Single Drop Trailer - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

A single drop trailer, or a step deck trailer, features two sections at different heights.

This design offers a unique configuration for loading and unloading goods.

The front part sits higher than the rear section, allowing it to handle diverse freight dimensions.

By using this type of trailer, businesses can transport tall items without worrying about overhead clearance issues on the road.

These trailers are ideal for shipping oversized loads that, due to height restrictions, don’t fit in standard dry vans or flatbeds.

With its lower deck height, a single drop trailer provides a safe platform for heavy or bulky items, making them easier to load and secure during transportation.

Single-drop trailers have a deck that drops once, making them ideal for carrying loads slightly taller than standard flatbed trailers.

These types of trailers help businesses move large items efficiently without needing special permits for height.

Conversely, double-drop trailers feature two drops in their deck — one after the gooseneck and another before the wheels.

This creates a lower center section called a “well,” perfect for transporting taller items, like construction machinery or factory equipment.

Both types serve essential roles in freight shipments but cater to different needs based on cargo height and weight requirements factors.

A single drop trailer’s deck height is about 3 feet, 6 inches off the ground.

This specific measurement is crucial for businesses that ship tall or oversized loads.

Traditional flatbed trailers can’t always handle these types of cargo due to height restrictions on roads and bridges.

A low deck means taller items can be transported without hitting overhead obstacles.

Transporting items that surpass standard size limits requires careful planning and the right equipment.

With a maximum freight height capacity reaching 11 feet, 6 inches, these trailers accommodate goods that would otherwise exceed legal height limits.

Moving from deck height considerations, let’s focus on the length of a single-drop trailer.

They range from 48 ft. to 53 ft., providing ample space for various types of cargo.

This length is perfect for accommodating oversize loads that need more space than usual.

Businesses looking to transport large items will find this trailer size ideal, as it matches transportation efficiency with payload needs.

Single drop trailers offer a maximum width of up to 8.5 feet, ensuring that while the length can handle long cargoes, the width supports wider loads without exceeding legal limits.