Loading Systems is eager to prove its reputation as a total solutions provider and specialist, which is why we prefer to be involved at the earliest stage of the planning of your new building or renovation of your existing site. The design phase is the most critical stage of the planning process for ensuring optimal usage and efficiency is achieved throughout the facilities lifetime. You can rely on our knowledge and expertise to assist you in the decision making process to achieve optimal design layout of the loading bays, and best selection of the right products for your operational needs.

Site layout

The directions of approaching vehicles as well as the required turning circle space are both important factors when planning the site lay-out. Another important factor to consider is the centre distance between each adjacent loading bay to ensure adequate space is available to open the vehicle doors. It is also important that the vehicle drivers have a clear view in their mirrors during the vehicle docking process.

In situations where insufficient yard space is an issue, loading bays can be arranged on a saw tooth arrangement, or an indoor platform or a rising loading platform be an option.

Loading and unloading platform drainage

When designing the yard immediately in front of the loading bay it is important to construct the yard drainage so that surface water runs away from the building. The gradient of the yard should always be constructed to ensure that docked vehicles are as near as possible to the horizontal plane. This will ensure that any surface water on the roof of the trailer will run from the top of the vehicle top and not fall onto warehouse operatives or any goods positioned in the door opening. When yard gradients are constructed correctly, it prevents damage to the dock doors, the surrounding walls of the building and any premature damage to the dock bumpers.

Dock shelter - type & specification

 The type of dock shelter, width, height and specification of the sealing material are based on the vehicle width and height, dock height and the sealing efficiency required.    

Platform height & tailgate opening

The dock height is determined by the vehicle bed ride heights of most common vehicles. There might be exceptions when loaded and/or unloaded is by non standard methods.
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Dock leveller - dimensions & load capacity

The dock leveller length is determined by the maximum permissible working gradients for the internal transport vehicle and the goods to be loaded/unloaded.
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