What Is A Container Loading Ramp?
Containers are typically loaded and unloaded by reversing the vehicle against a raised concrete loading bay of a similar height, allowing counter-balanced fork lift trucks to transfer cargo on and off the container. Inherently there is a height differential between the container and loading bay, as well as a horizontal gap; a levelling device is therefore used as a loading ramp to allow access and bridge the gap. Nonetheless, there are many situations where it is impractical or even impossible to install a loading bay at all, let alone one that is appropriate to the variety of vehicles and heights common to a busy loading/unloading operation. In these situations, a container loading ramp is an ideal solution. The container ramp delivers fast and efficient loading/unloading of trailers via fork lift truck without the need for a permanent raised structure.
The key advantages of using a container loading ramp include:
- Safety. Businesses without fixed loading bay facilities often move goods manually to the back doors of the vehicle, to be removed by fork lift truck at ground level – a highly hazardous and ill-advised solution.
- Flexibility. Container ramps can be deployed either inside or outside a building and prevent the need for a business to invest in an expensive permanent concrete loading bay. Furthermore, they are ideal for short-term usage during peak periods or on temporary sites.
- Portability. The container ramp typically incorporates a tow bar or hitch allowing it to be swiftly and easily re-positioned as required by a single fork lift truck. The mobile design of loading ramps makes them ideal for sites where space is a premium, or sites with rapidly changing operations/requirements.
Even for operations with a permanent loading dock, the possession of a container ramp can provide:
- vital backup in the event of any problems with a normal loading bay/dock leveller system
- additional functionality during busy periods or when loading/unloading unusual vehicle types unsuitable for normal loading bay operation.
Container ramps can also have an alternative use; when suitably secured in position, they can be used to allow vehicle access between two fixed ground levels – for example between a raised warehouse floor, and outside ground level.
