When you plan to transport some heavy equipment or construction materials, you need to contact a reputable shipping company to do so. Shipping companies offer various shipping methods depending on the size and height of the cargo involved. Semi-trucks, for example, can attach different types of trailers to cater to the kind of cargo. The usual trailer used on most shipments is a flatbed trailer.
Occasionally, you may have seen a trailer with two decks carrying loads like tractors, excavators, heavy machinery, construction equipment and building materials. This type of truck is called a step deck trailer, and it has its unique reasons why it is suitable for specific cargos. Like a flatbed trailer, the step deck trailer also has no doors, side cover, and roof.
When to Use a Step Deck Trailer
Depending on cargo type, some may require additional permits if the height exceeds the legal limit. A step deck with a height of 5 feet from the ground may be more suitable in this case. With its 2-deck design, the upper deck is as high as a flatbed trailer. On the other hand, the bottom deck has a lower height which is 3 feet 6 inches from the ground. Besides, the low center of gravity makes it more stable in carrying heavier loads.
Another situation wherein using step decks are more suitable is when there is diversity in the cargo needed to be transported. When there is a need to transport heavy equipment and construction materials, it would be cost-effective to use a step deck trailer. The taller equipment is loaded on the bottom deck, while the top deck will carry the other materials.
Lastly, with the bottom deck being closer to the ground, forklifts can easily load the heavy equipment onto the trailer since they do not have to raise their forks as high as 5 feet from the ground.
Related article: When Is the Best Time to Use Step-deck Shipping?
Factors that Determine the Cost of Step Deck Freight Shipping
A shipping company will recommend a suitable type of trailer based on the cargo type. Trailers with doors and walls on both sides are relatively more expensive than using open deck trailers like a flatbed and step deck.
For step decks, other considerations would determine the cost the customer has to pay.
- The logistics company would need to evaluate the type of cargo and consider the necessary documentation.
- Another factor to be considered is the method of shipping. A full buy cheap ativan online truckload (FTL) shipment method offers the lowest cost per weight or number of products if there is enough cargo. Otherwise, shipping through the less-than-truckload (LTL) method is the better option for limited cargo size.
- The amount of fuel used in relation to the distance and location will also be considered for the price quotation. There is a possibility that the destination is an area that may be hard to reach or pass through. Even if the distance is short, but with challenging terrains along the way, this may give more stress to the truck, which would need to use up more fuel.
Cost of Step Deck Freight Shipping
Prices to transport cargo are unique for each shipping company and transaction. After considering all the factors that would affect the final cost, a formal quotation will be given to the customer.
To give you an idea of shipping costs, let us consider the following variables:
- Distance from Toronto to New Brunswick: 670 miles
- Fuel cost per mile: CAD 0.55
- Method and type of shipping: Full truckload (FTL) / open trailer (step deck)
- Average shipping cost per mile: CAD 3.13 (includes overhead costs, maintenance, and other variable expenses)
The first step in getting the estimated quotation for this scenario is to compute the fuel cost to cover the total distance travelled. By multiplying the fuel cost per mile to the total distance, the expense would amount to CAD 368.50.
The next step is to compute the total average shipping expenses. So by multiplying the shipping expenses by the total distance, this would amount to CAD 2,097.10. The final price quotation for this transaction would be CAD 2,465.60.
Choose Shipping Company with Step Deck Trailers
To save on additional costs from permits to ship your cargos that include tall equipment, choose a shipping company with step deck trailers to deliver your cargo. Also, consider consolidating all your items that need to be shipped to fully load a single trailer, as this will save you from spending on multiple shipping transactions.
If your focus is more on shipping equipment that is taller than 9 feet, you still have the option of choosing an LTL shipping method to cut expenses. For these types of shipping concerns, you can contact Ontario Container Transport at (905) 695 1501. We can assure you that we have a wide range of trucks and trailers to accommodate any of your shipping needs.