The Port of Antwerp recently gave a sneak preview of what the breakbulk industry can expect over the coming year, by hosting an underwater-themed boat tour on Antwerp’s breakbulk dock.
Opened by Antwerp’s Vice-Mayor, the Port of Antwerp treated 400 breakbulk professionals to an exclusive evening of networking and entertainment, including an opera performance on the water and an impressive sound and light show
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.
The Port of Antwerp addresses the breakbulk community and gives special mention to Antwerp XL
Nov 27, 2018
Why it's good to have good goods in/out
Nov 20, 2018
The run up to Christmas is critical for many retailers. To service the public demand for their products, such retailers need excellent supply and logistics back up. Louise Nurse, Sales and Marketing Manager, sara Loading Bay Specialists, looks at the theory and practise of meeting this seasonal demand.
High speed doors keep winter at bay
Oct 15, 2018
Energy bills can soar in winter as we fight to keep the cold weather at bay. Louise Nurse, Sales and Marketing Manager for sara LBS looks at how heat loss in loading bays can be minimised and the other seasonal benefits of high speed doors.
Hiab renews its light range loader crane portfolio
May 14, 2018
Hiab, part of Cargotec, has launched its renewed HIAB light range loader cranes with a capacity from 4 to 11 tonne meters.
Latest ProGMA video highlights loading dock hazards
Mar 06, 2018
The Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA), a product group within trade association Material Handling Industry (MHI), is promoting the third in a series of educational videos about preventing accidents and injuries at loading docks. The videos can be seen at mhi.org/progma/videos.
Swissport to seek IPO and listing on SIX Swiss Exchange
Jan 30, 2018
Swissport Group, the provider of ground handling and cargo services, has announced its intention to seek an Initial Public Offering ('IPO') and listing of its shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
Thorworld's loading bay solution makes Sovereign's business move a golden opportunity
Jan 23, 2018
Following its recent move to new premises, Sovereign - supplier of take away packaging to the upmarket food and coffee to-go industries – has used the services of Thorworld Industries to successfully install an enabling new loading platform within its warehouse facility.
Briggs Defence celebrates 20 years of ‘Yellow Fleet’
Jan 09, 2018
Briggs Defence has been providing global equipment supply and support to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for 20 years and is planning to commemorate the milestone with a special celebration.
Moving large loads
Dec 13, 2017
The world record for the heaviest object pulled over 100 feet belongs to a US reverend who pulled a 68-tonne lorry.
HANSA HEAVY LIFT develops tailored solutions for floating unit customers globally
Dec 06, 2017
HANSA HEAVY LIFT has strengthened its position in the floating unit market after successfully completing a series of projects in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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.
