Gangways are an essential component of most truck and railcar loading platforms. However, these systems are “one size fits all.” Instead, the right loading rack gangways depend on factors such as vehicle height variability, bay configuration, operational requirements, and more.Wondering if a fixed or tracking gangway is better for you? In this blog post, we’ll break down the basics, including key features of both and when each option is best. Keep reading! 

What is a Gangway? 

We’ve covered the basics of gangways (or “articulating stairs”) in several other blog posts, including how they work, their benefits, and the various options currently available at Northern Platforms. However, if you aren’t sure what a gangway is, here’s a recap: gangways are elevated walkways used in industrial operations to provide safe access to the top of tanker trucks, railcars, and other elevated surfaces. Typically, these units provide a stable bridge between the truck or railcar and your facility’s loading platforms. Gangways are an integral part of a comprehensive industrial fall protection system. 

Gangways are typically available in two options: fixed and tracking. Let’s break it down

What is a Fixed Gangway?

A fixed gangway is mounted in a stationary position and provides vertical articulation only. It is designed to align with a consistent access point on vehicles that are standardized in height and configuration. Fixed gangways are ideal for facilities that consistently deal with the same types of vehicles and loading positions. They do not provide any horizontal adjustability. 

What is a Tracking Gangway?

A tracking gangway is designed to move horizontally along a rail or track system mounted above or alongside a loading rack. This allows operators to reposition the gangway to align with different compartments or access points on a tanker truck or railcar.

Tracking systems are commonly used in multi-bay loading rack gangways where vehicle positioning varies. In more complex operations, a custom tracking gangway may be engineered to accommodate unique rack layouts, multi-product terminals, or irregular truck configurations.

Which is Best for You? 

When evaluating fixed versus tracking loading gangways, the real question is not which system has more features. Instead, it’s how your facility operates on a daily basis.

A fixed gangway is often the right choice when:

• Your fleet vehicles are standardized in height and hatch location
• Trucks consistently park in the same position
• You want a simpler system with fewer moving components

In these environments, fixed truck access gangways provide reliable, straightforward fall protection without added mechanical complexity.

On the other hand, a tracking or custom tracking gangway makes sense when:

• You load multiple tanker configurations
• Compartment access points vary across vehicles
• You operate a multi-bay loading rack
• Vehicles cannot be positioned identically every time

In these scenarios, choosing a tracking gangway helps reduce alignment issues and improve operational efficiency.

Northern Platforms: Your Source for Loading Racks, Fall Protection, and More

As SafeRack’s Platinum Partner of the Year for 2025, Northern Platforms is proud to carry a comprehensive inventory of SafeRack products, including gangways, loading racks, safety cages, and more. With over 20 years of experience supplying safe access equipment to Canadian operations, our team knows how to deliver a fit-for-purpose truck or rail loading system that you can count on. 

Contact Us for a Quote Today

Ready to get started? Don’t delay–contact Northern Platforms today! Whether you need a completely new system or are looking to make some strategic improvements, our team has you covered. Call our office or request a quote through our website today.