Step deck (drop deck) freight rate per mile
$3.00 - $3.85/mile
National-average reference range (DAT 2026 basis, all-in including fuel surcharge). Reference ranges only, your lane, season, and fuel will move these. Always price your own load. Price your load with the calculator below.
Low end
$3.00/mi
High end
$3.85/mi
Typical fuel economy
6.3 mpg
What drives the Step Deck rate
- Height clearance: loads over 8.5 ft that cannot fit a standard flatbed drive dedicated demand.
- Permit requirements add lead time and cost on tall or wide freight.
- Fewer step decks than flatbeds in the total fleet supports a consistent rate premium.
- Capital equipment and machinery shipments track manufacturing and infrastructure spend cycles.
How to price your Step Deck load
Verify the loaded height before quoting: loads over 8.5 ft likely need permits that add cost and transit time. Price from the step-deck spot index and add permit fees as a flat surcharge before running the calculator.
Open load profit calculatorFrequently asked questions
Step deck (drop deck) is $3.00-$3.85/mile all-in (DAT 2026 national average). Your specific lane, season, and fuel costs will move these numbers significantly in either direction, so always price from your actual lane data before accepting a load.
