The Ultimate Guide to Loading Dock Equipment

What Your Business Needs for A Fully Functioning Loading Dock

Loading docks are a big part of many businesses today. They allow for the quick loading and unloading of products from one place to another. Loading docks generally have many moving parts that allow them to function seamlessly along with the team that is running them – but what are the actual moving parts within each loading dock? What equipment allows for each loading dock to be run smoothly. What equipment pieces are must-haves for your loading dock? Stay tuned! We want to talk about each crucial piece of equipment that is a part of a loading dock and what they do to ensure the smooth loading and unloading process.

Loading Dock Leveler

A loading dock leveler is a crucial piece of equipment for your loading dock. What is a loading dock leveler? A loading dock leveler is a piece of equipment that is put on the edge of your loading dock to, as the name states, level your loading dock. This equipment connects a truck that would back up to be loaded or unloaded to the stationary dock, and just serves as a sort of ramp that can be raised or lowered to connect the space between.

Loading Dock Seals

A loading dock seal is not a required piece of equipment for any loading dock but is an application that can be very beneficial for your operations. A dock seal is most simply a foam pad that is attached to your loading dock opening in order to seal any openings between a truck and the loading dock. A loading dock seal is great for places where weather is unpredictable and can easily affect the loading and unloading of products. We know that moisture can create dangerous conditions on a loading dock floor for anyone working in the area, a dock seal is a great way to minimize the elements coming in and affecting your operation. Not only does a dock seal help prevent

Loading Dock Shelters

Dock shelters provide a different kind of seal for loading docks. They also are not required and are generally fitted to the top and sides of a loading dock with a weighted curtain or piece of fabric hanging down or formed with a piece of fiberglass stays. This allows for trailers of any size to still have a strong seal while backed into the loading dock. Some dock shelters even are able to be adjusted by height with a rope or other form of adjustment. All in all loading dock shelters are a great way to control any outside elements from getting in while you are loading and unloading trucks that come in an out. They are similar to a dock seal but as they have progressed, they are better at not showing as much wear and tear with heavy daily use.

Vehicle Restraints & Loading Dock Communications

Vehicle restraints and loading dock communication often go hand in hand. Vehicle restraints are a safety measure that are highly recommended for loading docks. Simply speaking, they prevent a truck or vehicle from moving away from the dock while the loading or unloading process is happening. Vehicle restraints keep the vehicle secured safely to the loading dock so that work can commence safely. Many times dock communications in the form of lights will also accompany the vehicle restraints to let the drivers and workers both know the status of the truck as well as when it is safe to pull away or begin loading or unloading.

Loading Dock Lifts

Loading dock lifts can be used for a wide variety of applications to help your operations go more smoothly. In the resting position they are level with the ground, and then can be adjusted to the height of the truck or level that you need in order to move product from point A to point B. Not only can they be used for trucks but businesses will also use them to move product from one floor to another floor depending on the situation. Every loading dock lift has safety measures put into place for the use of t

Barrier Gates

Barrier gates are a great safety measure for any loading dock that is not being used. A gate is stretched across the opening to allow the loading door to be open while keeping anyone inside from falling out. Because the door is open, there also is good airflow that is allowed into the building keeping fresh air flowing for everyone’s enjoyment – especially when the weather is nice.

Loading Dock Bumpers

Loading dock bumpers are a must if you have docks that are regularly in use. As named, they are a padded bumper that is attached to your dock in case the trailer hits the dock on any side. These pads will absorb any shock from hitting the dock in a case where the trailer isn’t backed in properly. These bumpers can prevent serious damage from occurring – especially in high traffic loading docks.

If you have a business that utilized a loading dock, we hope that this information was helpful for you to know what options you have for your loading dock as well as what equipment you might want to keep your workers and drivers as safe as possible.

If you are looking for any of the above equipment, please conta ct us today! Our representatives are happy to help you in any way that we can.