Elements of Loading Dock Design

The proficient stream of products in and out of facilities is vital in today’s extremely competitive world. Special consideration must be given to the loading dock area design for this to happen. When coordinating dock heights and door sizes, and when selecting the proper loading dock equipment, there are a number of factors that must be carefully considered.

Loading Dock Access – Loading Dock Planning and Design

The Following information is a guideline for applying truck service to the loading dock area to insure proper design, safety and service to your loading dock area. Apply proper Traffic Engineering design standards and compliance with local codes.

Property Gates

Suggested minimum width at gates leading into approach roadways is 16′ to 20′ for one-way traffic, 30′ to 32′ for two-way traffic, and 38′ if pedestrian walkway is to be included.

Roadway Approach

Trucks should be permitted to drive in rather than back in. Straight-through, “Y” or angle approaches should be considered depending on traffic volume estimates.

If mixed passenger car and pedestrian traffic is involved in the approach, suitable separation and safety precautions should be planned for.

Yard Approach

Service roads for one-way truck traffic should be a minimum of 14′ wide… for two-way traffic no less than 26′ wide. If pedestrians are to be accommodated, there should be an additional 6′ lane separated from the roadway by a physical barrier.

If a right angle intersection is required, a 50′ radius should be planned for commercial vehicles.

The design of approach roadways should also allow for counterclockwise traffic circulation since it is easier for drivers to make left-hand turns and to back trailers into a dock from this position.* NOTE: Traffic directions and illustrations on this website are based on trucks with left-hand drive.

Apron Space

The configuration of the area required to maneuver and position trailers into place is called the apron space. Planning apron space requires recognizing trailer movement and the amount of room it takes to achieve that movement.

Traffic flow and vehicle length are key factors for consideration (i.e. a truck with an overall length of 65′ requires a minimum apron space of 135′).

Landing Strip

If the area is to be surfaced with asphalt, a concrete landing strip must be poured. In warm temperatures, the landing strip will prevent the trailer’s landing gear from sinking into the asphalt when spotted. Typical position of semi-truck landing gear is 120″ behind the nose of the trailer. Gravel-covered apron space should be avoided because it creates uneven, unsafe conditions.

Waiting Area

Unless docks are designed to handle peak loads, provision must be made for a truck waiting area. This should be placed so that the trucks in this area do not interfere with trucks maneuvering into or pulling away from the dock.

Pavement Surfaces

These surfaces should be specified to be evenly laid and structurally sound to support heavy wheel loads. All roadway surfaces should be slightly crowned and properly equipped with drainage outlets.

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Loading Dock Type

Flush Loading Dock Design

Flush docks are in most common use today. Here the face of the dock (foundation) is flush with the outside wall of the building. To prevent wall damage and protect dock seals (if used) on a level approach it is recommended that the foundation/dock bumper extend 4″ beyond the outside wall.

NOTE: If building wall projects beyond the dock face additional foundation/bumper projection is required.

Enclosed Loading Dock

Enclosed docks are generally used when climate control, product protection, security, and overhead lift capabilities are required.

They are not a common choice due to high construction costs and vehicle exhaust pollution considerations.

Open Loading Dock

Open docks, although they may be a necessary alternative in some cases, are not generally recommended because of their weather exposure and susceptibility to pilferage. In all cases these docks should be provided with a canopy. And in situations where canopies are planned over docks on sloped grades, the height of the canopy must be calculated to accommodate the height of the sloped trailer.

Depressed Loading Dock – a.k.a. Declined Approach

Depressed docks with slope driveways are used where building construction eliminates basements and dock level floors. Caution must be exercised in planning the grade of the driveway. It should not exceed 10% in order that the top of the truck will not hit the wall of the building, cargo topple, or that pull-away traction problems result in ice or snow conditions.

Saw Tooth Loading Dock

Saw tooth docks present a design solution to situations where apron space is limited, however they reduce useable dock space.