Having a loading dock pit with a hatch is essential in logistics warehouses with a high volume of loading and unloading vehicle traffic. In large logistics warehouses, it is recommended to install a loading dock pit with a hatch for every ten conventional docks. This solution can be implemented with all types of dock levelers, regardless of the model.
What happens if I don’t have a loading dock pit with a hatch?
Often, when the logistics warehouse is old, there is no loading dock with a hatch, leading to complications during loading and unloading operations for trucks that have their own unloading platform. If a loading dock is not prepared for this type of vehicle, it is not feasible to work with them, as the trucks need to rest their platform directly on the hatch of the dock leveler, and this is not safe.
What solutions are available for this issue?
In new constructions, to avoid this situation, a Smart-Dock with a self-supporting boxed hatch is installed from the start. However, when dealing with an older warehouse that hasn’t accounted for loading and unloading by various transport vehicles, an adaptation is required.
There are two solutions for this:
- Excavate the Dock Leveler: This involves removing the dock leveler from its place, excavating the bottom part, and inserting two IPN160 metal beams in the gap to hold the ramp in the air and then boxing it, using the existing dock leveler. With this solution, you need to demolish the entire dock area, leaving an open space under it temporarily during the construction work. Until the work is completed, the warehouse owner must cover it in some way to prevent entry by people, animals, or dust.
- External Dock and Self-Supporting Table: If no civil work is desired, another solution is to move the loading dock outside the warehouse and install a self-supporting table. This way, you gain space inside the warehouse and save time since no civil work is needed, as this product is custom-made according to needs.
At Alapont Soluciones Logísticas, we offer both solutions, helping you adapt your loading docks in older logistics warehouses. We also cater to new constructions with our customized Smart-Dock. Whatever your need, request a no-obligation quote, and we’ll study the solution that best suits you.
