When considering new or replacement loading bays for their facility, warehouse operators may be wondering how to select the right size for their business operations. With vehicles of different heights often parking in the same dock, the loading bay will have to accommodate all vehicle sizes. When thinking about loading bay sizes, it is essential to minimise the gap between the average lorry floor and platform height. Lorries with hydraulic tailboards require a space under the dock leveller called a ‘letter box.’ The tailboard then slides under the dock leveller into the letter box to allow unrestricted use to the leveller. Operators also have to remember the distance between loading bays has to be big enough to allow parked lorries to open and close their doors easily.
This article was first published in the April 15th 2022 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
John Meale, Managing Director of loading and unloading specialist, Thorworld Industries, says loading docks need to adapt to cater for the smaller vehicles servicing the online delivery boom. The changing shape of logistics has meant that new, safe and efficient ways of loading and unloading goods into smaller vehicles is required. For short to medium term solutions, in order to keep the supply chain going with efficient loading and unloading of goods, loading bays and warehouses need to adapt to be able to receive and distribute goods from different modes of transport. Thorworld has designed ramps to allow small vans to be raised from ground level up to the higher dock heights, whilst allowing a safe operation for drivers to exit their vehicles during loading.
Stertil Dock Products recently introduced an innovative version of its proven range of PE Dock Bumpers. The latest adjustable-height PE dock bumpers are adaptable for all vehicles and trailer types and are especially suitable for cold stores and sea containers. The bumpers are self-releasing while a truck is docked and are of particular benefit when used in conjunction with ‘step frame levellers’ by allowing vehicle doors to be opened after docking, thereby maintaining the chill environment and reducing possible contamination.
BID Group’s client, a major UK supermarket retailer, needed a solution to adapt their distribution centre as the existing roof was too low to accommodate the height of double deck trailers. Three loading pods were installed on the exterior of the building with the required height to provide shelter for goods and employees during the loading and unloading process. Manufactured at BID Group’s production facility in Bolton, the pods were installed complete with dock levellers, wheel guides, fully inflatable dock shelter, dock buffers, traffic lights and new internal loading bay door.
Smart-Space worked with Avon Freight to provide an intelligent solution that resolved the issue of additional storage and also the need for efficient loading and unloading of vehicles. Two buildings pitched side-by-side provided exactly what was required. With access points from the front, between the buildings and into the adjoining warehouse, the canopy and warehouse provided the functionality needed by Avon Freight’s operations team.
One hopes warehouse operators will carefully weigh up what size their loading bay needs to be.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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