Different types of loading and unloading docks and how to optimize their management

Loading and unloading docks are the most critical and relevant points of the entire supply chain when transport is carried out by road. Therefore, in this post we will see the different types of loading and unloading docks and how to optimize their management.

Let us remember that loading and unloading at the docks used to be the main source of conflict between shippers and carriers due to the long waiting times that drivers sometimes had to assume.

Following the entry into force of Royal Decree-Law 3/2022, of March 1, which limited loading and unloading by drivers, this situation improved considerably.

On the other hand, shippers denounce an increase in loading and unloading times after the entry into force of the regulation and, therefore, they are still looking for ways to optimize the management of loading docks.

What is a loading and unloading dock?

A loading dock is a structure located in a logistics facility or warehouse that allows the loading and unloading of goods between a vehicle and the infrastructure. Its design and operation directly influence the efficiency of the supply chain.

Docks can be outdoor or indoor, elevated or at ground level, and their choice depends on the type of goods, volume of operations and environmental conditions.

Types of loading and unloading docks in logistics platforms

Before making the decision to optimize the management of loading and unloading docks, it is important to be clear about the types of docks that can exist in a logistics platform, how they work, what their main advantages are and what their main handicaps are.

Open loading dock

This type of dock is characterized by the fact that it is not covered by any type of element, so that the goods are not protected at the time of loading/unloading.

Here, cargo vehicles can be parked for loading and unloading operations directly outside the building or warehouse.

Open loading docks are ideal for non-perishable goods, such as building materials.

In addition, this type of dock requires a lower initial investment for its construction and allows for greater flexibility in maneuvering large vehicles.

Advantages

• Low construction cost
• More maneuvering space for vehicles
• Ideal for non-sensitive goods, such as construction materials, heavy machinery.

Disadvantages

• Exposure to rain, wind, dust…
• Not suitable for perishable or fragile products

Loading dock closed

Unlike the former, this type of dock is completely covered and protected thanks to adjustable access doors, hermetic seals and air conditioning systems, so that the rear of the truck is protected from weather conditions and possible theft.

Refrigerated food or pharmaceutical products are the ideal cargo for this type of dock, as they can be equipped with climate control systems to maintain a controlled temperature.

On the other side of the coin, these docks have a higher construction cost and less flexibility for maneuvering than open docks.

In any case, if what we are looking for is protection and safety of cargo and personnel, this type of dock is ideal.

Advantages

• Total protection against external agents
• Ideal for food, pharmaceuticals and sensitive goods
• Improves work safety and loading efficiency

Disadvantages

• Higher initial investment
• Requires interior space planning for ease of maneuvering

Loading dock in saw

Sawtooth loading docks are used when the maneuvering yard of the logistics platform or distribution center is to be optimized.

This type of dock has a design that allows trucks to park at an angle to the loading platform, forming an arrangement that simulates the teeth of a saw.

With this design, the space accepts a greater number of trucks loading or unloading simultaneously.

It also allows for greater flexibility in the maneuvers that drivers must make, which is very useful in urban areas or in facilities with limited outdoor space.

Easier maneuvering increases productivity in loading and unloading operations by reducing vehicle dwell times on the platform.

In summary, the saw loading dock is ideal for optimizing space and time in facilities where efficiency is required in the entry and exit of trucks in confined areas.

Advantages

• Higher density of trucks operating simultaneously
• Facilitates maneuvering in urban or confined environments
• Increases efficiency and reduces waiting times

Disadvantages

• Requires specific architectural design
• Not all logistic facilities can easily adapt to it

Loading dock at ground level

A flush loading dock is a type of loading and unloading dock that is at the same level as the ground, with no elevation or platform.

This allows loading vehicles to enter the building or warehouse directly from ground level, facilitating access for loading and unloading goods.

In other words, they have direct access, without the need to install ramps or elevated platforms.

Advantages

• Ideal for small installations or light vehicles
• No ramps or lifts required

Disadvantages

• Limited for large volumes or high tonnage vehicles
• May slow down operations compared to elevated springs

How to optimize the management of different types of loading and unloading docks

After knowing the main types of loading and unloading docks, it is important to know how to optimize their management.

The optimization of docks does not depend only on the type of infrastructure, but also on how the flow of vehicles, goods and people is managed. To achieve this, it is key to implement advanced digital strategies and tools.

In this regard, it is important to have a good Yard Management System (YMS ) to plan and optimize in real time the resources available for loading and unloading.

A loading dock management solution should be based on three key factors:

• Collaboration. The technology must be able to include all the agents involved, actively involving the driver in the reservation of slots and allowing the shipper to approve or not these reservations based on space availability.
• Visibility. The very collaborative nature of dock management solutions results in improved visibility, because all parties are connected and are informed in real time of delays, overruns or possible incidents. This facilitates and improves the efficiency of the management of loading and unloading operations.
• Flexibility. Having all parties involved in the process of loading and unloading goods and all parties having real-time visibility provides greater flexibility in dock management. In addition, a YMS must take into account the different types of cargo entering the dock and assign special cargo to the appropriate docks.

The FIELDEAS Track and Trace Dock Management Module or YMS already allows this flexible, collaborative and fully transparent scenario to be achieved, improving planning and gaining efficiency, resulting in further optimization of the supply chain and compliance with loading and unloading times.