Home › News

Ladder Supply Co. Resources

Using A Flatbed Trailer Ladder For Safety And Efficiency

By Shopify API July 16, 2025 3 min read
Climbing onto and off of a truck or trailer is a fact of life for transportation workers. Often, you drive the truck hundreds or thousands of miles, only to help the receiving workers retrieve the goods. This can mean getting up and down off the trailer many times throughout a day, each time increasing your chances of an accident. Most flatbed trailers are designed to carry goods, but not to make it easy or safe for you to climb up and down. The following information details why using a trailer ladder is a safe and efficient method of accessing your truck.

Understanding falls from flatbed trailers

Most workers climb onto the flatbed trailer and then jump down when they’re done. Though it may seem like the simplest and most efficient solution, there are numerous studies that show jumping off of flatbeds is extremely dangerous. Hundreds of drivers are severely injured in fall-related injuries after jumping off of flatbed trucks every year. The cost to the worker is their livelihood, and potentially millions in worker’s compensation for their employer.

Improperly dismounting from your trailer can damage your joints

Another, less appreciated issue is the damage done to your joints when you jump off of a trailer. Dozens of jumps a day take a serious toll on your knees, ankles, and back over time. Many transportation workers suffer long-term ailments and stress-related injuries from jumping out or off of flatbeds. Transportation by nature is a difficult job, but there are ways that you can minimize stress and increase the length of time you can work.

Flatbed trailer ladders can protect you from injury

Flatbed trailer safety ladders that connect to the back or side of a flatbed can solve a few of these problems. The Deckmate Ladder is proven to reduce stress on knees, reduce falls, and improve your overall safety. These ladders are easily maneuverable, light, and easy to store. They use multiple points of contact to maximize stability. Using a trailer ladder is important, but there are a few steps you should take to enhance your safety. First, check your ladder to make sure it is in proper working condition. You should also make sure you are wearing appropriate safety gear. When you have the ladder attached, be sure to know where it is when loading and unloading your trailer. Finally, store your trailer ladder properly and keep it easily accessible.

Looking for a trailer ladder to improve your safety?

Gateway Supply in Pampa, Texas is the U. S. Distributor of the Deckmate Ladder. This ladder will ensure safe operations when moving loads on flatbed trailers and prevent injuries from jumping off trailers, heavy equipment, or vans. Call us today at (806) 440-1126 to find out how you can make this ladder a part of your safety equipment system. You can also Contact Us by email to find out more about how we can help you.

Ladder Supply Co.

Purpose-Built Access for Working Trailers

Explore access solutions for flatbeds, fifth wheel trailers, gooseneck trailers, fleets and commercial applications.

Shop Products Fleet Pricing
← View More Resources