Optimal Dock Height Plays a Critical Role...

Optimal dock height plays a critical role in providing smooth product transfer…
The following selection criteria must be considered for a proper loading dock height.
1. Service range of the variety of trucks to be service and mid-point.
2. The maximum grade capability of your client’s material handling equipment, consistent with dock leveler length.
3. Dock leveler length that can accommodate the height difference from dock to truck, and truck/trailer “float” during loading/unloading.

The average dock height is typically between 48″ to 52″. However each client’s application should be reviewed to find the highest and lowest trucks served, plus the frequency of each truck bed height that arrives at their loading dock. Once this is known a mid-point can be selected and used as the dock height that works best with the dock equipment and the material handling equipment.

Knowing the maximum grade capability of your material handling equipment can help determine the dock height and dock leveler length. The maximum grade capability of a pallet jack is 3%; electric pallet jack 7%, electric lift truck 10% and gasoline fork tucks is 15%. When planning the dock height always try to strive for the least incline/decline approach to load/unload the vehicles that arrive at the dock, this will provide a longer life for the material handling equipment and the dock leveler.