The loading bay is where the warehouse meets the lorry. If it is badly designed, you lose time, energy and safety: height differences that slow down forklifts, draughts that let the cold escape, operators exposed to rain and wind. In this guide we look at the components of an efficient loading bay and how to choose them.
The components of a loading bay
A complete bay usually consists of three parts working together:
- the dock leveller, which bridges the height difference between the lorry bed and the warehouse floor;
- the dock shelter or seal, which closes the gap between the lorry and the building;
- the door, sectional or high-speed, which closes the opening when the bay is not in use.
Dock levellers: which one to choose
SDL, the hydraulic dock leveller
The SDL hydraulic dock leveller makes it easier to move goods between lorry and warehouse. It is the most widely used solution in logistics hubs.
TDL, the telescopic lip dock leveller
Thanks to its extendable lip, the TDL telescopic dock leveller bridges greater vertical height differences and offers a higher load capacity than standard levellers. It is recommended when the vehicles arriving at the bay vary widely.
GS, the mini dock leveller
When the height difference between lorry and floor is small, the GS mini dock leveller is the simplest and most economical solution.
Dock shelters and seals
DSH-R, the retractable dock shelter
The DSH-R retractable dock shelter is a cost-effective insulated shelter, mounted on the dock or at ground level, which improves the seal between lorry and building.
DSH-I, the cushion dock seal
The DSH-I cushion dock seal is made to measure in height and width and is ideal for fleets of lorries with very similar dimensions.
DSH-C, for temperature-controlled areas
The DSH-C retractable dock shelter with reinforced frame is designed to provide an optimal seal at the sub-zero temperatures of cold rooms.
Loading bay selection table
| Requirement | Dock leveller | Dock shelter |
|---|---|---|
| Standard logistics hub | SDL hydraulic | DSH-R retractable |
| Widely varying lorries | TDL telescopic | DSH-R retractable |
| Uniform fleet | SDL hydraulic | DSH-I cushion |
| Cold rooms | SDL or TDL | DSH-C reinforced |
| Small height differences | GS mini dock | Depending on use |
The right door for the bay
Loading bays often use sectional doors such as the GVL vertical-lift sectional door. Where traffic is frequent, or the bay opens onto a refrigerated area, a high-speed door helps to limit losses: for cold rooms we recommend the ZipGO Cold range.
If the loading area is uncovered, a FrontGO front tunnel protects operators and goods from the rain.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a hydraulic and a telescopic dock leveller?
The SDL hydraulic leveller has a hinged lip and is the standard solution; the TDL telescopic leveller has an extendable lip that bridges greater height differences and provides a higher load capacity.
What is a loading bay dock shelter for?
It closes the gap between lorry and building during loading, reducing loss of heat or cold and the ingress of dust and water, while improving operator safety.
Which dock shelter should be used for cold rooms?
For sub-zero temperatures we recommend DSH-C, the retractable dock shelter with reinforced frame designed to provide an optimal seal.
Can an existing loading bay be upgraded?
Yes, dock levellers, shelters and doors can be replaced or added to existing bays. During the site survey we check the pit, dimensions and condition of the dock.
Are you a distributor or installer of loading bay equipment? Become a GLG dealer to offer complete bays, from dock levellers to dock shelters and doors.
Let’s design your loading bay together
Tell us the number of bays, the type of vehicles and the warehouse temperature: we will propose the most suitable combination of dock leveller, shelter and door. Or book a free site survey.
