Fontaine Velocity Step Deck Trailer

Quick Facts

  • Manufacturer: Fontaine Trailer
  • Trailer Type: Step Deck Trailer
  • Model: Velocity Step Deck
  • Common Lengths: 48 ft, 53 ft
  • Common Width: 102 inches (8.5 ft)
  • Trailer Construction: Steel and Aluminum Combination Construction
  • Common Axle Configurations: Tandem Axle, Spread Axle, Closed Tandem
  • Upper Deck Length: Approximately 10 ft to 11 ft
  • Lower Deck Length: Approximately 37 ft to 43 ft depending on configuration
  • Typical Deck Height: Approximately 36–42 inches lower deck height
  • Typical GVWR: Up to 80,000 lbs Combined Vehicle Weight (subject to applicable regulations)
  • Typical Cargo Capacity: Up to 48,000+ lbs depending on configuration
  • Flooring Types: Apitong Hardwood Flooring
  • Primary Applications: Construction Equipment, Machinery, Building Materials, Industrial Freight, Oversized Freight
  • Common Freight Types: Machinery, Tractors, Construction Equipment, Steel Products, Lumber, Industrial Components
  • Load Securement Options: Stake Pockets, Sliding Winches, Chain Tie Downs, Rub Rails, D-Rings
  • Production Status: In Production

Overview

The Fontaine Velocity Step Deck Trailer is one of the most recognized step deck trailers operating throughout North America. Designed to provide additional freight height clearance while maintaining excellent payload capacity, the Velocity is a popular choice among fleets and owner operators transporting machinery, construction equipment, industrial freight, and oversized cargo.

The step deck design allows freight to sit lower than on a traditional flatbed trailer, helping carriers transport taller loads while remaining within legal height limits. This capability makes the Velocity particularly valuable in industries where equipment, machinery, and oversized products are commonly transported.

Today, the Fontaine Velocity is widely utilized throughout construction, manufacturing, agriculture, heavy equipment transportation, and industrial freight operations across North America.

Key Characteristics

The Fontaine Velocity is engineered to provide the versatility of a flatbed trailer while offering the additional cargo height advantages associated with a step deck design. By lowering the primary cargo deck, the trailer allows carriers to transport taller freight without requiring specialized permits in many situations.

The trailer’s combination of durability, freight flexibility, and strong dealer support has helped make it one of the most respected step deck platforms operating today. Whether hauling machinery, construction equipment, steel products, or industrial cargo, the Velocity is designed to handle demanding transportation environments.

Its versatility and broad freight compatibility have made it a common sight throughout North America’s specialized freight sector.

Common Specifications

Overall Length

The Velocity is commonly available in both 48-foot and 53-foot configurations depending on customer requirements and operating applications.

Upper Deck Design

The upper deck typically measures approximately 10 to 11 feet in length and provides additional cargo placement flexibility.

Lower Deck Design

The lower deck generally measures between 37 and 43 feet depending on overall trailer length and configuration.

Deck Height

The lower deck commonly sits between 36 and 42 inches above ground level, providing valuable additional height clearance compared to standard flatbed trailers.

Construction Design

The trailer utilizes a combination of steel and aluminum construction designed to balance durability, strength, and payload efficiency.

Flooring System

Apitong hardwood flooring is commonly utilized due to its durability, impact resistance, and long service life in heavy-duty transportation applications.

Cargo Securement Systems

The Velocity may be equipped with stake pockets, sliding winches, rub rails, D-rings, chain tie-downs, and additional securement options designed for specialized freight.

Common Applications

  • Construction Equipment Transportation
  • Machinery Hauling
  • Industrial Equipment Transportation
  • Agricultural Equipment Transportation
  • Steel Product Transportation
  • Building Material Delivery
  • Oversized Freight Operations
  • Manufactured Product Transportation
  • Specialized Freight Hauling
  • Heavy Equipment Delivery

Advantages

  • Additional freight height clearance
  • Excellent freight versatility
  • Strong cargo securement options
  • Durable construction
  • Fleet-proven reliability
  • Wide dealer support network
  • Strong resale value
  • Suitable for oversized freight operations

Limitations or Considerations

  • Typically heavier than standard flatbed trailers
  • Loading may require specialized ramps
  • Cargo securement remains critical
  • Some freight may require permits depending on dimensions
  • Additional training may be required for oversized freight operations

Driver and Operator Considerations

Operating a step deck trailer requires many of the same skills as flatbed transportation while introducing additional considerations related to deck height transitions, equipment loading, cargo placement, and weight distribution.

Drivers must carefully plan load placement to ensure proper axle weights and cargo balance. Equipment loaded on the lower deck often provides significant height advantages but requires attention to clearance, loading angles, and securement requirements.

Pre-trip inspections should include examination of ramps, chains, binders, winches, D-rings, stake pockets, rub rails, tires, brakes, suspension systems, lighting systems, and deck condition. Operators should verify that all securement devices remain properly tensioned throughout transportation.

The Fontaine Velocity is widely utilized by operators who regularly transport machinery, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, and oversized freight where height restrictions make a traditional flatbed less practical.

Maintenance and Ownership Notes

Routine maintenance for the Fontaine Velocity includes inspection of brakes, suspension systems, tires, wheel ends, lighting systems, decking, cargo securement equipment, ramps, D-rings, stake pockets, and structural components.

Owners should regularly inspect transition areas between the upper and lower deck sections, as these areas often experience significant loading stress. Suspension components, frame members, crossmembers, and securement systems should also receive routine attention.

The Velocity has earned a strong reputation for durability and long-term service life. Many fleets appreciate the trailer’s versatility, freight flexibility, and ability to handle a wide variety of specialized transportation applications.

Buying Considerations

  • Inspect lower deck condition
  • Verify upper deck structural integrity
  • Check suspension components
  • Inspect brake system condition
  • Evaluate wheel-end condition
  • Inspect tires and maintenance records
  • Check ramps and loading equipment
  • Inspect D-rings and tie-down points
  • Review axle configuration
  • Compare payload requirements
  • Evaluate dealer support availability
  • Review expected resale value

Common Brands or Manufacturers

  • Fontaine Trailer
  • Transcraft Trailer
  • Wilson Trailer
  • Doonan Specialized Trailers
  • Reitnouer Trailers
  • MAC Trailer

Variants and Related Configurations

  • 48 ft Velocity Configuration
  • 53 ft Velocity Configuration
  • Spread Axle Configuration
  • Closed Tandem Configuration
  • Ramp Package Configuration
  • Heavy Equipment Configuration
  • Machinery Hauling Configuration
  • Owner Operator Specification Package

Comparison to Similar Trailers

The Fontaine Velocity is commonly compared to the Transcraft Eagle Step Deck, Wilson Step Deck, Doonan BlackGold Step Deck, and MAC Step Deck trailers.

The Velocity is particularly known for its strong reputation, dealer support network, freight versatility, and ability to handle a wide range of equipment and machinery transportation applications.

Many fleets choose the Velocity because it provides the height advantages of a step deck trailer while maintaining durability, payload capability, and strong resale value.

Best Fit For

  • Owner Operators
  • Step Deck Fleets
  • Construction Equipment Haulers
  • Machinery Transport Companies
  • Agricultural Equipment Carriers
  • Industrial Freight Operations
  • Specialized Freight Carriers
  • Regional Equipment Haulers
  • Long-Haul Specialized Freight Operations
  • Heavy Equipment Transport Companies

Related Equipment

  • Cargo Securement Systems
  • Trailer Axles
  • Trailer Suspension Systems
  • Trailer Brake Systems
  • Trailer Tires
  • Trailer Lighting Systems
  • Loading Ramps
  • D-Ring Tie Downs
  • Chain Tie Downs
  • Winch Systems

Related Freight Types

Related Trailer Types

Related Trailer Models

Related Guides

Regulatory and Compliance Notes

The Fontaine Velocity must comply with all applicable federal and state transportation regulations regarding trailer inspections, cargo securement requirements, lighting systems, brake systems, axle weight limitations, and vehicle dimensions.

Step deck operators transporting oversized equipment must also ensure compliance with applicable state permit requirements, bridge laws, and route restrictions when freight dimensions exceed legal limits.

Proper cargo securement in accordance with FMCSA regulations remains critical for safe operation.

Real World Operating Notes

The Fontaine Velocity is commonly found throughout construction, agricultural, manufacturing, and industrial transportation operations across North America.

Many operators prefer the Velocity because the lower deck allows transportation of taller freight without requiring specialized trailers or permits in many situations. This added flexibility often increases load opportunities and improves equipment utilization.

The trailer has developed a strong reputation among owner operators and fleets that routinely transport machinery, equipment, steel products, and oversized freight.

Its combination of versatility, durability, and widespread support has helped establish the Velocity as one of the most respected step deck trailers in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fontaine Velocity?

The Fontaine Velocity is a step deck trailer designed for hauling machinery, equipment, construction materials, oversized freight, and industrial cargo.

Why choose a step deck instead of a flatbed?

A step deck provides additional cargo height clearance by lowering the primary cargo deck, allowing taller freight to be transported while remaining within legal height limits.

What freight can a Fontaine Velocity haul?

The trailer commonly transports excavators, tractors, skid steers, machinery, industrial equipment, steel products, construction materials, and oversized freight.

Is the Velocity suitable for long-haul operations?

Yes. The Velocity is widely used in both regional and long-haul specialized freight operations.

What flooring is commonly used on the Velocity?

Most Fontaine Velocity trailers utilize Apitong hardwood flooring due to its durability and strength characteristics.

How does the Velocity compare to the Transcraft Eagle Step Deck?

Both are highly respected step deck trailers. The Velocity is known for its strong dealer support and fleet reputation, while the Eagle Step Deck is known for versatility and widespread industry use.

Are Fontaine Velocity trailers still in production?

Yes. Fontaine continues to manufacture and support Velocity step deck trailers.

Do Fontaine Velocity trailers have strong resale value?

Yes. The Velocity generally maintains strong resale value because of its reputation, versatility, and broad acceptance throughout the transportation industry.

What industries commonly use Fontaine Velocity trailers?

Construction, agriculture, manufacturing, industrial transportation, equipment hauling, and specialized freight operations commonly utilize Fontaine Velocity trailers.

Availability and Where to Find

Fontaine Velocity step deck trailers are available through authorized Fontaine dealers, commercial trailer dealerships, fleet resale programs, equipment auctions, trailer marketplaces, and used equipment inventories throughout North America. Availability varies based on configuration, age, condition, and market demand.

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