Loading docks
Hydraulic dock levelers, specifically, are more recommended since it operates with a push of a button and doesn’t require workers to bend down in an awkward position that is susceptible to injury – just like mechanical levelers.Īdditionally, hydraulic dock levelers are cost-effective in the long run since they require less maintenance than mechanical levelers. Vehicle restraints are more preferred than wheel chocks since they are safer and not placed manually like chocks, which are susceptible to incorrect application and human errors.ĭock levelers are equipment used to accommodate different trailer floor heights.
This prevents forklift fall-through, which is one of the most dangerous types of accidents occurring at warehouse loading docks. This equipment holds a trailer’s rear impact guard to secure it from vehicle creep or unscheduled departures. Some of the equipment we recommend to use are: In addition to having the right amount of labor resources, investing in the right equipment can improve warehouse loading dock efficiency and safety. To inquire for a custom dock scheduling software, click here. Also, since labor costs can take 50-70% of a warehouse’s budget, it is integral that it is used most efficiently. This enables you to omit over or under allocation of human resources. Having foresight into your daily loading dock operations can let you allocate the proper number of man-hours to accommodate incoming or outgoing cargo efficiently. Additionally, this system can take into consideration operating constraints, such as open/close time, commodities accepted, trailer types accepted, labor resources, equipment, and more.
LOADING DOCKS SOFTWARE
Tips to Optimize Warehouse Loading Dock OperationsĪ dock scheduling software helps improve your loading dock operations by letting carriers book appointments using a scheduling system and allowing you to organize your warehouse operations around the schedule. Additionally, it is important to note that wider doors require more space, so it is best to keep dock width at the minimum without sacrificing efficiency. Since the majority of trucks today are at least 8’ wide, your loading dock must be able to accommodate this size. Your frequently accommodated trucks will also determine the width of your warehouse loading dock. Today, the most common dock height is 48” – 52”.
The height of a loading dock will depend on the most frequent vehicle accommodated per warehouse, as trucks can range from 30” to 62” in height. It is one of the most important areas of the warehouse to keep efficient, as it manages the inflow and outflow of goods, which is directly proportional to the warehouse’s profitability. But first, what is a warehouse loading dock?Ī warehouse loading dock is an entrance or exit point for goods that are being loaded or unloaded from trucks and vans. For information or assistance on moving large or heavy items, you can visit our moving services page or contact one of the individuals below.To help you avoid the scenarios above, we listed four best practices to optimize your loading dock operations and improve warehouse productivity and safety.Payments associated with the use of a private carrier for shipment of incoming, or processing outgoing freight and packages, are to be made between the client office and the carrier prior to shipping.Provide loading dock ramp restrictions to vendors and acquisition staff when ordering furniture, equipment or supplies.Coordinate large deliveries in advance with shipping and receiving staff.Provide correct shipping information with name, room number, and phone number.OFAS loading dock staff will weigh and prepare outgoing shipments and obtain signatures from the contact carrier upon pickup. Outgoing freight and packages: Client offices must deliver outgoing shipments of freight and packages to the loading, or arrangements can be made via the OFAS moving services for pickup of any large or heavy items.