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, the best selection of the right product for your operational needs.
User-friendliness is largely determined during the design phase
Site layout
The directions of approaching vehicles as well as the required turning circle space are both important factors when planning the site layout. 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 vehicle drivers have a clear view of their mirrors during the vehicle docking process.
In situations where insufficient yard space is an issue, loading bays can be arranged on a sawtooth arrangement, or an indoor platform or a rising loading platform could 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.
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.
When vehicles using a loading bay are equipped with a hydraulic tailgate at the rear, we recommend that the face of the loading bay is created with a tailgate opening below the dock leveller. When docking the vehicle, the tailgate lip is then positioned safely into the tailgate opening and prevents any damage to the vehicle or dock face.
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.
The dock leveller width depends on the vehicle clear width and the goods to be loaded/unloaded.
When electrically powered or hand-operated pallet trucks are used or when loading and unloading the last load onto a vehicle below the warehouse level, then dock levellers with a width of 2250 mm are recommended.
The required dock leveller load capacity is based on the combined weight of the internal MHE equipment, the operator weight and the heaviest load, but should always be in accordance with EN 1398.
Dock shelter - type & specifications
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.