Yard Ramps: Should You Buy, Rent, or Lease?

  • Added:
    Jan 16, 2014
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A portable yard ramp can be a helpful asset for those looking to address loading concerns without a permanent dock door.  The price ticket for mobile loading docks though can be a little shocking.  Shelling out the cash by buying new, renting a quality used ramp, or choosing a lease to own option can all be reasonable solutions for your company’s needs.  Picking the right option doesn’t have to be a tough decision.  Listed below are these 3 options along with some topics to consider for each.    


Buy New – If it is within your budget buying a new yard ramp would be a wise choice for a number of reasons.  While one of these quality mobile loading docks could cost upwards of ten to fifteen thousand dollars, they can serve a number of purposes without much risk of not being used.  With this option, you will also be assured that the ramp will handle the weight needed and be a safe, structural-sound piece of equipment.  If you find your needs are less than originally thought one can also rent out their dock to other businesses keeping cash flow moving and lessening the blow of depreciation.   


Rent – Testing out a rented mobile loading docks is a great option for those with temporary needs rather than long-term pain points in the shipping process.  Only need the yard ramp for a couple months?  I then suggest you rent rather than lease or buy new.  There are a number of great yard ramp companies that rent all different models of mobile loading docks sure to suffice any request.  Terms and agreements vary but there tends to be a deeper discount with longer rentals. Keep in mind that renting also offers the unique opportunity to try out the “goods” before purchasing.  Renting may prove to be a great way of discovering the benefits of portable yard ramps and how they can help your business.


Lease – Keeping the cash moving within any organization is always a tricky endeavor.  Big purchases of equipment may not be an option during a tough economy when the bottom line is everything.  Not ready to fork over thousands for a new yard ramp but still want to reap all the benefits?  If so then the lease to own option may be your ticket.  Making monthly payments towards owning a portable dock outright is often a smart solution for those on a tight budget.  While you will pay more overall for the dock leasing than if you had paid for it in full, when you are finished with the payments you will still have a great asset for your business balance sheet.


Whether you buy, rent, or lease it, mobile loading docks are a great choice for any company without a permanent loading station.  The money invested in acquiring a ramp will quickly be returned with the increased productivity of your workers, decreased unloading/loading time, and a streamlined approach to your cargo processes.  Soon your business will be reaping all the benefits of this useful and practical tool.

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Whether you buy, rent, or lease it, mobile loading docks are a great choice for any company without a permanent loading station. The money invested in acquiring a ramp will quickly be returned with the increased productivity of your workers, decreased unloading/loading time, and a streamlined approach to your cargo processes.


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