Delivery fleet drivers know what it is like to be in and out of the cargo area of a van all day. Of course, there are slip-and-fall considerations, but adding a folding loading ramp can mitigate those risks, make unloading easier, and help keep drivers happier. 

The cargo van segment has grown to include fleets with technicians, service professionals, electricians, DJs, caterers, and many more occupational roles where workers must transport tools of the trade or supplies. Those workers also can face multiple entries and exits of the van throughout the day.

“Cargo vans are growing in popularity as people conduct business out of these,” said Marat Shterenberg, US sales director, FeAl Ramp, a Sweden-based leader in producing aluminum ramps.

Shterenberg said that, in all those scenarios, a small, lightweight ramp could prove to be a wise upfit. It is no longer just delivery fleets that can benefit from loading ramps.

“Really, the biggest point of contention has been safety, and right now, people are looking to mitigate that manual loading and unloading point,” Shterenberg explained. “Typically, that's where we see most injuries occur.”

By creating a safer work environment for employees by installing ramps, a fleet may also benefit from reductions in insurance rates, he added.

Loading ramps need to be sturdy, able to handle the weight of a worker and cargo that is being loaded and unloaded, and provide a safe non-slip surface even during inclement weather. 

Other considerations include the ease of deployment and closing the ramp, which is often done with assistance from gas struts rather than straight brute strength. Plus, they must be compact and not detract from interior cargo space.

“We feel there are businesses, small fleets, large fleets, that don't know yet that this is the type of solution they need in their cargo vans,” Shterenberg added.

FeAl entered the US market in late 2018 and onboarded its first customer, one with a nearly 3,000-vehicle fleet, soon after. Shterenberg said ramp installation was prioritized for delivery technicians who deliver and service the company’s products in that company's case.

Installing a loading ramp can be an easy process. For FeAl, a common option is a quick-release ramp, which Shterenberg said with that approach, two people can install or remove a ramp in about 30 seconds. If the ramp is not needed, remove it and set it aside. Then when it needs to go back into the van, it’s quick and easy.

But, there are several forms of installation.

“What we introduced in North American market earlier this year are our adapter plates. You don't have to drill anything into the floor of the van. With a quick release, you do need to drill through the floor, but the hardware is minimal in size,” Shterenberg added.

He noted that the adapter plates are important when installing ramps in battery-electric cargo vans.

“The adapter plate was created to accommodate electric vans because, of course, you cannot drill into the floor. The adapter plate interfaces with the OEM D rings,” he said. ”So, your Ford Transits and your Ram Pro Masters and others have these D rings at the rear of the van. Our adapter plate is already pre-drilled for how the OEM D rings are positioned.”

“It's an installation that can literally take under five minutes because you're just interfacing with the existing OEM D rings already that come right off the assembly line,” said Shterenberg.

However, even with those installation options, a fleet can still choose to just drill through the feet of the ramp and use four mounting bolts to permanently attach the hardware.

With most installation approaches, when it is time to remarket a vehicle, a fleet can remove a loading ramp and install it in a new vehicle.

However, fleet managers must understand all the considerations when purchasing loading ramps for the first time. For that reason, Shterenberg has provided five tips, which are:

1. Match Load Capacity to Your Needs

Ensuring your ramp meets the right load capacity is essential for both safety and efficiency. Too low a capacity can create hazardous situations while over-engineering can be unnecessarily costly. For peace of mind, select a ramp that comfortably fits your cargo requirements.

2. Consider Installation and Transfer Options

For fleet operations, flexibility is key. Ramps with quick-release options or no-drill installation make it easy to transfer ramps between vehicles, ideal for rental or rotating fleets. This not only improves fleet efficiency but also reduces downtime during maintenance.

3. Prioritize Safety with All-Weather Surfaces

Ramps are used rain or shine, so choosing a non-slip surface that holds up in wet, snowy, or muddy conditions is crucial. Mesh surfaces or textured designs offer reliable grip, reducing the risk of slips and keeping your workforce safe.

4. Optimize Space Efficiency

In fleet vehicles, every inch counts. Compact ramp designs save space and keep loading areas clear for cargo. Look for ramps that fold or store in minimal space to maximize the functionality of your vehicle’s storage.

5. Ensure Versatility for Various Loading Scenarios

A versatile ramp can handle more than one type of job. Ramps that connect to loading docks or bridge between vehicles bring added value, making them suitable for a range of fleet applications and reducing the need for additional equipment.