However, since it has to serve both functions, its location often increases the travel distances for in-plant traffic. The combined dock is a good choice for smaller plants, with little receiving or shipping. Separated, with shipping and receiving at different locations.Combined, so that shipping and receiving are together.Typically, loading docks are placed in one of two patterns: It is easier to move a loaded truck to specific points around the building than it is to move the contents of that truck pallet-by-pallet inside the building.Ĭhoose the loading dock location based on the needs of the in-plant process. To reduce material handling costs, locate the loading dock where it minimizes in-plant forklift traffic. Forklift Dock Ramp Typical loading dock dimensions To protect workers, design it with the same high safety standards you apply to the rest of the facility.
To maintain productivity, it must be as efficient as the facility it serves.Ī loading dock is also a place of a potential hazard. It integrates material handling inside the building with truck traffic outside the building. The dock marks the beginning and the end of material flow through the facility.
The planning starts at the point where traffic enters the facility property from the public road and ends where the trucks leave the property. The typical loading dock for palletized goods includes a raised loading platform, a dock leveler that forms a ramp between the dock and the delivery trucks, a trailer restraint to positively lock the trailer in place during loading/unloading and forklifts or pallet jacks to move the goods in and out of the trucks.ĭesigning the loading dock is an integral part of the facility process design.