QA

Question: How To Build A Loading Dock

What is the standard height of a loading dock?

A dock area should be flexible enough to accommodate any vehicle. The most common dock height is 48” – 52”.

What is the max slope for loading dock?

The parking area will then slope down toward the dock. Ideally, this slope should be 6%, or less. If heavy loads will be handled, slope should be no more than 3-5%. However, if space does not permit, you may increase the slope to an absolute maximum of 10%, and this will work only for light loads.

How long should a loading dock be?

Typical loading dock heights range from 48 to 52 in, but, depending on the needs of the facility, they may be as high as 55 inches.

How much space do you need for a loading dock?

Space the doors 12 ft apart to accommodate most trucks, sealing systems, and communication light systems. Dock doors narrower than 8’0″ are commonly installed with compressed foam dock seals for temperature control of refrigerated operations. 9 ft wide doors should be used to service 8’6″ wide trailers.

Can I make my box truck dock height?

It is important for warehouse builders to make sure the loading dock height of each trailer dock is between 48” and 52” to make it easy to align trailers with the docks for easy loading or unloading.

How do you calculate loading dock slope?

To calculate the grade, measure the difference in height from the dock to a fixed point approximately 50′ directly out from the dock. Divide the height difference by the length measured, using inches (eg. 18″ difference over 600″ distance.

How long does a loading dock ramp need to be?

What affects the Required Length of a Loading Ramp? In general, loading ramps will range from 20 ft to 30 ft long, excluding the length of the level platform/level off. This platform can add anywhere from 6 ft to 15 ft, making the total length of a ramp up to 45 ft.

How big should a truck court be?

Rapid “fulfillment”, and “just in time” delivery, are driving bigger dimensional requirements for truck loading areas. The standard 120 feet for a single truck court depth is often pushed to 130, or even 150 feet for many new distribution centers.

When should you drive a forklift in reverse?

Large loads on the forks can sometimes obscure operator vision, making it necessary to drive backwards for maximum visibility. When driving down a hill with a load, operators must often drive in reverse to keep loads from slipping off the forks and to maintain stability.

How wide should a loading bay be?

TES Service bays at a loading dock should have a minimum width of 3.0 m for SRV’s, a width which should also allow for side loading at vans, and 3.5 m for larger vehicles (refer AS2890.

What are the different types of loading docks?

5 Different Types of Loading Docks Flush Dock. The most common loading dock used in transport or heavy lifting, a flush dock allows for the back of the loading truck to be flush against the entryway of a space. Open Dock. Saw Tooth Dock. Enclosed Dock.

How far apart should loading dock doors be?

Space the doors 12 ft apart to accommodate most trucks, sealing systems, and communication light systems. Dock doors narrower than 8’0” are commonly installed with compressed foam dock seals for temperature control of refrigerated operations. 9 ft wide doors should be used to service 8’6” wide trailers.

What is a dock apron?

Loading dock apron space is the area required to maneuver and position trailers into place at the loading dock. A gravel-covered loading dock apron should be avoided because it creates uneven and unsafe dock conditions.

What is a depressed dock?

Depressed docks with slope driveways are used where building construction eliminates basements and dock level floors. It should not exceed 10% in order that the top of the truck will not hit the wall of the building, cargo topple, or that pull-away traction problems result in ice or snow conditions.

What are dock levelers?

Dock levelers bridge the gap and height difference between the dock and the trailer. They also compensate for the up and down float of the trailer bed during loading. A dock leveler includes a ramp (hinged along its rear edge) and a lip (hinged at the front of the ramp).

Can you put a forklift in a box truck?

If a forklift will be used, which requires the truck be dock-high, this typically requires a Class 6 or larger truck with 22.5-inch wheels and tires. If a forklift will be used to load cargo onto the truck from a dock, spec a forklift package.

What are the dimensions of a 26 foot box truck?

Compare Similar Vehicles 26′ Box Truck 15′ Parcel Van Length 26′ 15′ Width 102″ 96″ Height 102″ 84″ Passenger Seating 3-person 2-person.

What is the most dependable box truck?

Isuzu N-Series The Japanese automobile manufacturer, Isuzu, produces box trucks that are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and durability. In particular, the Isuzu N-Series, or NPR, is a perfect choice for those who value dependency and high performance.

What is loading dock ramp?

A Copperloy dock ramp or portable yard ramp is a perfect solution for moving supplies on and off of your dock. Copperloy loading dock ramps allow your forklifts and other vehicles to move freely between the interior and exterior of your facility.

How are dock seals measured?

To determine projection, take the measurement from the face of the building wall, to the face of the dock bumper and add 4 to 6 inches for dock seals and approximately 18 to 20 inches for dock shelters.