The simple answer: they’re all specialized trailers used for transporting oversized or heavy freight. Step decks, lowboys & RGNs each have their own quirks & features, but generally, all their decks (or beds) are much lower to the ground.
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This unlocks 3 major benefits when using any of these trailers:
Gain an extra few feet in height, which is extremely useful when freight is too tall to be loaded onto a regular flatbed. This provides ample clearance for tall cargo, such as construction machinery, industrial equipment, or large vehicles, ensuring that the cargo can be transported safely without any height-related restrictions.
The lower deck height of these trailers helps them maintain stability and balance during transportation. It reduces the risk of top-heavy cargo shifting or swaying, enhancing the overall safety of the hauling process.
The low deck height simplifies the loading and unloading process for heavy equipment. It provides a lower incline (or ramp angle), making it easier to drive machinery onto or off the trailer. This feature is particularly beneficial for equipment with low ground clearance or those requiring specialized loading/unloading equipment.
Now that you’re up to speed on the overall benefits of step decks, lowboys & RGNs, we’re going to talk about each of them, what makes them special and common examples of freight they’re used for.
So without wasting any more time, let’s get into it!
So the first thing when comparing step decks, lowboys & RGNs is understanding what an ordinary step deck is.
Also known as drop decks, single-drops or step frames. Step decks have a lower deck height compared to standard flatbed trailers. They feature a lower deck at the back and a higher deck at the front, creating a step-like configuration. This means that freight laid on the main bed of the trailer can have a max height of 10′ 2″ of compared to just 8′ 6″ on a regular flatbed.
If you’d like to learn more about the sort of freight often used on flatbeds, we’ve written a helpful article comparing them to conestogas.
Key facts:
What sort of freight would require a step deck?
Lowboy trailers, also known as low loaders, double decks or double drops are designed with an extremely low deck height. These are designed for some of the tallest freight you can transport by road. Being only 18″ off the ground means that freight on lowboy trailers can have a max height of 11′ 6″ instead of just 10′ 2″ on a regular step deck trailer.
A common question we often hear at PEI is:
“There’s less height on a step deck, why wouldn’t I just use a lowboy everytime?”
And the answer is this: unless you NEED the extra 1′ 4″ provided by a lowboy, you’re going to be better off opting for a step deck. Lowboys are more expensive to operate than step decks and you’ll likely end up paying more for a lowboy.
Key facts:
What sort of freight would require a Lowboy?
RGN trailers, also referred to as removable gooseneck trailers (or just goosenecks) have a detachable front section called a…
You guessed it!
A gooseneck.
This detachable section allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo. The gooseneck is attached to the towing vehicle and can be hydraulically raised and detached, creating a ramp for loading equipment onto the trailer. You often find this useful when the freight needs to be carefully unloaded.
Oftentimes, you’ll find the term RGN is used only to describe the removable gooseneck aspect of the trailer, but in most cases an RGN is essentially a lowboy trailer that can be detached from the front. Whereas a standard lowboy cannot.
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RGNs are commonly used for transporting heavy and oversized loads that require specialized equipment for loading and unloading, such as construction machinery or industrial equipment.
At PEI, we’re no stranger to RGNs. In fact we used one to transport a live whale through downtown Atlanta!
The flexibility of the RGN meant that the folks at Georgia Aquarium could have their whale delivered right to their back-entrance where they safely unloaded the animal.
Generally speaking, the heavier and larger the cargo, the more likely you’ll need to use an RGN.
Key facts:
What sort of freight would require an RGN?
At PEI we’re experts in dealing with specialized freight and can handle yours with any custom requirements.
After more than 25 years in the trucking business, one truth stands out: the trailer you choose can make —or break— your shipment.
If you’re a growing business moving freight across North America, selecting the right trucking trailer can significantly impact your bottom line. The trailer you choose affects not only what you can ship—but also how efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively it arrives. This guide will walk you through the most common types of trucking trailers, when to use each, and how to make the best choice based on your cargo’s size, weight, and destination.
Whether you’re new to logistics or scaling your operations, understanding trailer types is essential for navigating cross-border or regional ground transport across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
In the trucking industry, choosing the right trailer type is critical to ensure your cargo is transported safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulations. Each trailer serves a specific purpose depending on what you haul — be it bulk liquids, oversized equipment, or temperature-sensitive goods. Below, we break down the most widely used trailer types and when to use them.
Flatbed trailers (also commonly known as Flat Decks) are open-deck trailers without sides or a roof, ideal for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo. They come in a variety of lengths and axle configurations, allowing flexibility in accommodating different weight distributions and freight dimensions.
A step deck trailer, also known as a drop deck trailer, is a variation of standard flatbed trailers that features a lower deck, making it ideal for moving taller freight that would otherwise exceed height restrictions. Frequently used in the agricultural, industrial, and construction sectors, step decks offer added clearance without the need for special permits.
One of the most common trailers used in the trucking industry, dry van trailers are enclosed units designed to protect cargo from the elements during transit. These trailers are widely used for a variety of freight types and offer a secure environment for general goods.
A temperature-controlled equipment type, reefer trailers are a key category of trailers in the trucking industry designed to ship perishable goods in a controlled environment. They function as mobile refrigerators, preserving product quality over long hauls.
RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailers are specialized units with a detachable front that allows self-propelled equipment to be driven on and off. Known for their versatility in handling heavy-duty cargo, they come in various trailer size configurations—including extendable options for oversized cargo. These trailers are commonly used to haul freight such as cranes, bulldozers, and other massive industrial equipment across long distances.
A variation of drop-deck trailers, Double Drop trailers feature two drops in deck height—one behind the front deck and one before the wheels. These are ideal for shipping tall or oversized machinery while remaining within legal height limits. Many lowboy trailers are equipped with additional axles to handle the extreme weight of heavy machinery while complying with axle weight regulations across North America.
A specialized trailer designed for hauling liquids, chemicals, or powders, tankers play a critical role in transporting freight that cannot be loaded into standard enclosed trailers. This category includes both traditional cylindrical tankers and ISO tank containers, which are intermodal-compatible and meet strict global safety standards.
Shipping freight across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico involves more than just picking a trailer—it’s about understanding regulations, road conditions, and logistics networks.
Working with a logistics partner that understands these lanes and compliance issues can help you avoid delays and reduce costs.
Choosing the best trailer type isn’t just a box to check—it’s a strategic decision that affects everything from delivery timelines to cargo safety and cost efficiency. With so many options—flatbeds, step decks, dry vans, reefers, RGNs (including extendables and double-drops), tankers, and ISO tanks—it’s crucial to understand what each trailer offers and when to use it.
At Latin American Cargo, we specialize in matching the right equipment to your shipping needs—especially for cross-border and specialized freight. Whether you’re scaling your operations or venturing into new markets, we’re here to help.
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