Search Icon
Made In USA

Adjustable Gangway for Railcar Loading Terminals

Adjustable Gangway for Railcar Loading Terminals
By Ray Evans Feb 19, 2025 Estimated 4 minute read

At this rail loading terminal, SafeRack provided a G4 Series Self-Adjusting Stair Gangway with a 2-Rail Safety Cage to improve safety and efficiency

Adjustable Gangway for Railcar Loading Terminals

Accessing the top hatches of railcars is often one of the highest risk points during the loading process. Small differences in car dimensions can put operators in dangerous positions. SafeRack’s Adjustable Gangway for Railcar Loading Terminals is built to help facilities move product safely, efficiently, and with greater confidence at the point of access.

What Is a Railcar Loading Adjustable Gangway?

An adjustable gangway is an industrial walkway used at rail terminals to bridge the dangerous gap between loading racks and railcars. Tank and hopper cars often vary drastically in height and configuration. Articulating gangways pivot and self-level to each height, reducing strain on workers and eliminating exposed time during loading. SafeRack’s adjustable gangway can be integrated into existing infrastructure without needing to rebuild the entire loading rack.

Key Benefits of SafeRack’s G4 Series Self-Adjusting Stair Gangway

SafeRack’s G4 Series Self-Adjusting Stair (SAS) Gangway offers many crucial production advantages for rail loading terminals compared to other fixed models. Key benefits to our approach include:

  • Anti-slip treading: Adjustable gangways are built with anti-slip treading to provide a secure footing in any environment.
  • OSHA Compliant: All walkways are built to meet or exceed OSHA regulations for walking-working surfaces and other guidelines.
  • Durable: Gangways are built with industrial-grade, corrosion-resistant aluminum with steel hardware that holds up for years in harsh conditions.
  • Customizable: SafeRack access systems are available in many dimensions, with widths ranging from 24 to 72 inches and numerous lengths.
  • Wide range of motion: SAS gangways have an 85-degree working range that can serve a wide variety of railcars.
  • Ease of use: Adjustable gangways are spring counterbalanced, allowing easy maneuverability for operators.

Why Rail Loading Facilities Choose SafeRack

Rail terminals need equipment that is built for the realities of daily production, not just for a spec sheet. SafeRack combines engineering, safety-focused design, and installation experience to support loading systems that work in the field. We are a turnkey operation that can partner with you at each stage of improving your loading process. Services we provide include:

Frequently Asked Questions

How can the adjustable gangway be used?
Adjustable gangways can be used in many scenarios throughout a railway yard. Common use cases include loading materials, sampling product, inspecting top hatches, replacing gaskets and seals, and cleaning tank railcars.

Should you include a safety cage on your adjusting gangway?
It is strongly recommended that you include a safety cage installation on any adjusting gangway you use. The safety cage plays an important role in enclosing the entire top hatch of a railcar to prevent slips, trips, and falls. SafeRack provides standard safety cages along with custom variants for your specific workflow.

Do adjustable gangways function in harsh weather conditions?
Yes, our adjustable gangways with safety cages are built to hold up in extreme heat, cold, and other elemental hazards. SafeRack also creates Loading Platform Canopies to provide additional protection for employees while loading.

Can SafeRack adjustable gangways be customized?
SafeRack adjustable gangways for railcar loading terminals can be adjusted in size to meet the requirements of your facility. Additional options that we offer include track mounting, safety cages, and SavkoLock Mechanical Gangway Lockdown system.

Speak With a SafeRack Safety Expert Today

Railcar loading terminals require specialized equipment that addresses each site’s unique concerns. Contact us today to speak with a SafeRack safety expert to learn how we can provide a loading access solution tailored to your operation.