Many warehouses are optimally set up for quick and easy loading and unloading of trucks through the use of loading bays that create a level access point for forklifts to drive in and out of the truck beds. These loading bays can greatly increase an operation’s efficiency and make work easier on employees, but what can be done if a warehouse does not have a loading bay? At Dura-Ramp, we manufacture a wide variety of custom loading ramps that can be used to greatly improve a warehouse’s efficiency in place of loading bays.
Solutions for Warehouses Without Loading Bays
There are many ways to load and unload trucks at a warehouse, but the most efficient method tends to be driving a forklift or pallet jack directly into the back of a truck and pulling out pallets one at a time. Forklifts require a reasonably gentle slope in order to be able to safely drive up to the level of a truck bed, so it is important to either bring the truck down to the level of the warehouse floor or have an optimally designed loading ramp that forklifts can easily drive on. Some criteria to look into if you need a loading ramp for your warehouse include:
Loading Ramps with Multiple Bays
If a facility tends to load and unload multiple trucks simultaneously or in rapid succession, a loading ramp with multiple bays can greatly improve efficiency.
Portable Loading Ramps
Warehouses that have long lapses in time between deliveries should consider the benefits of portable loading ramps. These ramps can be moved into position for a job and then moved out of the way to open up floor space.
Outdoor Loading Ramps
Even if the loading ramp will mostly be used inside the warehouse, it is best to be prepared with a ramp that is able to be used outside in case indoor space needs to be preserved.
Loading Ramp Weight Capacities
Whether you are going to be driving multiple forklifts on the ramp at once or just a simple pallet jack, it is worth considering how much weight the ramp can handle to ensure that you are never at risk of exceeding its rating.
If you would like to find out more options regarding what to do if a warehouse does not have a loading bay, or if you are interested in any of our ramp manufacturing services, please make sure to reach out to the team at Dura-Ramp and we can help you find a solution to your problem.