Types of Loading Docks

Guideline on Types of Loading Docks
Chalfant is the nations original dock seal manufacture and with vast experience at the loading dock has found that there are 5 (five) basic loading dock types; Cantilever Loading Dock Design, Enclosed Loading Dock Design, Flush Loading Dock Design, Open Loading Dock Design and Saw Tooth Loading Dock Design.

All five designs include at least one or more of the following dock products;

Dock Bumpers - Stop the backing truck at the loading dock and protecting the building from damage. Several types of dock bumpers are available; molded, laminated & steel face.
Dock Levelers - Dock levelers bridge the gap between the building and truck/trailer. Height adjustment service range varies typically on length of the dock leveler. Several types of dock levelers are available; hydraulic, air powered, mechanical, as well as, edge-of-dock variety.
Truck Restraints - Truck restraints assist in preventing premature truck departure and trailer creep, thus reducing possible costly dock accidents. The two major types are truck impact and non-impact styles and are available in power activated or manual activation. Wheel chocks are the minimum requirement, but require dock attendant to put in place and remove when not in service, recommend to use in conjunction with dock communication system.
Dock Seal / Dock Shelters - Seals the truck to the building minimizing energy loss, fumes, dust, pilferage and product damage due to outdoor weather conditions. Dock Seals/Shelters typical pay for themselves in a short period of time.
Dock Light / Dock Fan - Dock lights illuminate the back of the truck/trailer during loading/unloading operation to increase safety. Dock fans allow air to flow to the trailer to cool and keep good air quality.

Cantilever Loading Dock Design

in a cantilever loading dock design, the foundation wall (dock face) projects past outside building wall. This design reduces the cost of dock bumper replacement in the future when it is time to replace the dock bumpers and also if properly design, it can prevent damage to the building wall, should a dock bumper fail.

Enclosed Loading Dock Design

United Parcel Service (UPS) uses the enclosed loading dock design for its delivery trucks. This design allows for, control against pilferage, efficacy and comfort, product and package protection and provides great traffic control. Also it allows easy use of overhead cranes for loading/unloading flatbed trucks.

It is the most expensive loading dock design requiring greater initial investment and maintenance, as well as greater ventilation for adequate air-exchange, due to engine fumes.

Flush Loading Dock Design

A majority of loading docks today are flush loading docks. The construction of the outside building wall is flush with the concrete face of the loading dock; they both share the same foundation wall. When the building wall projects past the dock face, i.e. metal siding or other material, the dock bumper projection needs to extend that distance, plus the appropriate bumper projection, please refer to our dock bumper section for more information.

Open Loading Dock Design

United States Postal Service uses the open loading dock design for its delivery trucks with an overhead canopy covering the dock. Open loading docks cannot be heated or cooled and it provides little protection for materials, packages and employees. Due to its exposure to the weather floor drainage needs to be considered, also due to the height OSHA may require; edge markings, run-off protection and hand rails

Saw Tooth Loading Dock Design

Saw tooth loading dock designs are effective where dock apron space needs to be minimized. The staging area between docks is typically non-usable.

FIND THE RIGHT DOCK SEAL/SHELTER

At Chalfant finding the right dock enclosure for your application just got easier. Whether its a dock seal, hybrid dock seal, flexible dock shelter, rigid dock shelter or or rail shelter, we can help guide you in making the right selection for your application.

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SELECT A TOUGH DOCK LEVELER

Chalfant dock levelers and edge-of-docks are made of tough diamond tread plate design that assures a non-slip surface for greater safety and stops that lock the board firmly in place, for easy loading. Find out which "tough dock leveler" is the right choice for your application.

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CHOOSE THE BEST TRUCK RESTRAINT

Whether you seek an automatic or manual style truck restraint, Chalfant can help you choose the best truck restraint that will exceed your application demands and provide lowest cost of ownership. With Chalfant we can help you keep your dock safe for years to come.

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Proper Loading Dock Equipment Selection
Contact us today for help you with proper loading dock equipment selection for your loading dock equipment application. We can help you in properly select and specify dock seals, dock shelters, rail shelters, dock levelers; hydraulic dock levelers and mechanical dock levelers, truck restraints, and your loading dock equipment needs, to meet your unique needs.