As a warehouse or factory owner, your loading dock is quite easily the most essential area of your business. This is where the money is made, so to speak. Loading and unloading products and materials needs to be done safely and effectively so that your bottom line is never negatively affected.
The loading dock needs to be designed so that it increases production and keeps your employees safe during the workday. Are you ready to learn what equipment and design factors you should consider when designing a prosperous loading dock area? Keep reading.
Location Is Everything
Loading docks need to be in an area that is easily accessed by delivery trucks and your employees. They should be separate from the public entrance of your facility, whenever possible, to avoid confusion and to keep your patrons safe. You’ll also want industrial work areas to remain separate from the loading and unloading portion of your warehouse.
A well-designed dock approach space that is graded or sloped is also a good idea, as it prevents water from collecting around or near the loading entrance. It’s important to have this accommodation built on solid, sturdy ground where it won’t move or slip.
It’s wise to have a staging area that is directly adjacent from your loading dock to hold goods and materials while they are waiting to be loaded onto the next truck. This keeps work flowing smoothly.
Adequate Truck Accommodations At The Loading Dock
As you probably know, not all trucks and delivery vehicles are made the same. Some are taller, wider, or narrower than others. This means that at least one of your docks should be fitted with a dock plate, dock board, or dock leveler to fill in the space between the dock and truck bed. Another accommodation that needs to be considered is an access ramp that reaches from the loading dock to the parking lot. The ramp should comply with ADA Accessibility Guidelines.
Vehicle creep prevention is crucial and should be one of the main focuses when building your loading dock. Consider installing wheel chocks, vehicle restraints, and stop-and-go light communication accessories. All loading and unloading areas should be equipped with adequate lighting.
Exterior Dock Doors & Overhead Protection
There are numerous types of exterior dock doors to choose from, overhead coiling models being one of them. Whichever style of overhead door you choose needs to be able to completely close and lock during non-working hours to protect your property.
Overhead protection, like dock seals and shelters, can provide extra security from outside elements.
Need Loading Dock Design Direction? Authority Dock & Door Can Help!
Your loading dock area should be designed with professional precision. Allow our team at Authority Dock & Door to review, and discuss with you, your equipment options. Our company has the products, services and experience that you need. Contact us now at 503-594-8968 or send an email to sales@authoritydockanddoor.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook!
