Flatbeds, Step-Decks, and RGNs: Choosing the Right Trailer for Your Equipment
In the world of logistics, "a truck is a truck" until you’re staring at a 12-foot-high industrial generator and a standard 4-foot-high trailer. Suddenly, those few feet of difference become the gap between a successful delivery and a logistical nightmare involving bridge clearances and hefty fines.
At Lantrax Logistics, we know that specialized freight requires specialized housing. Choosing the right trailer isn't just about fitting the cargo; it’s about safety, permit compliance, and (most importantly) your bottom line.
Here is a breakdown of the "Big Three" trailer types to help you decide what your next shipment needs.
1. The Workhorse: The Standard Flatbed
The flatbed is the most versatile and common trailer in the industry. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a level, open platform with no sides or roof.
Best For: Construction materials, crated machinery, steel coils, and lumber.
The Advantage: It can be loaded from the top (by crane), the side (by forklift), or the rear.
The Specs: Standard flatbeds usually sit about 60 inches (5 feet) off the ground.
The Limit: If your cargo is taller than 8’6”, you’re going to run into height restriction issues on most North American highways.
2. The Problem Solver: The Step-Deck (Drop-Deck)
When your cargo is just a bit too tall for a standard flatbed, the Step-Deck steps in. It features a lowered "well" that sits closer to the pavement.
Best For: Tractors, mid-sized machinery, and bulky equipment that exceeds standard height limits.
The Advantage: By dropping the deck height, you can haul taller loads (up to 10’) without needing "Over-Height" permits in most jurisdictions.
The Specs: The lower deck usually sits about 38 to 42 inches off the ground.
3. The Heavy Hitter: The Removable Gooseneck (RGN)
The RGN is the "Transformer" of the trucking world. The front of the trailer (the gooseneck) detaches, allowing the trailer to drop to the ground and act as its own ramp.
Best For: Self-propelled heavy equipment like excavators, bulldozers, or massive industrial components.
The Advantage: No cranes or specialized loading docks needed. If it has wheels or tracks, you can drive it right onto the trailer.
The Specs: These sit incredibly low—often just 18 to 24 inches above the road—allowing for cargo heights of nearly 12 feet.
Why Does the Trailer Choice Matter?
Choosing the wrong trailer doesn't just risk damage to your equipment; it impacts your budget.
Permit Savings: If a Step-Deck keeps your load under the legal height limit, you save money on specialized permits and pilot cars.
Labor Costs: An RGN might have a higher "base" rate, but if it eliminates the need for a $2,000 crane rental to load your bulldozer, it’s the cheaper option.
Safety: A lower center of gravity on an RGN or Step-Deck provides a much more stable ride for heavy, top-heavy machinery.
Let Lantrax Do the Heavy Lifting
Not sure which one you need? You don’t have to be an expert in axle spreads or deck heights—that’s our job. At Lantrax, we specialize in matching your specific cargo with the right equipment and the right carrier.
Ready to move your next load? Contact our specialized freight team today for a quote that fits your equipment perfectly.