Loading Dock Design Part-1

Improper design and planning of your dock facilities can lead to expensive, time-consuming and serious safety issues. Questions to ask yourself when designing the Material Transfer Zone:

1. What length should my drive approach be?

The American Trucking Association (ATA) in their guide “How Big is a Truck, How Wide Does it Turn” recommends that the drive approach length should be at least twice the length of the longest tractor/trailer combination plus 5’ – 15’ depending on overhead dock door centerlines.

Example: 75’ Tractor/Trailer Length With 12’ Overhead Door Centerlines:

Tractor/Trailer: 75’ X 2 = 150’ + 15’ for Tight Centerline = 165’ Drive Approach Length

110’ – 120’ is NOT long enough for today’s tractors/trailers, in most cases you need at least 150’.

2. Incline, Decline or Level Drive Approach?

Most new “Big Box” buildings are built with a level or slight incline (1/2%) over the first 50’-75’ for proper drainage. If your site conditions dictate a decline approach, make sure to protect the building!

Add 1” of additional dock bumper projection and/or building wall setback for every percent of drive approach decline.

3. What are the different types of loading docks?

  • Flush
  • Cantilever
  • Open Platform
  • Free Standing Dock Ramp
  • Saw tooth
  • Dock House
  • Finger Dock

Part 2 of this series will continue with further questions to ask yourself when designing a dock. Until then, your comments and questions with regards to typical problems and issues are more than welcome.

Back to News

improving industrial safety, security and productivity worldwide THROUGH QUALITY AND INNOVATION

RITE-HITE