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Guide to Loading Docks

Improve your loading docks to better facilitate shipping and receiving


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Your loading docks help improve your bottom line by increasing the efficiency and productivity of your employees involved in shipping and receiving. Industrial loading docks by themselves help your employees to work more efficiently, but loading docks do not accommodate all trucks and trailers equally.

Online, you'll find plenty of manufacturers, fabricators and distributors that specialize in dock loading equipment and accessories to enhance and improve the functionality of your docking system. As you begin your research, consider the following options for loading dock improvements:

1. Use portable loading docks when you can't justify or afford the cost of new dock construction.

2. Bridge the gap between the trailer and dock with specialized loading dock equipment.

3. Enhance the security of your shipping and receiving operations with loading dock equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider portable loading dock solutions for your business


Portable loading docks provide a quick, cost-effective solution when you need additional dock space but can't afford to add another permanent loading dock.

I recommend: Check out the Bluff Manufacturing catalog selection of portable loading docks. This company originated in the 1920s and remains dedicated to providing quality products for the material handling industry. If your docks sit at floor level, consider a dock lift from JH Industries; you can permanently install their Copperloy dock lifts or use the heavy-duty, stainless-steel lift as a portable solution.

Order loading dock equipment to improve safety, efficiency and effectiveness


A loading dock by itself will not suffice if a truck backs up to your dock to load or unload, and the truck bed and dock don't line up perfectly. Dock plates, levelers, lifts and ramps allow hand trucks, forklifts and pallet trucks easy access to the trailer's interior by erasing the gap between the truck and dock or warehouse.

I recommend: Visit Handi-Ramp and click on the height differential or capacities to order aluminum dock plates that will work best for non-powered dock loading applications like pallet trucks and hand carts. Go to C&H Distributors to order their space-saving dock leveler or one of their pit-dock levelers to bridge the gap between the trailer and dock for your forklifts. Whether you need ramps to lift a truck up to dock height or yard ramps that facilitate walking or equipment traffic, consider ordering your loading dock ramps from Bondor Manufacturing.

Install loading dock accessories to improve the security of your operation


Provide your company and your employees with a more secure loading dock environment that will deter thieves and vandals.

I recommend: Learn more about the Guardian 3-in-1 Dor-Seal System at Chalfant, a company that has provided loading dock equipment since 1940. The Guardian system consists of a dock seal with a heavy-duty wood or steel mounting plate, chain-link cladding to deter theft and vandalism and foam backing that conforms to building wall irregularities and provides an air-tight and water-tight seal between the dock pad and building wall. Add another level of security and improved visibility during nighttime shipments with one of the lighting solutions from Loading Dock Supply.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Figure out your height differential before you order dock levelers and dock plates. To calculate, subtract the dock height (from ground to dock floor) from the truck height (from ground to trailer bed). Consider the typical trailer height 55 inches and refrigerated or container trailers 59 inches.

The official source of Loading Docks is the Loading Docks page at Business.com


Featured Vendors

Loading Docks Resource
Find Loading Docks. Search listings and reviews of retailers, specialists and services in your local area now.
JustClickLocal.com

GlobalSpec.com: Dock Lifts
Provides database of suppliers for Dock Lifts. Browse catalogs and view technical information.
www.globalspec.com

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