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New Yard Ramps for Loading and Unloading Freight

Key Advantages of Using a Yard Ramp

New yard ramps provide a reliable solution for loading and unloading trucks in locations where a loading dock is not available. Designed with adjustable height functionality, these ramps can align with various trailer bed levels to support efficient freight handling. Yard ramps are commonly used for two key purposes: to create access from the ground to a truck or from the ground to an existing dock.

Built to accommodate forklifts and electric pallet jacks, these ramps are made from durable materials and offer high weight capacity for industrial use. Many models are portable yard ramps, eliminating the need for a permanent dock installation. This flexibility can help reduce infrastructure costs while improving operational efficiency across your facility.

 

New Dock-to-Ground Yard Ramps
New Dock-to-Ground Yard Ramps
  • Variety of Manufacturers
  • 16,000 to 30,000 lb. Capacities
  • 68” and 80” Wide Overall
  • Ships From Manufacturer
Details
New Ground-to-Truck Yard Ramps
New Ground-to-Truck Yard Ramps
  • Only the Best Manufacturers
  • 16,000 lbs. to 60,000 lbs. Capacities
  • 70" to 120" Wide Overall
  • Ships From Manufacturer
Details
New Portable Yard Ramps
New Portable Yard Ramps
  • Approx. 80" Wide x 36' Long
  • 20,000 lb. Capacity
  • Manual Hydraulic Pump
  • Anti-Skid Platform
Details

Available Combo Deals

About Yard Ramps

Yard ramps, also known as dock ramps or mobile loading ramps, are essential equipment for businesses in warehousing, logistics, distribution, and manufacturing. These heavy-duty ramps are specifically designed to bridge the height difference between the ground and a truck or loading dock, allowing forklifts and pallet jacks to safely and efficiently transfer goods during loading and unloading operations.

One of the primary advantages of yard ramps is their mobility. Many models are designed with built-in wheels or forklift pockets, making it easy to move them as needed throughout a facility. This flexibility reduces the need for a permanent dock, which can be expensive and time-consuming to build, particularly in temporary or evolving operational environments. Yard ramps are also constructed from heavy-duty steel, offering the strength and durability required to handle heavy loads and frequent use.

Flexibility is another key benefit, as many yard ramps feature adjustable height mechanisms or hydraulic systems that allow them to match various truck bed heights. This ensures smooth operation across different types of vehicles. In terms of productivity, yard ramps simplify loading and unloading by streamlining the transfer process and minimizing equipment downtime. Safety is also a priority, with features such as non-slip surfaces and side curbs designed to reduce the risk of accidents during operation.

American Surplus Inc. offers new yard ramps that are equipped with high-performance features to support industrial applications. Each ramp includes bar grate decking that enhances traction and provides a secure surface for vehicle traffic. They are available in multiple sizes and load capacities to meet different operational needs. Most models feature a six-foot level-off at the top of the ramp, which helps forklifts enter trailers or docks smoothly and safely. Side safety curbs are standard, providing additional protection along the edges. These ramps are compatible with both forklifts and electric pallet jacks, making them a practical solution for a wide range of facilities.

Ground-to-truck yard ramps and Dock-to-Ground Yard Ramps are both essential equipment for businesses involved in material handling and logistics, but they differ in their design and applications. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right ramp for your specific needs:

Dock-to-Ground Yard Ramps

  • Design: Dock-to-ground yard ramps create a sloped connection between an elevated loading dock and ground level outside the facility. They are typically installed as permanent or semi-permanent structures.

  • Fixed Installation: These ramps are secured in a fixed position and attached directly to the loading dock, unlike portable ground-to-truck models that can be moved.

  • Durability: Constructed from heavy-duty materials such as steel, dock-to-ground ramps are built to support long-term, heavy-duty use in demanding environments.

  • Stability: Fixed placement ensures consistent stability during operation, making these ramps well-suited for high-traffic loading and unloading zones.

  • Safety and Code Compliance: Most dock-to-ground ramps are designed to meet applicable safety regulations and local building codes, helping businesses maintain compliance.

  • Ideal for High-Volume Operations: These ramps are a dependable solution for facilities that handle large volumes of goods daily and require continuous dock access.

Ground-to-Truck Yard Ramps

  • Design: Ground-to-truck yard ramps are used to connect ground-level surfaces or existing docks to the bed of a truck or trailer. These ramps are typically portable and can be repositioned as needed throughout your facility.

  • Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of industries, these ramps can support palletized goods, heavy machinery, and a variety of other load types.

  • Portability: Designed for mobility, ground-to-truck yard ramps offer flexibility in how and where they are used, adapting easily to changes in workflow or facility layout.

  • Customization: Available in a range of lengths, widths, and weight capacities, these ramps can be tailored to meet specific operational requirements.

  • Safety: Many models are equipped with features such as handrails, non-slip surfaces, and safety chains to enhance operator safety during loading and unloading.

  • Temporary Loading Needs: These ramps are ideal for short-term or seasonal use in locations without permanent dock access.

  • Cost-Effective: Ground-to-truck yard ramps provide a budget-friendly alternative to installing permanent loading docks, especially for temporary or leased facilities.

American Surplus Inc. ships new yard ramps from the following states California, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. Check with a salesperson for unbeatable pricing on new yard ramps and great shipping discounts from a warehouse close to you. Check our inventory with our sales team today at (800)876-3736 or request a quote online.

Orange mobile yard ramp with side safety curbs and bar grate decking, designed for forklift loading and unloading operations Blue dock-to-ground yard ramp connected to a warehouse loading dock, featuring non-slip metal decking and side safety curbs Blue ground-to-truck yard ramp positioned at the back of a box truck, featuring non-slip metal decking and side safety curbs for forklift access

Advantages of Yard Ramps

  • Increased Efficiency: Yard ramps streamline loading and unloading by enabling fast, direct access between trucks, docks, and ground-level surfaces. This improves workflow and helps teams meet tight deadlines.

  • Enhanced Safety: Most yard ramps feature non-slip decking, side curbs, and locking mechanisms to prevent movement during use. These built-in safety features help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

  • Time and Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for permanent docks or structural modifications, yard ramps reduce capital expenditures. They are a more affordable option compared to installing fixed infrastructure or using specialized lifting equipment.

  • Mobility: Yard ramps are portable and can be moved easily within a facility or transported to job sites. This flexibility supports evolving operational needs and temporary logistics setups.

  • Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, yard ramps can accommodate trucks, trailers, containers, and other freight vehicles. They can also bridge the height difference between a dock and ground level or between uneven work surfaces.

Applications for Yard Ramps

  • Warehousing: Yard ramps are frequently used in warehouse settings to connect ground level with loading docks, allowing forklifts and pallet jacks to move goods in and out of trucks, containers, and staging areas.

  • Manufacturing: In manufacturing environments, yard ramps help transfer raw materials and finished goods between levels, such as from production floors to storage areas or mezzanines.

  • Construction: Yard ramps are useful on construction sites where access is needed between the ground and elevated areas like trailers, platforms, or temporary structures. They provide a safe and efficient way to move equipment and materials.

  • Agriculture: On farms and ranches, yard ramps assist in loading and unloading equipment, feed, and produce from trucks and trailers. They also help move machinery between different working areas.

  • Events and Entertainment: Yard ramps support the fast setup and breakdown of temporary event spaces by enabling crews to load and unload staging, sound equipment, and supplies directly from trucks and trailers.

  • Distribution Centers: In high-volume distribution facilities, yard ramps provide a flexible way to load and unload freight, especially in areas without permanent dock infrastructure. They also help move pallets and materials between dock doors and ground-level areas.

Yard Ramps Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a yard ramp?
A:A yard ramp is a portable loading dock that allows forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment to move goods between different heights or levels, such as between a loading dock and a truck.

Q: What weight capacity do yard ramps typically have?
A: Yard ramps can have a weight capacity ranging from a few thousand pounds to over 60,000 pounds, depending on the manufacturer and model.

Q: What materials are yard ramps typically made of?
A: Yard ramps are typically made of steel or aluminum, which provides strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion and wear.

Q: How do you choose the right yard ramp for your business?
A:When choosing a yard ramp, consider factors such as weight capacity, size, mobility, and durability, as well as your specific loading and unloading needs.

Q: How do you store yard ramps when not in use?
A: Yard ramps can be stored in a secure, dry location when not in use, such as a warehouse or storage facility. Some models can be folded or disassembled for easier storage.

Q: Are yard ramps safe to use?
A: Yes, yard ramps are designed with safety in mind, with features such as anti-slip surfaces, guardrails, and locking systems to prevent accidents and ensure worker safety. However, it is important to follow all safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions when using yard ramps to avoid accidents or injuries.