Which Yard Ramp Is Right for Your Operation? A Buyer’s Guide to Yard Ramp Selection

Yard ramps are essential pieces of equipment for businesses that need flexible, efficient loading and unloading options without the cost or permanence of a loading dock. But not all yard ramps are created equal. Choosing the right one for your facility depends on several factors including weight capacity, usage frequency, and the vehicles or equipment you'll be using. In this guide, we'll break down the different types of yard ramps and help you determine which one is the best fit for your specific needs.

What Is a Yard Ramp?

A yard ramp is a portable ramp that allows forklifts or other equipment to move between ground level and a trailer, container, or dock. It effectively creates a temporary dock solution wherever you need it.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Yard Ramp:

1. Mobility: Mobile vs. Stationary

• Mobile Yard Ramps feature wheels and are ideal if you need to move the ramp between multiple loading points. These are commonly used in outdoor yards or facilities with several docks.

• Stationary Yard Ramps are fixed in one location, typically bolted to a dock. These are perfect for businesses that want a cost-effective permanent alternative to a full dock installation.

2. Capacity Requirements

• Light-duty ramps handle up to 6,000 lbs and are suitable for smaller warehouses and operations.

• Heavy-duty ramps can support up to 30,000 lbs or more, designed for industrial operations, freight handling, or use with heavy machinery.

3. Ramp Surface

• Steel Grating: Offers excellent traction and debris pass-through but can be noisy and more expensive.

• Serrated Bar Grating: Ideal for wet or icy environments.

• Diamond Plate: Smooth and durable, best for indoor or clean-surface use.

4. Level-Off Section Some yard ramps come with a level-off section at the top, allowing forklifts to safely maneuver in and out of trailers without tipping forward. This feature is critical for frequent forklift use.

5. Ramp Length and Incline Longer ramps provide a gentler incline, making it safer for heavy loads or less powerful forklifts. Standard lengths are usually 30 to 36 feet, including a level-off section.

Common Yard Ramp Types:

Mobile Yard Ramps

• Best for facilities needing ramp flexibility

• Ideal for outdoor applications

• Often feature adjustable heights and tow bars

Stationary Yard Ramps

• Lower cost compared to mobile

• Perfect for dock-to-ground transitions

• Typically used in permanent warehouse installations

Container Ramps

• Designed specifically to load/unload shipping containers

• Shorter and steeper than yard ramps

Dock-to-Ground Ramps

• Provide access from dock level to yard ground

• Common in logistics yards and distribution centers

Matching Ramp Type to Use Case

• Warehouse with multiple trailers: Mobile Yard Ramp

• Permanent outdoor dock access: Stationary Yard Ramp

• Import/export businesses using containers: Container Ramp

• Daily forklift use between dock and yard: Dock-to-Ground Ramp with level-off section

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right yard ramp is about balancing mobility, load capacity, surface traction, and operational workflow. Making the right choice will improve productivity, increase safety, and reduce wear on your equipment.

If you're still not sure which type is right for you, reach out to the team at Ramparama. We're here to help you get ramped up the right way—with pro-grade solutions built for real work.

Stay tuned for more insight in the next edition of Ramp Talk.