How to Select the Best Used Dock Ramp for Your Operation

Large and small companies that load and unload trucks often have a necessity for used dock ramps in various sizes that can accommodate the different vehicles that back up to the dock. Some companies transfer smaller loads into the back of pickup trucks, storage containers, vans or small delivery trucks. Because of the wide range of transfer options, it is essential to have a variety of used dock ramps on hand.

Some of the heavier dock ramps are made with wheels to allow for greater portability and mobility. Others are built without wheels and work as an “undercarriage” for transferring goods and materials. Determining which ones your company needs can often be confusing.

When attempting to decide on the type of used dock ramp you require, there are few things to consider, including portability, the constructed material used, its functionality and the length of the ramp.

Portability – you need to determine if the ramp you require needs to be portable. If your company unloads and loads vans, shipping containers or pickup trucks, it might be in your company’s best interest to purchase a mobile or portable ramp.

Aluminum or Steel – While the most commonly used dock ramp is fabricated out of steel, the lighter weight aluminum is available in a large variety of styles and lengths. Aluminum weighs less, and has a lower propensity to rust. Although steel offers the ability to transfer heavier loads, the structural integrity can often be compromised if the ramp ever starts to rust. Before purchasing any ramp, determine the weight of materials being transported across the dock platform, along with the weight of your forklift (if applicable).

Level Off or Straight – If you are loading smaller vehicles including shipping containers, pickup trucks and vans, you most likely need a ramp built with wheels for easy mobility. Additionally, you will need the ramp that will level off to allow the forklift to lower the forks and gain access to the cargo pallet at the rear of a truck, van or container. Selecting a straight ramp with wheels might require additional movements to get in the correct position for loading and unloading. Although a straight ramp costs less, it involves more movements than a level off ramp.

The Length – Determining the length of a used dock ramp that is required to do the job properly is dependent on the cargo your company loads and unloads. Shorter ramps cost less, but often make loading and unloading a challenge at times, based on grade issues. However, short ramps sometimes provide the best options when space is limited. To calculate the amount of length you need first consider the safety of the grade it will provide when in use. Your forklifts and operator should never be put at risk when loading or unloading any materials or cargo.

Remember when operating your loading dock, you and your workers should always be focused on the efficiency of the work, the accuracy of your performance and the safety you provide.