Modern automated warehouses are designed to be efficient. As one of the busiest working areas within any warehouse is the loading bay area, it makes sense that they are fitted with the best automation technologies available. Tony Saunders, National Sales Manager for sara LBS, explains how state-of-the-art, automated doors can facilitate productivity and also help to reduce running costs.
Dock Equipment, safety systems and industrial door solutions
Dock equipment used in the distribution industry to make the loading bay area of a facility more accessible and to provide safe movement of goods in the dock area. The equipment is used to enable the safe loading and unloading at the distribution area ensuring that the goods at the rear of the truck are being unloaded or loaded at the same height as the receiving warehouse/distribution centre floor. Loading dock equipment includes elevating docks, dock levelers, dock boards, dock lights, bumpers, seals, shelters, vehicle restraints and industrial traffic doors.
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Dock Equipment
Dock equipment refers to the items used to assist with the loading and unloading of materials from trucks in loading bays to buildings. A loading dock, or bay, is typically an elevated opening a building’s sidewall where shipments are sorted and prepared for loading and unloading trailers or shipping containers. Loading docks may be exterior, flush with the building envelope, or fully enclosed, and are commonly used in freight transport distribution centres.
A loading bay is a platform that evens out the height difference between a warehouse floor and a truck. The loading bay is robust and built for heavy loads. Dock plates, dock levellers or dock boards are used to bridge the gap between the truck and the loading bay floor, which work to create a smooth transition of goods between truck and loading docks.
Loading dock equipment:
Dock levellers: These are devices that bridge the gap between the dock and the truck bed, leveling the surface so that goods can be easily loaded and unloaded. There are two main types of dock levellers: automatic and manual. Automatic dock levellers are powered by hydraulics or electric motors, while manual dock levellers are operated by hand cranks.
Dock doors: Dock doors are used to seal the loading dock and keep the interior of the building climate-controlled. There are two main types of dock doors: overhead doors and rolling doors. Overhead doors are raised and lowered vertically, while rolling doors slide horizontally.
Dock shelters: Dock shelters are used to protect goods from the elements while they are being loaded or unloaded. They are typically made of fabric or plastic and are supported by a frame.
Dock bumpers: Dock bumpers are used to protect the dock from damage caused by trucks backing into it. They are typically made of rubber or plastic and are attached to the dock with bolts or brackets.
Vehicle restraint systems: Vehicle restraint systems are used to prevent trucks from rolling away while they are being loaded or unloaded. There are two main types of vehicle restraint systems: wheel chocks and chains. Wheel chocks are blocks of wood or metal that are placed in front of or behind the truck tires to prevent them from rolling. Chains are attached to the truck and anchored to the dock to prevent the truck from moving.
Common Types of Dock Levellers:
- Pit Levellers
Mechanical Pit Leveller
Air Pit Leveller
Hydraulic Pit Leveller
Vertical Dock Leveller - Rail Dock Levellers
- Edge of Dock (EOD) Leveller
In addition to these common types of loading dock equipment, there are a number of other specialized pieces of equipment that may be used in certain situations. For example, some loading docks may have loadhouses, which are enclosed structures that provide a safe and secure place to load and unload goods. Other loading docks may have conveyor belts, which can be used to move goods from the truck to the interior of the building.
The specific loading dock equipment that is used will vary depending on the needs of the business. However, the types of equipment listed above are the most common and are essential for safe and efficient loading and unloading of goods.
