Dock Management 2025 Study: 51.16% of shippers already have technological solutions in place
01 Oct 2025
Together with the Spanish Logistics Center (CEL), we have presented the study on Dock Management 2025.
Under the name “Dock Management in Spain three years after RDL 3/2022: degree of digitalization and perspectives of shippers and carriers”, this report is a further commitment of CEL and FIELDEAS for knowledge, analysis, unification of criteria and dissemination of key information for the sector.
One of the most outstanding data of this study is that 51.16% of the loader companies, driving agents in terms of digitalization, already have solutions for the management of waiting times and dock assignment.
Specifically, 34.88% have adopted third-party software, while 16.28% have developed and implemented their own system.
However, it is important to note that 48.84% of shippers still manage loading and unloading docks manually.
On the carriers’ side, technological fragmentation remains a major challenge: almost 30% use more than 10 different platforms, which complicates standardization and generates administrative overload.
This data forces a focus on the main barriers supply chain companies face in digitizing dock management.
The conclusions of the study, drawn from a quantitative and qualitative analysis, show that the main obstacle to digitalization is the lack of integration and resistance to change.
Specifically, 30.23% of shippers point to integration as the main obstacle and 27.91% to resistance to change.
Meanwhile, 30.61% of transport companies point to the use of multiple non-unified platforms and 26.53% to resistance to change on the part of drivers.
Despite the challenges, the study concludes that both shippers and carriers see the digitization of docks as a key lever for the future. Thus, they advocate interoperable, simple solutions that focus on usability rather than sophistication.
“The consensus among shippers and carriers reveals the strategic need for a cross-cutting, scalable and interoperable technology solution that ensures real-time visibility throughout the logistics chain. This claim is not limited to technical sophistication, but emphasizes the importance of a living, flexible and simple tool, capable of adapting dynamically to operational changes.” Lola Hurtado, Marketing Director of FIELDEAS.
The main conclusion regarding the impact of RDL 3/2022 on loaders and carriers is that this regulation has not brought about a structural change, but it has brought about a cultural change.
In general, the regulations have favored the professionalization and improvement of working conditions and have led to greater awareness of the need for collaboration, traceability and digitalization in the loading and unloading processes.
“This study is the perfect example that when shippers and carriers collaborate, realistic conclusions can be drawn. From the public sphere we continue to work on different measures with the aim of boosting the digitalization of the sector, a fundamental pillar for the sector’s competitiveness.” Elena Mª Atance, General Director of Road and Rail Transport of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
On the other hand, waiting times continue to be a source of friction. Despite the legal one-hour waiting time limit, both shippers and carriers report that waiting times are still excessive in many cases. Some 69.23% of carriers and 53.50% of shippers indicate that their waiting times exceed the legally stipulated hour.
In addition, while shippers are adamant that the maximum dock waiting time of one hour is insufficient and unrealistic (69.77%), carriers are more divided: 51.28% believe it is sufficient and realistic, 48.72% believe it is not.
In any case, there is consensus on the need for clearer, more practical and flexible regulations.
“Regulation has brought order, but there are still things to be done. We need to put the focus on the how instead of the what, with the aim of generating standards that will allow us to boost the digitization of dock management.” Ramón García, general manager of CEL.
The presentation of the data was followed by the round table “One dock, two realities, one solution: digitalization”, with the participation of Óscar López, CEO of FIELDEAS; Mónica Viloria, head of Transport and Foreign Trade at Ercros; Javier Torres, Director of Logistics, Galletas Gullón; Alberto Blanco, head of Logistics Projects at Carreras Grupo Logístico ; and Marta Sánchez, CEO of Transportes Frigoríficos Narval.
During the round table, the main challenges of dock management were analyzed and new strategies were proposed to promote their optimization.
In particular, greater visibility was advocated and all participants agreed that the way to optimize efficiency at loading and unloading docks is through information sharing.
“There is a vision problem when it comes to digitizing. A dock management tool has to integrate all the actors and, in addition, all of them have to find benefits. This is the only way to provide value and visibility,” said Óscar López, CEO of FIELDEAS.
This study was made possible thanks to the collaboration of associations such as the Spanish Shipper’s Council (Transprime); ASTIC, International Road Transport Association; ESC, European Shippers’ Council; IRU, International Road Transport Union; and GSA, Global Shippers’ Alliance.
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Presentation of the study "Dock Management in Spain three years after RDL 3/2022: degree of digitalization and perspectives of shippers and carriers"