, awkward, and over-dimensional machinery that does not need a well. We lower deck height, clear bridges, and line up permits, routing, and escorts so construction and ag equipment roll without jobsite drama.
Height-first planning
Clearance checks, bridge notes, and pole car calls for tall equipment before we stage a truck.
Drive-on ready
Ramps, dove-tails, and winch help sourced when the load needs to roll on or off without cranes.
Permits + escorts handled
Oversize/overweight permits, pilot cars, and night-move approvals managed by the same desk you call.
30 years in freight
Experience across flatbed, step deck, RGN, and heavy haul lanes.
Open-deck specialists
We match the right trailer, securement, and permits before dispatch.
Responsive updates
You get status, driver info, and quick replies without chasing.
Built for tall machinery
Step decks for over-dimensional and overweight equipment
Cranes, telehandlers, manlifts, pavers, drill support, gensets, skids, tanks, and ag implements often run tall but sit within axle limits. Step decks drop the deck height enough to clear bridges without the cost and downtime of detaching an RGN. We still treat every move like a heavy-haul job: we measure, photograph, and push routing notes before the truck rolls.
When height creeps near utility or signage limits, we pre-wire escorts, flaggers, and pole cars. When weight concentrates, we upsize the trailer or shift to RGN before permits are submitted—no surprise mid-route changes. If attachments or stacks need to come off, we book yard time, forklifts, or cranes and stage hardware so your crew is not left waiting.
When we choose step deck
Step deck vs RGN for heavy equipment
We pick step decks when height is the main constraint and weight spreads across the deck. RGNs win when the load is extremely tall, front-heavy, or needs a deep well for center-of-gravity control. We spell this out during quoting so you know why we chose the trailer and how it affects permits, timing, and cost.
If it tips to RGN instead
We keep the plan intact and shift to RGN or lowboy when the freight requires a well, multi-axle spreads, or a detachable neck. That swap happens before drivers are booked so schedules and permits stay clean.
Choose step deck when
- • Height beats 8'6" but weight is balanced
- • Drive-on/off is faster than crane time
- • Attachments can drop to lower overall height
- • You want fewer escorts versus flatbed height
- • Yard-to-yard moves need quick turns
Choose RGN when
- • The load is extremely tall or front-heavy
- • You need a deep well for center-of-gravity control
- • Multi-axle spreads are required for weight
- • Load/unload needs a detachable neck or winch well
- • Superload thresholds are crossed on key states
Operational plan
How we run step deck heavy equipment
We quote with routing, permit lead times, and escort availability already called out. Once greenlit, we stage the trailer type (standard, spread, stretch if needed), lock ramps if required, and set communication cadences: pre-roll photos, wheels-up confirmation, state line checks, and proof of delivery. If timing depends on plant shutdowns or crane appointments, we anchor those first and wrap the linehaul around them.
Talk to heavy haul dispatch
Ready for routing and permits
Tell us origin, destination, timing, dimensions, attachments, and site constraints. We return a plan with trailer choice, route notes, and permit timelines.
Need drive-on support
Loading, securement, and photos handled
We pre-plan chocks, dunnage, chains, straps, and edge protection for odd shapes. For partial disassembly (blades, exhaust, buckets, tires), we schedule it before the truck arrives so crews are ready. Every move ships with before/after photos and contact info for the driver and escort so your site knows who is inbound.
- • Ramps, dove-tail, and winch options when cranes are off the table
- • Blocking and securement for sensitive housings, booms, and glass
- • Port and rail transfers with TWIC drivers and ground support
- • Yard-to-yard transfers for rebuilds and inspections
Shipping standard step deck freight?
Commodity flatbed or step deck freight, tariff-rate lanes, and rate shopping live at our partner site.
Go to flatbedtrucking.comFAQ
Step deck heavy equipment questions
When is step deck better than RGN for heavy equipment?>
We use step decks when freight is tall but not so heavy or concentrated that it needs a well. It keeps deck height low for height clearance without paying for detach time.
Do you secure permits and escorts?>
Yes. We run dimensions through state tools, secure oversize/overweight permits, and book escorts or pilot cars when height, width, or weight demands it.
Can you handle partial disassembly or load help?>
We coordinate yards or vendors for blade removal, exhaust stacks, tires, or attachments so we clear bridges and ports without delays.
What equipment types fit step decks best?>
Scrapers, telehandlers, manlifts, paving gear, gensets, tanks, skids, drilling support, and ag implements that run tall but stay within axle limits.
Do you provide ramps or drive-on options?>
Yes. We source ramps or dove-tail step decks when drive-on/off matters and add winch or load assistance where sites need it.
Will I get photos and status calls?>
You get pre-roll photos, in-transit updates, and delivery confirmation from the same desk that quoted the move.
Who handles routing for low bridges?>
We run route surveys for low-clearance corridors, adjust approach routes to jobsites, and pair with escorts where required to clear utilities or signage.
Coverage, claims, safety
- Insured coverage: Loads are covered per carrier policies; certificates available on request.
- Claims support: If issues arise, we help gather documents and communicate with carriers quickly.
- Safety first: Securement, routing, and site access are planned up front to reduce risk.
Insured coverage
Loads are covered per carrier policies; certificates available on request.
Claims support
If issues arise, we help gather documents and communicate with carriers quickly.
Safety first
Securement, routing, and site access are planned up front to reduce risk.
What shippers say
“They picked up the phone, shared ETAs, and delivered on time.”
“They picked up the phone, shared ETAs, and delivered on time.”
“Permits and securement were handled before the driver ever rolled in.”
“Fast responses and clear updates kept our crew ready to unload.”