Step Deck Truck Driver Jobs
Step Deck driving positions with O Trucking. Competitive pay at $2.68/mile, 24/7 support, choose your loads.
O TruckingStep Deck Market Snapshot
Spot Rate
$2.68/mi
Contract Rate
$3.18/mi
Avg Weekly Gross
$5,200
What It's Like to Drive Step Deck
Step deck is flatbed's specialized sibling. Your trailer has a lower deck that drops to about 42 inches, giving you an overall height clearance of 10'2" — enough to haul tall freight that would need expensive oversize permits on a standard flatbed. Excavators, agricultural combines, industrial machinery, prefab building sections, HVAC units — anything over 8'6" tall but under 10'2" fits without permits. The load securement is similar to flatbed (chains, straps, binders), and you need ramps or a detachable gooseneck for driving equipment on and off. What makes step deck lucrative is the competition gap: far fewer carriers run step deck than standard flatbed, so the loads-to-trucks ratio works in your favor. Rates average $0.10-0.15/mile above flatbed, and specialized loads (oversized with permits) can push well above $3.00/mile. If you're comfortable with flatbed work and want to specialize, step deck is the natural next step.
What You'll Haul
Top Step Deck Lanes
Step Deck Requirements
- CDL-A license
- Step deck (drop deck) trailer
- Experience with over-dimension loads preferred
- Clean MVR and CSA record
- Insurance COI with $1M minimum liability
- Understanding of permit requirements for oversize loads
Why Drive Step Deck With O Trucking?
Less Competition
Fewer carriers run step deck, which means the ratio of available loads to available trucks works in your favor.
No Permits (Most Loads)
Loads up to 10'2" tall fit without oversize permits — that's the whole advantage of step deck over standard flatbed.
Rate Premium
Step deck rates average $0.10-0.15/mile above standard flatbed because the equipment is more specialized and harder to find.
Heavy Equipment Market
Construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial components are booming. Step deck is purpose-built for this freight.
Step Deck Jobs by State
Find step deck driving jobs in your state.
Northeast
Midwest
Southwest
Step Deck Driver Jobs FAQ
Common questions about step deck driving jobs with O Trucking.
What do step deck drivers haul?
Anything taller than 8'6" that would need oversize permits on a standard flatbed. Step decks drop the lower deck to 42 inches, letting you haul loads up to 10'2" without permits — excavators, agricultural equipment, HVAC units, prefab building sections.
Do step deck drivers need special permits?
Not for height up to 10'2" — that's the whole advantage. You DO need permits for over-width (wider than 8'6"), which runs $100-300 per state. We handle permit coordination when needed.
How much do step deck drivers earn?
Step deck rates average $0.10-0.15/mile above standard flatbed — typically $2.80-3.20/mile. Less competition because fewer drivers run step deck, so the loads-to-trucks ratio works in your favor.
Can I also haul regular flatbed loads on my step deck?
Yes. Step deck handles anything a flatbed can. Many drivers run standard flatbed loads when step deck-specific freight is slow, effectively doubling their available freight.
What's the difference between a fixed and removable gooseneck step deck?
Fixed gooseneck is simpler and cheaper. Removable gooseneck (RGN) lets you drive equipment directly onto the trailer without ramps — essential for heavy machinery that can't be craned. RGN trailers cost more ($45,000-70,000 used vs $25,000-40,000 for fixed) but access higher-paying loads.
How hard is it to find step deck loads?
Easier than you'd think. Fewer carriers run step deck, so the loads-to-trucks ratio favors drivers. DAT and Truckstop show step deck-specific postings, and we have broker relationships that source step deck freight before it hits the boards. Most step deck drivers stay busy.
Do I need special insurance for step deck?
Your standard commercial auto and cargo insurance covers step deck operations. If you haul oversized loads requiring permits, some insurers charge a slight premium. Cargo insurance minimums are typically $100,000 — same as flatbed. Talk to a trucking-specific insurance agent.
Apply in 60 Seconds
Most step deck drivers start within 48 hours. No long forms — just the basics.