As summer approaches and temperatures rise, many refrigerated warehouses face a major challenge: cold loss in the loading and unloading zones. This thermal leakage not only compromises the cold chain but also leads to significant energy costs and economic losses that can amount to thousands of euros.
The critical point is the loading dock, where most of the cold escapes during goods handling. That’s why more and more companies are seeking solutions to improve the efficiency of this key area.
In this article, we share a real-life case in which Alapont Global helped one of Spain’s leading supermarket chains optimize the thermal efficiency of their new logistics center. To tell us more, we spoke with Tino, a technical specialist with over 20 years of industry experience, who led the project.
A High-Scale project
“A few years ago, a well-known Spanish supermarket approached us to collaborate on the loading docks of their new logistics hub. The objective was clear: to eliminate cold loss at the docks. It was a major challenge given the scale of the facility and its high frequency of inbound and outbound traffic,” explains Tino.
The Solution: Efficiency, hygiene, and control in one integrated system
To address the problem, we implemented a combined solution consisting of:
- Vertical storing dock leveler
- Inflatable dock shelter
- Overhead sectional door
All integrated through the Full Equip control panel, which centralizes the management of all components into one unified system.
“The vertical dock leveler, installed inside the dock, allows the sectional door to close completely to the floor, effectively preventing cold air from escaping. Additionally, it enables the truck doors to be opened from inside the loading bay, and together with the inflatable shelter, ensures an almost airtight seal,” says Tino.
This configuration not only maximizes energy efficiency but also meets strict hygiene standards, which are crucial in sectors like food and pharmaceuticals.
Energy Savings and Competitive Advantage
“Many warehouses experience this issue, and some don’t even realize it. Maintaining the cold chain is extremely costly. Implementing solutions like this one can result in significant energy savings and enhanced competitiveness,” concludes Tino.
Investing in an efficient loading dock system is not just an operational improvement—it’s a strategic decision with medium- and long-term benefits. Especially in summer, when high temperatures test refrigeration systems, integrated solutions like ours can make a substantial difference.
Want to see how it works in practice? Check out this demonstration video of the vertical dock leveler and the full system.
