Loading dock how to#

That is why the weight requirements vary depending on its use. Many of the loading ramps are used to endure the enormous weight of machinery such as forklifts or normal vehicles to unload the goods. Ideal Height for a Loading Dock | BECOSAN® Ramp slope requirementsĪlthough the ideal loading ramp inclination is 10 degrees (and also the most common), the truth is that it is very common for it to adapt to the space we have. In the case of refrigerated trailers, these tend to be higher, between 50 and 60 inches, so it all also depends on the type of trailer we use. If the dock is going to be used primarily for loading and unloading trailers, then it will be built so that the deck height matches the trailers, which is usually between 44 and 48 inches tall. Some docks are made with adjustable heights. Loading docks can be made in any size to adapt to the specific needs of the business. Loading docks have certain legal requirements they must meet so that they can be installed in an industrial warehouse. With some of the aforementioned accessories, we can reduce damage and wear and tear of the constant use of a loading dock. These elements have been appeared over time due to the need to guarantee safety in the loading process, as well as due to the different equipment and utensils used: pallet trucks, forklifts, trucks, etc. If you want the loading dock’s cargo area to have greater durability and safety, it is advisable that as well as carrying out industrial maintenance, you incorporate other accessories that optimize its daily use: truck restraints, protective buffers, and bumpers, guide tubes, etc. Sectional doors in loading docks | BECOSAN® Other components They are viable in industrial buildings that don´t have electrical power since they don´t require any electricity, such as, for example, vegetable and fruit warehouses. The installation of mechanical ramps hardly requires any building work, so they are considered to be an economical and very quick solution to bridge the gap between the loading area and the truck. But, as a general rule, these are the most commonly used. Some are used in all types of loading docks, whilst others are optional since they can provide advantages and benefits in safety, work speed, etc.

In this section of the article, we will talk about the main elements that compose a loading dock and the requirements they must meet.

Loading dock how to#

However, it has a very good advantage and that is that it helps protect merchandise from any structural or environmental damage.Įvery type of loading dock has its advantages and disadvantages, but they can all be effective if we know where to install them and how to use them. This is because they take up a lot of workspaces, preventing workers to access the supplies easily. Enclosed dockĪnother of the rarer types of docks.

However, they have a great advantage which is the easy access to the load, which translates into greater efficiency when unloading and loading. This is why they are being used less and less to transport items. They don´t provide safe enclosures for merchandise, prone to damage and theft. It’s basically an open platform with little protection from the natural environment. Open dockĭespite being unpopular and rare among loading dock types, open docks are still being used today. What industries use this type of dock? Manufacturers and those with commercial items to deliver. These docks are generally used to save space, because they fit perfectly within the building or warehouse, making them ideal for small businesses. The dock is parallel to the building, allowing materials to be easily loaded and supplies to be unloaded comfortably and directly. Shock-absorbing bumpers are used to prevent the walls from being damaged. This type of loading dock allows the access zone to be flush against the rear end of the truck. It is the most common type of loading dock for lifting or transporting large and heavy objects. The industrial sector that is best suited to this type of loading dock is one of large-scale manufacturing and that has a vast storage size to accommodate its unusual size. They easily fit into tight or narrow spaces. Sawtooth loading dockĪ sawtooth-shaped dock is one of the most innovative when it comes to manoeuvring in tight outdoor spaces around the warehouse. Here we are going to explain some of them.

Types of loading and unloading docks | BECOSAN®įrom its construction to the type of loading merchandise, there are different types of loading docks that are better suited to certain environments than others.