Lowbed or step deck? The height decides.
Gooseneck lowbeds and step decks for machines and plant. Compare your load on both against the 4.3 m height limit, then we move it on our own fleet.
- 4.3 mThe legal height limit
- 5 lowbedsPurpose-designed goosenecks
- 5 step decksFor long, lower loads
One load, two trailers.
- 01
The load
Height first. This generator set stands 3.4 m tall, 2.5 m wide and 7.6 m long.
- 02
Step deck
Its lower deck is about 1.05 m high, so the set would stand about 4.45 m: over the 4.3 m limit.
- 03
Lowbed
The well sits about 0.55 m off the road, so the set stands about 3.95 m: under the limit.
- 04
On the road
Loaded and on its way. We run five gooseneck lowbeds and five step decks.
Request a lowbed quote
Your load
Step 1 of 7- Load
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- Trailer
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- From
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- To
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- Loading
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- When
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- Trailer check
- Optional
Lowbed or step deck
Both are built for machines and plant, at different deck heights. Add the load's height to the deck's and keep the total under 4.3 m, the legal height limit. These are typical figures: we confirm the trailer and its exact deck height with your quote.
Gooseneck lowbed
- Well about 0.55 m off the roadLoaded, at its lowest point
- Loads up to about 3.75 m tallUnder the 4.3 m limit overall
- Well about 7 to 9.5 m longA typical fixed-gooseneck well
- For tall, heavy machinesOur fleet: five gooseneck lowbeds
Step deck
- Lower deck about 1.05 mUpper deck about 1.5 m
- Loads up to about 3.25 m tallUnder the 4.3 m limit overall
- Lower deck about 10 m longLonger and flat, end to end
- For long, lower loadsOur fleet: five step decks
4.3 m high
The legal height limit, measured from the road to the top of the load (National Road Traffic Regulations, reg 224(b)). Over it, the load needs a permit.
2.6 m wide
The width limit for heavy goods vehicles (reg 223(b)). A wider load is abnormal on either trailer, whatever its height.
Lifted on, 1 to 50 tons
At our Germiston depot we lift loads of 1 to 50 tons under our own control, and craneage and rigging are part of our services.
Where we operate
We move machines and plant on our gooseneck lowbeds and step decks from our depot at 69–71 Barlow Road, Jupiter, Germiston, where we lift loads of 1 to 50 tons under our own control.
- Germiston depot69–71 Barlow Road, Jupiter, Germiston 011 873 4786
- Durban · Greyville81 Berea Road, Greyville, Durban 031 305 0438
Part of Shipping & General Transport
Shipping & General Transport is a privately owned South African logistics company built on trustworthiness, perseverance and reliability. Abnormal Lowbed Services is one of its specialist services: a guide to lowbeds and step decks, with machines and plant moved on our own fleet.
Visit shippingandgeneral.co.zaWhat’s the difference between a lowbed and a step deck?
A gooseneck lowbed drops its load deck, the well, between the gooseneck and the rear wheels, so the load rides as low as possible: typically about 0.55 m off the road when loaded. A step deck has a short upper deck over the truck and a long, flat lower deck, typically about 1.05 m high. The lowbed takes taller loads; the step deck gives more flat deck for longer, lower ones.
How tall can my load be?
The top of the load may be no more than 4.3 m above the road. Take away the deck height: on a typical step deck that leaves about 3.25 m for the load, and on a lowbed’s well about 3.75 m. Our trailer check works it out for your load.
Which trailers do you run?
Five purpose-designed gooseneck lowbeds and five step decks. We confirm which one suits your load, and its exact deck height, with your quote.
What happens if my load is too tall or too wide?
Over 4.3 m high or 2.6 m wide, it’s an abnormal load. We move those too: a risk analysis, permits through every province on the route, police escorts where needed, and a documented transport strategy and method statement.
How does the load get onto the trailer?
Machines on tracks or wheels can drive on; plant and equipment is lifted on. At our Germiston depot we lift loads of 1 to 50 tons under our own control. Tell us how your load is handled and where, and we plan the loading.
Can you lift it at my site?
Craneage and rigging are part of our services. Tell us the load’s mass, its lifting points and the site, and we plan the lift with the move.
What do you need from me for a quote?
The load’s length, width, height and mass; how it loads (driven on or lifted, and its lifting points); where it’s collected and where it goes; and when it needs to move. Photos help.
Do you move containers too?
Yes. Full containers go on our container trucks between Durban and Gauteng, and a side loader can set a container down on the ground at your site.
How much does it cost?
Every load is different, so we don’t publish prices. Answer the seven short questions in the quote form, add the trailer check if you like, and we come back with a quote on your actual load.
Tell us what needs to move.
Seven short questions, plus the trailer check if you like. No prices online, just a quote on your actual load.
