More Hawaii Logistics Services
Drop Deck Trailer Transport Oahu: Machinery & Tall Loads
A drop deck, or step deck, trailer has a lower deck about 34 to 42 inches off the ground. Under Hawaii's 14 ft overall height limit, that leaves roughly 10.5 to 11 ft for freight, about 1.5 ft more than a standard flatbed. Preferred Transportation Services moves machinery, generators and other tall equipment across Oahu on drop decks.
Deck heights and height clearance
| Deck | Typical deck height | Freight height under Hawaii's 14 ft limit |
|---|---|---|
| Drop deck, lower deck | 34 to 42 in | About 10 ft 6 in to 11 ft 2 in |
| Drop deck, upper deck | 58 to 62 in | About 8 ft 10 in to 9 ft 2 in |
| Standard flatbed | About the same as the upper deck | About 9 ft; see flatbed trucking |
Freight height is 14 ft (168 in) minus the deck height. Blocking or dunnage under the load takes away from that, so measure the machine from the ground to its highest point with attachments lowered. Loads over 14 ft tall or 9 ft wide need a Hawaii Department of Transportation oversize permit.
Equipment we move on drop decks
- Excavators, skid steers and loaders
- Forklifts, scissor lifts and boom lifts
- Generators, compressors and transformers
- Industrial machinery and production equipment
- Tanks, HVAC units and other tall fabricated items
- Equipment that drives on and needs a low deck to clear the 14 ft limit
For steel, lumber and pipe that fit under 9 ft, use our standard flatbed trucking.
Drop deck trailer transport on Oahu
We move tall equipment between Honolulu Harbor, equipment dealers, rental yards, plants and job sites in Honolulu, Kapolei, West Oahu, Waipahu, Pearl City, Ewa Beach and the rest of Oahu. Tracked and wheeled machines can drive onto the lower deck, and crated equipment loads by forklift or crane.
Lower deck for height
The lower deck sits 34 to 42 in off the ground, so tall machines stay under the 14 ft limit.
Upper deck for the rest
Attachments, buckets and pallets ride on the upper deck in the same load.
Unloading at the site
Pair the trailer with forklift delivery for crated equipment at sites without a lift.
How heavy equipment is secured
Federal cargo securement rules cover machines on wheels or tracks that weigh 10,000 lbs or more (49 CFR 393.130). Buckets, booms and other accessory equipment must be fully lowered and secured, articulated machines must be kept from bending, and the machine needs at least four tiedowns, placed as close as practical to its front and rear or to its tie-down points. Send us the machine's weight and tie-down points when you book.
Oversize loads and permits
Hawaii limits vehicles to 14 ft tall and 9 ft wide including the load, and a semitrailer to 48 ft long. Anything larger needs an oversize permit from the Hawaii Department of Transportation before it moves on state highways. On Oahu, HDOT's Highways Division takes applications by email at DOT.HWYO.Permits@hawaii.gov; fees run $5 to $25, and HDOT notes that excessive loads can take at least three weeks to review.
Drop deck, flatbed or container?
- Drop deck: machinery and equipment between about 9 and 11 ft tall.
- Standard flatbed: steel, lumber, pipe and pallets under about 9 ft. See flatbed trucking in Honolulu.
- Container: equipment that arrives in an ocean container moves from the harbor with container drayage.
For a side-by-side look at trailer types, read our step deck vs. drop deck trailer guide.
How to book a drop deck move
- Send the pickup and delivery addresses and the date the equipment is ready.
- Give the make and model, or the length, width, height and weight.
- Tell us how it loads: drive-on, forklift or crane.
- Note site limits such as narrow streets, overhead lines, low wires or soft ground.
Request a quote online, call (808) 509-8160 or email freight@preferredhawaii.com.
Drop deck trailer FAQ
What is the difference between a drop deck and a flatbed?
A drop deck has a short upper deck and a longer lower deck that sits 34 to 42 in off the ground. A standard flatbed has one deck at about upper-deck height. The lower deck gives roughly 1.5 to 2 ft more freight height.
How tall can equipment be on a drop deck in Hawaii?
About 10 ft 6 in to 11 ft 2 in on the lower deck, depending on the trailer, because Hawaii limits a loaded vehicle to 14 ft. Blocking under the load reduces that.
Do I need a permit to move tall equipment on Oahu?
Yes, if the loaded vehicle is over 14 ft tall or 9 ft wide. The Hawaii Department of Transportation issues oversize permits, and large loads can take three weeks or more to review.
How is heavy equipment secured on the trailer?
Machines of 10,000 lbs or more need at least four tiedowns, with buckets and booms lowered and secured, under federal rule 49 CFR 393.130.
When should I use a flatbed?
Use flatbed service when freight is oversized, heavy, irregular, or easier to load from the side or top.
Can flatbed delivery support construction projects?
Yes. Flatbed transport is commonly used for building materials, equipment, and project cargo.
Related services
Flatbed trucking · Forklift delivery · Container drayage · Short-term storage · Industrial and manufacturing logistics
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