Material Handling, Yard Ramps
Permanent Concrete Ramp vs Precast vs Portable Steel Yard Ramp
31
Jan
Jan
Efficiency is the name of the game in any industry that involves material handling. You need to make sure that your payloads and materials are transported quickly and safely. To promote ultimate efficiency, the use of a loading dock ramp is critical at locations that have a dock or need to frequently load/unload trailers. But with multiple choices on the market today, how do you know which kind of loading dock ramp is most cost-effective for your business?
When it comes to constructing or purchasing a ramp to facilitate the loading and unloading of trailers at your business, the choice of materials can significantly impact both the upfront and long-term costs. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the considerations surrounding the costs of pouring a permanent concrete ramp, buying a pre-cast concrete ramp, or opting for a portable steel yard ramp.
Permanent Concrete Ramps
To file your application, you’ll need to research and select a concrete company capable of constructing your loading ramp. This is where the price can get quite complicated, as it varies by company, size of job, cost of labor, as well as cost of materials. The cost of poured concrete can be anywhere from $100 to $250 per linear foot on average. Depending on the size of the project, it’s not uncommon for concrete loading docks to cost $40,000 to $60,000. On the higher end of the spectrum, like if you’re looking for a large or unique concrete loading dock ramp, it can cost upwards of almost $100,000 in some areas.
Because of this extensive process, it can take several months before your concrete loading dock is constructed at your location. If you chose a more accessible option, those several months could’ve been spent improving the efficiency of your loading and unloading operations.
In summary, the investment in a permanent concrete dock ramp:
- Is the most expensive loading ramp option.
- Can vary vastly in price, so you never know if you got the best deal.
- Requires building permits.
- Is likely not allowed at leased buildings.
- Takes several months to be planned, approved, and constructed.
Pre-Cast Concrete Ramps
Another concrete dock ramp option is pre-cast concrete ramps. Unlike poured concrete ramps, pre-cast ramps are constructed at a factory and transported to your location before installation.. This means they do not require a building permit or nearly as much planning because they are not a permanent modification to the building. However, while permanent concrete ramps are poured specifically for your location, pre-cast concrete ramps are generally available in a set selection of lengths and widths, so you won’t have the option of a fully custom loading ramp.
Because they’re not fully custom and do not require as much planning, material, and labor, they will be less expensive than permanent poured concrete ramps, placing them in the middle ground of loading ramp options discussed in this blog. Although they’re not poured on-site, these pre-cast ramps are still constructed of concrete and come with similar costs. Because they’re pre-cast prior to installation, less labor and material are required which will bring the cost down from permanent poured concrete ramps. Again, the cost will vary by location, but you can be expected to pay around $20,000 to $30,000 for a pre-cast concrete loading dock ramp.
In short, pre-cast concrete loading ramps:
- Are less expensive than permanent poured concrete docks, but still aren’t the most cost-effective option.
- Do not require a permit because it is not a permanent alteration to your building.
- Are available in a selection of sizes, but are not made custom.
- May take weeks to cast before being installed.
Portable Steel Yard Ramps
Finally, we’ve arrived at the most cost-effective loading ramp solution, portable steel yard ramps. While they have the lowest initial investment at $12,000 to $18,000 depending on their dimensions, there are also other buying and renting options that make steel yard ramps affordable to businesses with many different budgets. Unlike concrete ramps, you can rent a yard ramp on a month-to-month basis if you don’t expect to use it frequently enough to buy one, therefore cutting costs. HandiRamp also offers a lease-to-own program as well as used yard ramps for sale for up to 40% less than the cost of a new yard ramp, giving your business the ability to purchase a yard ramp on the terms that work best for you.
Besides their lower initial investment cost compared to concrete loading ramps, portable steel yard ramps are considered the most cost-effective loading ramp option for several other reasons. First, their versatility allows for seamless adaptation to various loading and unloading scenarios, eliminating the need for multiple fixed ramps. The portability feature allows these ramps to be easily moved and repositioned as needed, accommodating changes in facility layout or logistics. Additionally, the durable steel construction ensures a long lifespan with minimal maintenance requirements, reducing ongoing operational costs. Since portable steel yard ramps can be used with different vehicle types and loading dock configurations, businesses can invest in a single, reliable solution that caters to diverse operational needs. This adaptability not only streamlines processes but also significantly lowers the overall cost of acquiring and maintaining loading ramps, making portable steel yard ramps a smart and cost-effective choice for businesses aiming to optimize their loading operations.
In conclusion, portable steel yard ramps:
- Are ready to use as soon as they arrive.
- Cost the least in initial investment.
- Are the most cost-effective option in the long term due to their durability and versatility.
- Are in stock with various specs, meaning you’ll get your ramp ASAP.
- Have renting, lease-to-own, and buying used options to accommodate a wide variety of budgets.
HandiRamp Yard Ramps: Cost-Effective, Durable, and Versatile
The choice between a permanent concrete ramp, pre-cast ramp, or steel yard ramp ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term considerations. While a permanent concrete ramp may offer durability and exact customization, steel yard ramps are a more cost-effective and versatile alternative. In conclusion, the myriad advantages of portable steel yard ramps solidify their position as the most cost-effective loading dock ramp option. Not only are they the cheapest in their initial investment, but their versatility, ease of portability, and durable steel construction address the immediate loading and unloading needs of your business and offer long-term savings. For businesses seeking a robust, adaptable, and economically sound loading ramp solution, look no further than HandiRamp. Give our friendly ramp experts a call at 800-876-7267 to learn more about our yard ramp offerings and get a quote!
