Flatbed vs Step Deck vs RGN: Which Trailer Does Your Load Actually Need?

If you've ever asked for a heavy haul quote and been hit with 'is that going on a flatbed or an RGN?', this guide is for you. The right trailer isn't a preference, it's math. Your machine's height decides most of it.

Flatbed: the workhorse

A standard flatbed deck sits about 5 feet off the ground, and most routes allow 13'6" of total height. That leaves roughly 8'6" for your cargo. Skid steers, small excavators, pallets of steel, lumber, if it's under 8'6" tall and under 48,000 lbs, a flatbed is usually the cheapest way to move it.

Step deck: one step lower

A step deck (or drop deck) has a lower main deck, about 3'6" off the ground, buying you roughly 10 feet of cargo height. Mid-size excavators, wheel loaders and taller crated machinery that would be over-height on a flatbed ride legally on a step deck without permits. Expect a modest price bump over flatbed for the same lane.

RGN / lowboy: for the big iron

A removable gooseneck (RGN) drops the deck to about 18 inches off the ground, and the front detaches so tracked machines can drive up. Dozers, large excavators, cranes, anything tall, heavy or that can't be loaded from a dock belongs here. RGNs cost more per mile and multi-axle configurations add cost fast, but they're the only legal option for a lot of iron.

The 30-second decision

Under 8'6" tall → flatbed. 8'6" to 10' → step deck. Over 10', over 45,000 lbs, or drives on under its own power → RGN. LoadLoom's instant quote does this classification automatically from your dimensions, enter the machine's real height and the engine picks the right service class and prices the permits if you're over-dimensional.