Specialized equipment. Start with the specifications.
Step deck and drop deck dispatch services
5%dispatch fee
Dedicated dispatcherDispatch specialtyThe 5% fee applies to gross revenue on loads we book. No setup fees, fixed weekly or monthly charges, or other Rai Dispatch fees.
Step deck freight, also described as drop deck freight, requires a closer look at usable deck space and cargo height. Request a Rai Dispatch review of your trailer, preferred commodities and lanes before starting a specialized load search.
- Upper and lower deck fit
- Loading and securement questions
- Availability reviewed first
Rai Dispatch charges 5% of gross revenue on loads we book for step decks. Confirm the billing base and service scope in writing before onboarding. Fee schedule effective October 30, 2026. No forced dispatch: you approve every load before it is booked. We dispatch under your MC authority and never collect freight payments; brokers pay you or your factoring company. Carrier operating expenses are separate from our dispatch fee.
Freight availability and carrier results vary; no specific load rate or weekly revenue is guaranteed.
Availability review: Step deck dispatch availability is subject to equipment, lane and service capability review before onboarding. Oversize, overweight and permit services require separate confirmation.
Rai Dispatch · Service details
Dispatch service at a glance
- Your dispatcher
- A dedicated dispatcher for your truck. See how the team works.
- Dispatch fee
- 5% of gross revenue on loads we book. Rai Dispatch uses percentage only pricing for every truck type. There are no setup fees, fixed weekly or monthly charges, or other Rai Dispatch fees. Fee schedule effective October 30, 2026. Review the billing terms.
- Service area
- All 48 contiguous United States. Plan your lanes and coverage.
- Load approval
- You review the rate, appointments and requirements, then approve each load before booking.
- Getting started
- Free setup, an equipment review and a written dispatch agreement. New carrier setup desk: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM CT. Prepare your carrier details.
- Active carrier support
- 24/7 live dispatch support for active carriers. Use your agreed dispatch contact and escalation process.
What the 5% dispatch fee includes
Rai Dispatch charges 5% of gross revenue on loads we book for step decks. Confirm the billing base and service scope in writing before onboarding. Fee schedule effective October 30, 2026.
- A dedicated truck dispatcher for your truck
- Load search and carrier approved booking
- Freight rate negotiation with brokers
- Broker communication from pickup to delivery
- Lane and route planning
- Rate confirmations and paperwork support
- 24/7 live dispatch support for active carriers
No forced dispatch: you approve every load before it is booked. We dispatch under your MC authority and never collect freight payments; brokers pay you or your factoring company.
Documents to start: Prepare your operating authority details where applicable, Certificate of Insurance, W-9, equipment specifications, and a signed dispatch agreement. A factoring notice of assignment may also be needed. Broker requirements vary by load and carrier.
Map the freight to the usable deck
The upper deck, lower deck, deck height and axle configuration influence what can be carried. A total trailer length alone does not show whether a particular piece will fit. Provide the usable dimensions of each deck and the actual cargo specifications.
Ramps, load levelers, dunnage and securement gear can affect suitability. We collect the loading method and dimensional details for your review before treating a shipment as a match.
Separate ordinary open deck work from specialized moves
Some step deck freight can be handled within a carrier’s ordinary operating scope; other work requires permits, escorts or additional planning. Those requirements need explicit confirmation from qualified parties before a quote becomes a booking.
We do not assume that a lower deck makes every tall shipment legal or safe. The carrier must verify its route, equipment, cargo securement and applicable requirements. Dispatch support focuses on collecting information, coordinating the load and communicating approved terms.
Evaluate the complete lane and schedule
Machine pickup times, loading access and unloading equipment can control the trip. Ask whether the site can load your trailer configuration, whether an appointment is firm and how extra work is compensated.
Our step deck dispatch fee is 5%, with a dedicated dispatcher for load search and broker communication. We confirm service fit, the billing base and specialized requirements before onboarding.
- Share both deck lengths, deck heights and payload.
- Identify ramps or loading equipment available.
- Confirm cargo dimensions and any permit dependent scope before approval.
Step deck versus flatbed: compare the usable loading plan
When a shipment is described as either flatbed or step deck freight, ask what the cargo actually needs. A step deck has distinct deck areas, so the total trailer length does not describe one uninterrupted loading surface. Share the usable upper and lower deck dimensions and explain where the carrier expects each piece to sit.
A lower deck can change the loaded height calculation, but cargo fit still depends on the actual trailer, piece dimensions, loading method and route. We collect the information for carrier review instead of treating the equipment name as a promise that the shipment will fit.
| Fit question | Information to provide |
|---|---|
| Usable length | The deck segment each piece needs, not only total trailer length |
| Loaded height | Actual deck height, cargo dimensions and carrier reviewed route limits |
| Loading method | Access, ramps or facility equipment and the intended placement |
Review multi piece freight before combining deck space
Suppose a load contains a long machine and several separate crates. Adding their lengths together does not establish that they fit a step deck. The carrier needs the dimensions and placement of each item, the loading order, access for unloading and a workable securement plan.
The same care applies when considering a partial load beside another shipment. Remaining space must be usable for the particular cargo, and the complete route and written terms must allow the combination. Tell your dispatcher about equipment such as ramps or load levelers without assuming their presence makes every arrangement acceptable.
Our step deck dispatch fee is 5%, with service availability and specialized requirements reviewed before onboarding. Send a clear trailer profile, accepted commodities and preferred lanes. The flatbed load checklist can help organize the cargo questions, while the partial load guide covers the separate approval and stop order decisions.
Questions carriers ask
Practical answers before you start
Is step deck dispatch currently available for every lane?
No blanket availability is promised. We review your equipment, operating scope and preferred lanes before confirming whether we can support the operation.
Do you arrange permits or escorts?
These services are not automatically included in dispatch. Any permit dependent move requires a separate scope and capability review with the responsible parties before booking.
Can flatbed loads fit on a step deck?
Some may, but compatibility depends on usable deck space, loading method, cargo dimensions and shipper requirements. Each shipment needs its own review.
Why do you need both deck lengths for step deck dispatch?
Cargo must fit the usable segment where it will be placed. Total trailer length alone does not show the uninterrupted space, height or loading access available for a particular piece.
Can a step deck carry machinery and separate crates on the same load?
That requires review of every piece, placement, loading and unloading access, securement, capacity and the written shipment terms. The carrier must approve the complete arrangement.
Does Rai Dispatch charge any fees besides the equipment percentage?
Rai Dispatch uses percentage only pricing for every truck type. There are no setup fees, fixed weekly or monthly charges, or other Rai Dispatch fees.