Loading docks allow delivery vehicles to back up straight to a warehouse door, allowing goods to be loaded or unloaded directly from the vehicle with a minimum of fuss.
Many logistics-based businesses may have multiple loading docks, but even one can make a big difference to a fast-moving warehouse environment. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why!
Loading docks save time
Docks make loading and unloading much quicker, purely because goods don’t have as far to travel – and there’s far less lifting up and down from vehicles involved. When every minute makes a difference to critical deliveries arriving on time, a loading dock can make a tremendous difference.
Safe, secure working spaces
A reduction in the amount of lifting required can only be a good thing for staff who are loading and unloading – the risk of strain and injury is greatly reduced when pallet trucks can be wheeled in and out of a vehicle with ease. But a dock also means protection from the elements – no rain, wind or snow to create risk for people, or damage to goods.
Energy efficiency and temperature control
That protection from the elements means there’s less heat lost through a warehouse door as it no longer opens to the outside world. For units that are temperature controlled for protecting the goods within, this is a major benefit, but it will also be a bonus for any unit working through the winter – less heat lost through open warehouse doors means less spent on heating.
What you’ll need to consider
Loading docks require doors that can open without swinging outwards, which means sectional overhead doors are a common choice. For operations where time really is a pressing concern, high-speed doors are also widely used.
If a loading dock is replacing a door that is commonly used as an entry and exit point by staff, a secure personnel door is another key consideration.
If you have any questions about the doors required on a loading dock, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at NGF – we’ll be happy to help!
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