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 docks.

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 a logistics platform has, 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.

Loading dock closed

Unlike the former, this type of dock is completely covered and protected by adjustable access doors, 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.

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.

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.

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

A 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.