I started a transport business last month and I've run into a bit of an issue with having the ability to unload heavy pallets of water. Part of the service I offer is selling and delivering palletized water bottles. My customers include oilfield, construction and various manufacturing businesses.

My issue - the pallets are loaded by forklift, but I have to rely on the customer to either have a tractor with forks or a forklift to unload. This week I had a potential customer that did not have the ability to unload the pallets once I got there. So here I am wondering what potential solution there is / anyone had any suggestions. I've tried a pallet jack, but the current gate I have on the trailer isn't strong enough for it. Each pallet weighs approximately 2,000lbs

Any help would be appreciated

Example of how big these pallets are:

Nothing to contribute here…. but did the hog trapping biz ever get off the ground?

this is where i'm at as well. no thanks

What if you put something like this under each pallet when loading?

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-5246/Dollies/Pallet-Dolly?pricode=WB1829&gadtype=pla&id=H-5246&gclid=CjwKCAjw3ueiBhBmEiwA4BhspHDl3ETeSx5fa5SKGEIuehVR4BY_kz4nj0hu7p1Ae2fjN5rH_VGeTRoCD-MQAvD_BwE

Then strap the last pallet on the trailer to an anchor point when pulling away to unload, or slide it off? Would need solid ramp on back of trailer.

We have unloaded a gun safe with 2x6 and pallet Jack's as ramp and moving device. Probably would need really smooth trailer bed and surface and make sure you strap the hell out of the pallets when on motion or anchor corners.

it did not - the friend i was going to have run it wasnt all that interested, ive had 6 or 7 business ideas since then and finally found one that may stick

i like this, appreciate it!

if this business catches on, i'll invest some money for the proper set up. i do have a family member thats driving for me that does have the correct equipment - 1 ton pick up and every trailer imaginable, but hes handling the traditional transport side of things right now while i build up the water customer list.

thats not a bad idea, the issue is still the ramp - i had an idea of a 2 piece folding gate thats made out of the diamond plate material. would just have to find someone to make it for me and then we still have the sketchy part of unloading a 2000 pound pallet down a ramp, which i'm not a fan of.

have had this thought - similar comment below, if this really becomes a thing, i'll invest some money into a new vehicle set up

ill be trying to find one of these this morning

Maybe something like 4 of these to slot into place on the ramp.
https://www.northerntool.com/products/vestil-open-deck-machinery-dolly-24-x-36-6k-length-36-in-width-24-in-load-capacity-6-model-odmd-2436-6-4491505

I could also see mounting a winch on front of trailer to control descent down ramp. Or some type of cable descending device brake?

I wouldn't have diamond plate gate. Thinking about smooth steel piece with ribbed supports. Lift gate would still be better. But you may be able to get by with sliding system in meantime to pay for it.

You need a heavy duty ramp that is long enough to let you use a pallet jack to unload. I have seen some of these that are made out of aluminum but I'm not sure of the weight rating.
You could check out the upcoming Ritchie Brothers sale in Ft Worth or Houston to see if they have something that would work.

giddings hog hunting and financial management - always has the most pigs on the ground and the best financial advice

My guess is that you could lease a lift gate box truck for 6 months while you save up funds to buy from your profits. Would that get into your drop-off locations?

https://www.pensketruckrental.com/commercial-truck-rental/commercial-trucks/medium-duty-trucks/22-26-foot-box-truck/

Lease it for a month, use their insurance, and write off the cost.

so far, yes. i have not had any issues with drop off locations being inaccessible. this is a good idea though, i'll keep this in mind!

Also, an electric pallet jack with braking would get you down ramps. Probably can lease one of those too, for another expense write-off initially. Crown in San Antonio looks promising.

Would need longer ramp, so you don't high center.

sweet! i learn so much from the OB anytime i post something

highvelocity said:

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thats not a bad idea, the issue is still the ramp - i had an idea of a 2 piece folding gate thats made out of the diamond plate material. would just have to find someone to make it for me and then we still have the sketchy part of unloading a 2000 pound pallet down a ramp, which i'm not a fan of.

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I've placed a jack stand under my ramp before when loading/unloading heavy stuff.

You could have one made BUT the weight will cut into the amount of water you can haul if it's built onto the trailer.

I know a guy close to Bastrop that can make pretty much anything you need, but one off's are usually more expensive.

https://kamfab.com/

He also makes heavy duty pellet smokers

https://www.kandogear.com/

We use him at work for not only conveyor systems but also any metal manufacturing we need.

The conveyor slide with wheels was what originally came to my mind. That seems relatively effortless. Was looking for something like that with weight capacity.

Have you thought about ditching the ramp and just toting around an aluminum dock board when you need it? Then just use a hand or electric winch to control decent on your pallet jack.

Tagguy said:

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Learn to back up and stop quickly?

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That reminds me of a story my dad told me about a saying his dad had:

Quote:

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Give the hardest job to the laziest kid and he'll figure out an easy way to do it.

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It sounds like you need a live bottom trailer. I have never been around one for a pickup but in the trucking industry, these are pretty handy for unloading.

https://www.antstrailer.com/live-bottom

highvelocity said:

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ill be trying to find one of these this morning

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Just make sure you check the speed rating on these, a lot of them are not like normal trailers. We have drop decks at work and their placard from the manufacturer has a speed limit of 55 mph. I will do almost anything to not use them because who has time to go everywhere at 55.

this looks like a good option. i do have an electric winch on that trailer that could be used