---
title: "drop deck trailer: Definition and Meaning | NPSA"
description: "A drop deck trailer, often called a step deck, is a flatbed trailer with a lower rear deck."
url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/drop-deck-trailer
publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA)
phone: "(816) 960-6552"
email: info@npsa.org
---

Delivery equipment

# drop deck trailer

A drop deck trailer, often called a step deck, is a flatbed trailer with a lower rear deck. The lower deck allows taller loads to stay within legal height limits. It is used for tall or heavy freight. Some carriers call it a step-deck trailer.

## Why it matters

A drop deck gives more height room than a standard flatbed. Operators may use one to haul tall loads, such as a high cube container with a modification, or a mobile office, while staying within road height limits. The loading height is lower, which can help when a crane or ramp is used. A common mistake is to confuse a step deck with a lowboy. A lowboy sits closer to the ground and suits heavier machines. Check deck length, load rating and tie-down points before you book. Ask the carrier for the real deck sizes, not just the trailer type.

[Read: Container delivery equipment: Tilt-bed, roll-off, side-loader, and crane trucks](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/container-delivery-equipment)

Definition source: [atsinc.com](https://www.atsinc.com/blog/step-deck-lowboy-trailer-definition-comparison)

## Related terms

[### flatbed truck A flatbed truck has a flat, level bed with no sides or roof. It can be a rigid truck or a tractor with a trailer. A flatbed can haul a container but needs a crane or forklift at the drop site to unload it.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/flatbed-truck)[### tag trailer A tag trailer, or tag-along, is a trailer that hitches behind a truck on a drawbar or pintle hitch instead of a fifth wheel. Many tag trailers have decks that tilt so equipment can drive on without ramps. Capacity ranges widely, from light to heavy duty.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/tag-trailer)[### chassis A chassis is a skeletal semi-trailer built to carry a container. It has twistlocks at the corners that lock into the container's corner castings. Chassis are used with tractors to move containers on roads between ports, rail yards and depots.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/chassis)[### high cube container A high cube container is a container that is taller than standard, usually 9 feet 6 inches tall outside, compared with 8 feet 6 inches for a standard unit. It is often written HC or HQ. The extra height adds inside room.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/high-cube-container)[### oversize permit An oversize permit is a state-issued permit that lets a vehicle or load travel on public roads even though it exceeds legal size or weight limits. According to FHWA, the federal government does not issue these permits. Each state decides whether to offer them and sets its own rules.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/oversize-permit)[### crane truck A crane truck is a truck with a crane mounted on the bed or chassis. It lifts a container off a trailer, over fences or onto a tight spot. It is also called a boom truck or loader crane truck.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/crane-truck)

[All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary)

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