Number of Loading Docks
When determining the required number of loading docks,we recommend that you consider a range of factors that may influence both your current and future building requirements.
For more information on How to Design a Loading Bay and which internal and external factors should be considered before designing your loading bay, download our brochure
Traffic Scheduling
Capacity and traffic scheduling are important factors to take into consideration. Ask yourself the question: how many vehicles are likely to be loading and unloading simultaneously. Often, the peak times at distribution centres and hubs occur in the mornings and in the evenings.
Finding the balance between enough loading bays to cope with the peaks but at the same time avoiding too many empty loading bays during the off-peak times.
Goods In and Goods Out
Many companies rely on separate loading bays for receiving and despatching goods. Frequently, these loading bays are located on different sides of a distribution centre to allow the smooth processing of goods in and goods out. This scenario also needs to be considered when deciding upon the number of required loading bays.
Processing of Goods
Do different goods need different handling? Consider the expedition flow: processing activities, such as sorting, packing or labelling and where these activities should take place. It is advisable to have a sufficient number of loading bays to prevent internal handling equipment having to transport goods over long warehouse distances, or even at different locations within the distribution centre. This can easily be solved by positioning loading bays as close to the goods processing areas as possible.
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