Access ramps provide an alternative and easier access for many, from wheelchairs to forklifts to cars. When considering an access ramp, there are a few things to evaluate before you make that purchase:

  • Capacity – The ramp should have a capacity for what you are lifting into the container.
  • Type – There are two basic types of access ramp: portable and permanent. Portable ramps are designed so you can fold them up and take them with you or stow them out of the way. Permanent ramps are installed as a permanent fixture for the home.
  • Material – Access ramps are generally made out of wood or aluminum.

There are many different types of ramps, and each company that sells them call them by different names. Following are some of the common type of shipping container ramps, and varieties you can get:

Compact Ramps

Usually the most cost effective, and therefore the most popular, the compact ramp usually has a length between 1 to 2 metres, and often has two holes, or tine pockets, for forklift access and easy relocation. Designed to bridge any standard 10ft, 20ft or 40ft container from ground level, these ramps can often have a safe working load of around 7 tonnes.

Standard Ramps

The standard ramps for shipping containers often come with a flip over footing, and this can also be used for forklift access and easy relocation. Usually these ramps have a length between 2 to 3 metres, and will bridge any standard 10ft, 20ft or 40ft container from ground level. The standard type of ramps can often have a safe working load of around 8 tonnes.

Heavy Duty Ramps

The smallest of the heavy duty type ramps, they can usually be easily moved around and re positioned even in confined areas, as they have fork pockets on the side as well as front flip ups. These ramps often come with different options for safe working loads, from 8 to 12 tonnes, and can be 1 to 2 metres in length.

Long Heavy Duty Ramps

The overall length on a longer heavy duty ramp can be anywhere from 2 to 4 metres, which should also include a longer section directly in front of the container doors for easy opening. This horizontal section enables the user to enter the container on a level surface. Easily moved around and re positioned even in confined areas, because of the fork pockets on the side as well as front flip ups, these ramps also often come with different options for safe working loads, from 8 to 12 tonnes.

There are also ramps for Refrigerated Containers, Truck Yard ramps and Car ramps which have various features depending on the company you buy from.