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USA Trucker Choice

Step Deck Dispatch Services

Move Over-Height Freight at Premium Rates

Disclosure: This dispatch service is operated by the same team behind USA Trucker Choice. Learn more.

Why Choose Our Step Deck Dispatch

Step deck trailers handle the freight that dry vans and standard flatbeds can't — over-height loads up to 10 feet tall without requiring oversize permits. Our dispatch team focuses on the heavy industrial, construction, and manufacturing sectors where step deck demand stays strong year-round. We coordinate permits when needed and negotiate rates that reflect the specialized nature of your equipment.

$3.00-$4.10/mile

Rate Per Mile

$21,000-$28,000

Typical Monthly Gross (industry range)

Key Benefits

  • Dedicated industrial and construction shipper network for consistent loads
  • Permit pre-filing for multi-state oversized routes
  • Rate negotiations that reflect step deck scarcity relative to standard flatbed
  • Load planning that accounts for deck height requirements and weight distribution
  • Escort and pilot car coordination for permitted loads
  • Seasonal demand forecasting for wind energy and infrastructure projects

Required Certifications

  • ✓Standard MC authority
  • ✓Oversize/overweight permit experience
  • ✓Heavy haul endorsement (recommended)
  • ✓Cargo insurance ($100K minimum, $250K preferred for heavy haul)
  • ✓Load securement certification

Step Deck Market Rates by Region

Northeast

$4.25/mi

Gross Monthly: $29,750

Net Monthly: $19,338

Southeast

$3.37/mi

Gross Monthly: $23,590

Net Monthly: $15,334

Midwest

$3.59/mi

Gross Monthly: $25,130

Net Monthly: $16,335

South Central

$3.77/mi

Gross Monthly: $26,390

Net Monthly: $17,154

Mountain West

$3.76/mi

Gross Monthly: $26,320

Net Monthly: $17,108

West Coast

$4.12/mi

Gross Monthly: $28,840

Net Monthly: $18,746

Typical Step Deck Loads We Book

Heavy construction equipment (excavators, loaders)
Industrial machinery and generators
Large HVAC units and mechanical systems
Military vehicles and equipment
Agricultural equipment
Manufacturing components over 8'6" tall
Modular building sections

Step Deck Challenges We Solve

1

Finding consistent backhaul loads for specialized equipment

2

Multi-state permit coordination adding 24-48 hours to booking

3

Weight distribution compliance on stepped deck surfaces

4

Limited load board postings compared to dry van and flatbed

5

Trailer maintenance costs from heavy equipment loading/unloading

Step Deck Dispatch by State

Select your state for location-specific step deck rates, lanes, and regulations.

Northeast

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Southeast

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Midwest

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South Central

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Mountain West

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West Coast

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Other Equipment Types We Dispatch

Dry Van

$2.20-$3.10/mile

Reefer

$2.60-$3.60/mile

Flatbed

$2.80-$3.80/mile

Hotshot

$1.80-$2.80/mile

Box Truck

$1.50-$2.40/mile

Car Hauler

$0.90-$1.60/vehicle-mile

Tanker

$3.00-$4.20/mile

Power Only

$1.50-$2.30/mile

Intermodal

$1.80-$2.70/mile

Dump Truck

$80-$150/hour or $2.50-$4.00/mile

Step Deck Dispatch FAQ

A step deck owner-operator running steady miles typically grosses somewhere in the $21,000-$28,000 per month range, at per-mile rates of roughly $3.00-$4.10/mile. That is a general industry range rather than a projection of what you would earn with us — actual earnings depend on your lanes, hours of service, and whether you run dedicated or spot market. Our dispatch team focuses on maximizing your loaded miles and minimizing deadhead.
Our dispatch fee of 5-8% covers everything: load booking across direct shippers and load boards, rate negotiation, paperwork handling (BOLs, rate confirmations, PODs), detention and accessorial billing, 24/7 support, and load planning. There are no hidden charges — the fee only applies to loads we book for you.
To run step deck freight through our dispatch, you'll need: Standard MC authority, Oversize/overweight permit experience, Heavy haul endorsement (recommended), Cargo insurance ($100K minimum, $250K preferred for heavy haul), Load securement certification. If you're missing any of these, our onboarding team can guide you through the process.
We book a wide range of step deck freight including Heavy construction equipment (excavators, loaders), Industrial machinery and generators, Large HVAC units and mechanical systems, Military vehicles and equipment, and more. Our team matches loads to your equipment specs, preferred lanes, and earning goals.
Our dispatch team proactively addresses the biggest step deck challenges: Finding consistent backhaul loads for specialized equipment. Multi-state permit coordination adding 24-48 hours to booking. Weight distribution compliance on stepped deck surfaces. We've built processes and shipper relationships specifically to mitigate these issues for our operators.

Get a Free Dispatch Consultation

Tell us about your operation and we'll create a custom dispatch plan.

No commitment required. We'll review your information and reach out with a personalized dispatch plan.