Flatbed vs Step Deck vs RGN vs Lowboy
If your freight won't fit in a dry van, you need an open-deck trailer. But which one? The wrong choice costs you money in wasted space, permit fees, or worst case — a load rejection at the scale.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specification | Flatbed | Step Deck | RGN | Lowboy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Height | 60 in | 34–38 in (lower) | 18–24 in (well) | 18–22 in (well) |
| Max Cargo Height | 8'6" | ~10' | ~11'6" | ~12' |
| Max Length | 48–53 ft | 48–53 ft | 29–37 ft (well) | 24–30 ft (well) |
| Max Payload | 48,000 lbs | 48,000 lbs | 42,000–150,000+ lbs | 40,000–80,000+ lbs |
| Drive-On Ramp | No | No | Yes | No |
| Loading Method | Crane/forklift/side | Crane/forklift/rear | Drive-on or crane | Crane only |
| Permits Needed | If over 8'6" W or 13'6" H | If over 8'6" W | Almost always | Almost always |
| Relative Cost | $ | $ | $$ | $$ |
Decision Tree: Which Trailer?
Step 1: Will it fit in a dry van?
- If yes → Use a dry van (cheapest option)
- If no → Continue
Step 2: Is the cargo under 8'6" tall and under 48,000 lbs?
- If yes → Standard Flatbed
- If no → Continue
Step 3: Is the cargo 8'6"–10' tall?
- If yes → Step Deck
- If no → Continue
Step 4: Can the equipment drive onto the trailer?
- If yes → RGN
- If no → Lowboy (crane-loaded)
Step 5: Is it over 80,000 lbs gross?
- If yes → Multi-axle RGN or Lowboy with overweight permits
Real-World Examples
| Freight | Best Trailer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Steel I-beams (40 ft, 42,000 lbs) | Flatbed | Standard dimensions, side-loadable |
| John Deere 310L Backhoe (11 ft tall) | Step Deck | Too tall for flatbed, can ramp onto lower deck |
| CAT 330 Excavator (65,000 lbs) | RGN | Self-propelled, needs drive-on ramp, overweight |
| Mining haul truck (120,000 lbs) | Multi-axle Lowboy | Ultra-heavy, crane-loaded |
| Wind turbine blade (150 ft) | Specialized extendable | Requires escort and route survey |
| Precast concrete wall (9 ft tall, 35,000 lbs) | Step Deck | Tall but within step deck limits |
Permit Requirements for Oversize/Overweight
| Dimension | Legal Limit | When Permits Required |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | Over 8'6" — every state |
| Height | 13 ft 6 in | Over 13'6" — most states |
| Length | 53 ft (trailer) | Over 75 ft overall — varies |
| Gross Weight | 80,000 lbs | Over 80,000 — every state |
Permit costs: $15–$100+ per state, plus potential pilot car requirements ($400–$800/day per car). Multi-state oversize loads can cost $1,000–$5,000+ in permits alone.
Securement & Tarping
All open-deck loads must comply with FMCSA securement rules (49 CFR Part 393):
- Chains for heavy equipment and steel (Grade 70 or 80)
- Straps for lighter, packaged freight (working load limit varies)
- Tarps — 6' or 8' drops; lumber tarps for stacked loads; machine tarps for equipment. Tarping typically costs $50–$150 extra per load.
- Coil racks for steel coils
- Edge protectors to prevent strap damage
How Pricing Works
Open-deck rates are higher than dry van due to:
- Limited backhaul — flatbeds often deadhead one direction
- Specialized equipment — less available than dry vans
- Loading time — strapping and tarping adds 1–3 hours
- Permits — oversize/overweight adds direct costs
| Trailer Type | Avg Rate/Mile (2026) |
|---|---|
| Flatbed | $3.00–$4.00 |
| Step Deck | $3.25–$4.25 |
| RGN (standard) | $4.00–$6.00 |
| RGN (multi-axle) | $8.00–$15.00+ |
| Lowboy | $5.00–$10.00+ |
The Bottom Line
Match your freight to the simplest (cheapest) trailer that safely handles the dimensions and weight. Flatbed first, step deck for height, RGN for drive-on equipment, lowboy for the heaviest crane-loaded freight.
Need open-deck quotes? Request a quote from Indray — we dispatch flatbeds, step decks, RGNs, and lowboys nationwide.
