The loading dock connects your business with the supplies, products or anything it needs. Obviously it is crucial that the loading dock maintains full functionality and runs safely. Below are some tips on how alleviate common problems with commercial loading docks.
- Plan Ahead: Loading will not always be the same. As time goes on, technical aspects can change within the industry. Will your loading dock be compatible with the new standard height for trucks? What about smaller trucks? Plan ahead with a loading dock professional and an architect so you will not have to deal with major overhauls in the future.
- Dock Design: The dock’s design should be based off of your cargo. Types of designs include cantilever, enclosed, sawtooth, flush and open. The dock should generally have an incline of 1-2% and should include an appropriately placed dock bumper.
- Safety: Make sure the loading dock is up to code with state and local traffic engineering convention codes. Unsafe loading docks can cause injury to employees or damage cargo. Both of these result in time and money lost.
- Door Size and Height: These parameters will be based off of your usual cargo size. Different trucks have different heights and your dock should be utilized to accommodate that. The legal maximum width of a truck is 8’6’’
- Apron Space: In order to give the trucks enough room to maneuver into position, you must provide adequate apron space. The general rule of thumb is to take the longest combination of trailer and truck, double it, then add an additional 5 to 10 feet. This will ensure enough space for the cargo to as well as planning ahead (see a trend here?) for future changes in size.
At Motor City Doors, we install and service a wide range of commercial doors, including loading dock doors. If you are have any questions regarding commercial loading docks or loading dock doors, contact Motor City Door today.
