If you manufacture a product that sells in stores around the country or are a company that delivers the parts to make a product, then you may be aware that there are many steps involved in getting goods from one place to another. One of these steps occurs when transport vehicles arrive at the loading docks.
What is a loading dock?
A loading dock, also called a loading bay, is a part of a building where trucks load and unload products. These docks are most commonly found installed at industrial and commercial buildings, manufacturing plants and warehouses for easier movement of goods. Loading docks play an integral role in maintaining productivity for production facilities, so they must be efficient.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the different types of loading docks that may eventually need professional dock repair service in McDonough, GA:
- Flush loading dock: The flush dock design is the most common type loading dock used today. It shares the same foundation as the wall, and the foundation—also called the face of the dock—is flush with the outside of the building. If the building wall projects past the foundation, dock bumpers are put in place a few inches out to prevent wall damage.
- Cantilever loading dock: When it comes to a cantilever loading dock design, the foundation wall (the dock face) extends out past the outside building wall. This type of dock can prevent damage to building walls, trucks, trailers and dock equipment in the event of a dock bumper failure.
- Enclosed loading dock: The enclosed loading dock design was made to ensure that a truck can park inside the building or a covered area during loading or unloading; this type of dock is not commonly used. A cover is important when the products require climate control, extra protection or security or need to be lifted overhead. Facilities that use an enclosed dock must have a ventilation system in place to remove truck exhaust from the area.
- Open loading dock: In an open dock situation, the design may or may not cover the loading area. Open docks cannot be heated or cooled and do not offer protection for cargo or people, as they are exposed to the weather, like the hot sun and heavy downpours.
- Saw tooth loading dock: The saw tooth design involves angled spaces lined up next to one another, so it’s easier for trucks to back into them. The design requires extra building space, but allows trucks to leave the dock with fewer maneuvers, instead of wedging back and forth until they get out of the spot and onto the road.
No matter the type of loading dock you have in your facility, keeping up on regular maintenance and repairs can better ensure proper function and fewer delays with product loading and unloading. At Affordable Dock & Door, we guarantee that you will be satisfied with our convenient loading dock repair service in McDonough, GA. Give us a call to learn how we can help you!