In the world of logistics, precision and efficiency are the name of the game. Picture this: a truck with a 40-foot container arrives, loaded with cargo, and the clock is ticking. To properly unload the truck, you’ll need a reliable and robust solution–a portable yard ramp. It’s the unsung hero that turns obstacles into opportunities, challenges into triumphs, and headaches into harmonious operations.
Before you’ll be able to use your portable loading ramp, you’ll need to unload it from the trailer it is delivered on. If your yard ramp is a rental, you’ll also need to know how to load it back onto the trailer so it can be shipped off to its next destination. While loading and unloading a yard ramp from a truck may not be a Hollywood blockbuster, it’s a plotline that keeps supply chains moving, businesses thriving, and customers smiling. This blog is your backstage pass to the world of yard ramps, the behind-the-scenes magic of making them appear, and the graceful act of making them disappear, all while keeping your cargo and crew safe.
Join us as we delve into the essential knowledge, practical tips, and best practices for mastering the art of loading and unloading yard ramps. Whether you’re a logistics aficionado or just curious about the intricate dance of material handling, our guide will ensure that you’re well-prepared to turn your yard ramp arrival (or departure) into a seamless performance.
Getting Started
Before loading or unloading a yard ramp from a truck, it is first important to ensure that the area is clear of any obstacles and has ample room to maneuver the yard ramp. Team members assisting with the loading or off-loading should be aware of their surroundings, and be properly trained to operate the necessary equipment.
When your yard ramp arrives, it’ll be secured to the flatbed it was transported with. Unfasten all chains or other tethers from the yard ramp before moving it from the truck. This will ensure that both the ramp and truck will not be damaged during the offloading process. Similarly,
Using a Crane
Moving a yard ramp with a crane is a pretty straightforward process. However, most companies do not have a crane on site, and renting one is a significant expense. If you do have access to a crane, you can use it to move your yard ramp on and off a flatbed truck. An important note: make sure to mention to your sales rep that you’ll be moving your yard ramp with a crane, so you’ll need two ramp clamps.
Offloading
Position the crane next to the flatbed. Secure one ramp clamp in the slot at the bottom of the ramp and the other clamp in the slot at the top of the ramp. Use your straps or cables through each ramp clamp and then secure it to the crane. Lift the yard ramp using the crane and either place it to the side of the flatbed (if there is enough space) or have the driver pull the truck forward to lower the ramp from where it is suspended. Now your yard ramp is ready to be moved into position for us.
Loading
Loading your yard ramp back onto a truck with a crane is just as straightforward as offloading it. Place the ramp clamps in the lower and upper slots of the ramp. Attack the straps/cables through the clamps and attach them to the crane. Lift the yard ramp and place it onto the flatbed either from the side or by having the driver reverse the flatbed underneath the ramp. Work slowly to be sure that the edges of the ramp align with the flatbed and do not overhang.
Using Two Forklifts
Using two forklifts is probably the most common method to offload and load a yard ramp onto a truck. As you’ll read, the process is just about as straightforward as using a crane aside for a few different steps.
Offloading
Start by positioning each forklift in the middle of either side of the ramp, forks facing it. Position the forks securely underneath the sides of the yard ramps. Working at the same speed, have the forklifts begin to lift the ramp above the flatbed. Once the ramp, including the wheels, has been lifted above the flatbed, the truck can drive forward. Once the flatbed has cleared the ramp, the forklifts can work in tandem to lower the ramp to the ground. Your newly delivered yard ramp is now ready to be put to work!
Loading
Loading the yard ramp back onto the flatbed is similar to offloading it except the steps are almost in reverse. Attach the ramp clamp to your yard ramp and use a forklift to move the yard ramp to an area of your shipping and receiving yard where there is ample space to work. The yard ramp should be right behind the rear of the flatbed so that the ramp and truck are arranged in a straight line.
Again, position each forklift on either side of the middle of the yard ramp with the forks placed underneath the sides. Lift the yard ramp in unison, ensuring that the bottom and wheels of the yard ramp clear the top of the flatbed. With the yard ramp raised in the air, signal the truck driver to reverse the flatbed to sit beneath the ramp. As the forklifts begin lowering the ramp, ensure that it aligns with the dimensions of the flatbed and that the ramp isn’t hanging off any of the edges. With the ramp placed on the flatbed, the forklifts can remove their forks, and the yard ramp can be secured and shipped off to its new home!
Using One Forklift
While using two forklifts is the most common method of offloading and loading a yard ramp, some locations may only have access to a single forklift. No worries! Depending upon the size and weight, many yard ramps can still be successfully offloaded and re-loaded onto a flatbed using just one forklift, the process is just a bit more involved.
Offloading
Beginning at the bottom end of the yard ramp, ensure that the ramp clamp is secured in the slot. The first location of the forklift will depend on the type of flatbed the ramp was shipped on. If there is a loading ramp at the end of the flatbed, there will likely be some distance between the end of the ramp and the end of the flatbed that the forklift’s forks cannot reach past. If this is the case, start with the forklift on the side of the ramp, forks facing the ramp clamp. Secure one of the forks in the clamp and lift the ramp a few inches so that the end of the ramp is no longer resting on the flatbed, but the wheels of the ramp are. Direct the truck driver to drive forward slowly so that the wheels of the yard ramp roll across the flatbed. When the end of the yard ramp is at the end of the flatbed, stop the truck. Fully lower the yard ramp back down to the flatbed and remove the forklift from the ramp clamp.
Position the forklift behind the truck now, forks facing the flatbed. If the yard ramp was already at the edge of the flatbed, start here. Secure the fork into the ramp clamp and lift the yard ramp a few inches so that the edge is no longer touching the flatbed but the wheels still are. Signal the truck drive to slowly drive forward. Be sure to keep the ramp steady and drive slow and straight so that the yard ramp wheels do not roll toward the side of the flatbed. Once the wheels of the yard ramp are at the edge of the flatbed, signal for the driver to stop. Lower the end of the yard ramp to the ground and remove the fork from the ramp clamp.
Remove the ramp clamp from the bottom of the ramp and secure it in the slot at the top of the ramp. You’ll likely need to climb on top of the flatbed to do so. Position the forklift alongside the ramp so that the fork can be secured in the ramp clamp once again. Lift the top side of the yard ramp and have the driver pull the truck forward so that the flatbed is no longer beneath the yard ramp. Once the ramp is lowered to the ground, it’s ready to use.
Loading
To load a yard ramp onto a flatbed using one forklift, you’ll follow the steps for offloading but in reverse. With the forklift positioned facing the upper end of the yard ramp, secure the fork in the ramp clamp at the slot at the top of the ramp. Lift the top half of the yard ramp up so that the wheels are higher than the height of the flatbed. Have the driver reverse the truck to position the flatbed beneath the yard ramp. Work slowly to ensure that the flatbed and yard ramp are aligned. Stop the reverse of the truck before the end of the flatbed makes contact with the bottom of the ramp. Ensure there is enough space between the underside of the yard ramp and the flatbed so that the wheels on the top half of the yard ramp can be lowered onto the flatbed without the flatbed hitting the underside of the yard ramp.
Reposition the forklift at the bottom of the ramp and secure the fork in the ramp clamp attached to the bottom slot of the yard ramp. Lift the bottom end of the yard ramp up, above the flatbed. Have the driver reverse the truck, with the wheels of the yard ramp rolling along the flatbed surface until the yard ramp is totally on the flatbed. I f there is a loading ramp at the end of the flatbed that adds extra length, you may have to position the forklift on the side of the ramp, fork attached to the lower ramp clamp, and lift the end of the ramp up again so that the truck can reverse further. This ensures that the yard ramp is resting only on the flatbed and not the folded ramps.
Yard Ramp Experts Whenever You Need Them
Whether you’re using a crane, two forklifts, or just one forklift, Industrial Toolz’s mission is to make sure you have the information you need to successfully and safely use your yard ramp. If you have any questions about renting, buying, or using a yard ramp, our team of friendly ramp experts will be happy to assist you. Just give us a call at 262-671-5000 or inquire here!