Step Deck Freight Trailer Trucking Service

Step Deck Freight Transportation Solutions Nationwide!

FMCSA Licensed & Bonded Freight Broker (Cargo Insurance Covered)

U.S. Military-Approved Freight Broker (Department of Defense Authorized)

Call Us at 630-222-5770 / 630-800-3474

Step Deck Freight Trailer Trucking Service

Step Deck Trailer Service, Step deck Freight Broker, Step Deck Broker

At Compare Transport LLC, we specialize in nationwide step deck freight shipping designed to move tall, oversized, and heavy cargo that standard flatbed trailers cannot accommodate. With more than 15 years of experience in freight brokerage and logistics, we connect shippers with trusted carriers who operate the most reliable step deck trailers across the United States and Canada.
Whether you need a full truckload (FTL) or less-than-truckload (LTL) solution, our step deck freight transportation services ensure that your cargo is handled with precision, safety, and efficiency from pickup to delivery.

What is Step Deck Transportation?

Step deck transportation (also called drop deck trucking) is a specialized freight solution that uses trailers designed with two deck levels: an upper deck and a lower deck. The lower portion of the trailer sits closer to the ground, giving more vertical clearance for hauling tall equipment and oversized cargo without violating height restrictions.
This type of transportation is commonly used for construction equipment, heavy machinery, industrial parts, and other freight that exceeds the height limit of a standard flatbed trailer. It eliminates the need for additional overheight permits in many cases, saving time and reducing shipping costs.

Benefits of Step Deck Transportation
Choosing step deck trailers for your freight provides several advantages:

  • Higher Load Capacity: Safely transport cargo up to 10 feet tall without requiring special permits.
  • Versatility: Suitable for tall, wide, or heavy loads that flatbeds cannot legally carry.
  • Ease of Loading & Unloading: Lower deck height allows forklifts and ramps to load cargo more efficiently and securely.
  • Improved Safety: Cargo sits lower to the ground, which provides more stability during transit.
  • Cost Savings: By avoiding extra permits and using the right trailer, shippers reduce expenses and avoid delays.

In short, step deck transportation offers safety, flexibility, and cost efficiency for oversized freight.

Broker vs. Direct Transport What’s the Difference?

When shipping freight, businesses often wonder whether to hire a freight broker or work directly with a transportation company (carrier). Both have their advantages, but they serve different roles.


Working with a Freight Broker Compare Transport LLC

  • Carrier Network Access: Brokers have relationships with hundreds of carriers, giving you more options.
  • Cost Savings: Brokers negotiate competitive rates and find the most cost-efficient routes.
  • Flexibility: If one carrier isn’t available, the broker can immediately connect you with another.
  • Single Point of Contact: The broker manages paperwork, compliance, tracking, and customer service.
  • Specialized Expertise: Brokers match you with the right equipment (such as step deck trailers) for your specific freight.


Working Directly with a Carrier

  • Limited Options: You only get access to that company’s equipment and drivers.
  • Fixed Pricing: Rates may be higher since you don’t have multiple carriers competing for your load.
  • Scheduling Challenges: If their trucks are full or unavailable, you may face delays.
  • Direct Relationship: Some shippers prefer dealing directly with one carrier for repeat lanes.


The Key Benefit of Using a Broker

The main advantage of using a freight broker is flexibility and cost efficiency. Instead of being tied to a single carrier’s availability and rates, brokers like Compare Transport LLC give shippers access to a nationwide carrier network, expert negotiation, compliance checks, and full shipment monitoring.
This means you get the best equipment, the best price, and the most reliable service—without the stress of managing it all yourself.

Why Choose Step Deck Transportation?

Not all shipments can fit onto a standard flatbed trailer. When your freight exceeds height restrictions, a step deck trailer (also known as a drop deck) is the best choice. These trailers feature a dual-level deck, with a lower section that allows taller equipment and machinery to be transported legally without requiring overheight permits in most cases.

Key Advantages of Step Deck Shipping:

  • Height Flexibility: Move loads up to 10 feet tall without extra permits.
  • Improved Safety: Lower deck height means forklifts and loading equipment can load/unload more safely.
  • Efficient Handling: Ramps and specialized equipment make shifting heavy machinery easier.
  • Versatility: Ideal for construction machinery, oversized freight, building materials, oil and gas equipment, and more.


With Compare Transport LLC, you get a customized solution that matches your freight’s dimensions, weight, and delivery schedule.

Our Nationwide Step Deck Freight Services

We offer comprehensive step deck freight brokerage services that include:

  • Full Truckload (FTL) Step Deck Shipping: Perfect for large shipments that require exclusive use of a trailer. Our network of carriers provides the right equipment for oversized loads, ensuring maximum safety and compliance with DOT regulations.
  • Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Step Deck Options: For smaller shipments that don’t require a full trailer, our brokers arrange cost-effective LTL step deck shipping. This helps reduce transportation costs while still providing secure handling for sensitive cargo.
  • Specialized Equipment Options: We provide access to a wide variety of step deck trailers to meet your unique needs:
    -Standard Step Deck Trailers – 37–43 feet in length, carrying up to 45,000 lbs.
    -Extendable Open Deck Trailers – 38–61 feet in length, ideal for longer cargo.
    -3-Axle Step Deck Trailers – Handle up to 65,000 lbs. for heavier loads.
    -3-Axle Extendable Step Deck Trailers – 38–68 feet in length for maximum flexibility.
  • No matter the size or weight, we have the right solution to move your freight safely.

Freight Commonly Shipped on Step Deck Trailers

Our team arranges transportation for a wide range of tall and heavy cargo. Some of the most common freight we move includes:

  • Construction machinery (excavators, bulldozers, diggers, boom lifts)
  • Industrial equipment (forging machinery, drilling rigs, compressors)
  • Oil, gas, and petrochemical equipment (high-pressure storage tanks, skids, vessels)
  • Building materials and oversized construction supplies
  • Agricultural equipment and farm machinery

If your load is too tall for a flatbed, we’ll find the perfect step deck solution.

Safety and Compliance at Every Step

At Compare Transport LLC, safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our freight brokerage process ensures that every carrier we work with meets the highest industry standards. Before assigning a load, we carefully evaluate each carrier’s:

  • Safety record and compliance history
  • Driver qualifications and years of experience
  • Equipment quality and trailer type
  • Business stability and reliability


This diligence means our customers benefit from peace of mind, knowing their freight is in the hands of professionals committed to delivering safely and on time.
We also provide real-time tracking and proactive communication throughout the entire shipping process, so you’ll always know where your freight is.

 

Benefits of Step Deck Shipping with Compare Transport LLC

When you partner with us for your step deck freight needs, you gain more than just a trailer. You gain a logistics partner committed to making your shipping experience stress-free.

  • Height Permits Avoided: Many tall loads can be shipped without requiring extra permits.
  • Simplified Loading/Unloading: Safer forklift access and ramp features for heavy cargo.
  • Cost Savings: Optimized routing, negotiated carrier rates, and efficient load planning.
  • Nationwide Coverage: Step deck freight solutions across all 48 states and Canadian provinces.
  • Customized Solutions: Tailored recommendations for your cargo type and delivery requirements.

How Our Step Deck Freight Brokerage Works

We act as the link between shippers and carriers. Here’s how our process works:

  1. Consultation: We review your cargo specifications, including weight, height, length, and destination.
  2. Carrier Selection: Our team identifies the most reliable and cost-effective step deck carrier from our network.
  3. Negotiation & Planning: We handle all rate negotiations, paperwork, and compliance checks.
  4. Shipment Monitoring: From pickup to delivery, we track your shipment and provide updates in real-time.
  5. Safe Delivery: We ensure your cargo arrives intact, on time, and without unnecessary complications.
    It’s logistics made simple.

Step Deck vs. Flatbed Why Choose Step Deck?

While flatbeds are versatile and widely used, they have limitations when it comes to height. Step deck trailers solve that problem.

  • Feature: Deck Height
    Flatbed Trailer: Single level
    Step Deck Trailer: Two levels (upper + lower)
  • Feature: Max Load Height
    Flatbed Trailer: ~8’6” without permits
    Step Deck Trailer: ~10’ without permits
  • Feature: Best For
    Flatbed Trailer: Standard oversized cargo
    Step Deck Trailer: Taller machinery & equipment
  • Feature: Ease of Loading
    Flatbed Trailer: Standard forklift use
    Step Deck Trailer: Easier loading from ground

When your load requires extra clearance but you want to avoid the hassle of permits and delays, step deck is the smarter option.

Reducing Costs with Step Deck Brokers

Shipping oversized freight can be expensive, but our brokerage solutions are designed to reduce costs while maintaining quality. By leveraging our nationwide carrier network, we:

  • Find the right trailer for your shipment
  • Eliminate unnecessary fees by avoiding incorrect equipment choices
  • Negotiate competitive rates with trusted carriers
  • Optimize routes for efficiency and fuel savings

With Compare Transport LLC, no shipment is too big, too small, too close, or too far. We make sure every load is handled with care, at the best possible price.

Why Work with Compare Transport LLC?

We stand out from other logistics providers because we combine industry experience, advanced technology, and customer-first service.

  • Certified, Experienced Drivers: We only work with carriers who meet strict requirements.
  • High Safety Standards: Our partners adhere to DOT regulations and industry best practices.
  • 24/7 Real-Time Tracking: Always know the status of your freight.
  • Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprise charges.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Your satisfaction is our priority, from quote to delivery.

Get Started with Step Deck Freight Shipping Today

If your shipment is too tall for a flatbed trailer, a step deck solution is the answer. At Compare Transport LLC, we provide affordable, reliable, and professional step deck freight brokerage services across the United States and Canada.Call us today at
630-222-5770 to request a free freight quote and let our experts match your shipment with the best carrier.
From heavy machinery to oversized construction equipment, our logistics professionals are here to keep your supply chain moving with safe, efficient, and cost-effective step deck transportation.

Get a Free Quote

Call Us at 630-222-5770 or 630-800-3474 Now! And Get Started with a Reliable Trucker & Freight Broker in Illinois