Warehouse Loading Dock Glossary of Terms

Oct 08, 2020

It doesn’t matter if you’re a brand new warehouse manager or you’ve been on the job for years. It’s a good idea to understand the most important identifying terms and phrases for your loading dock and door area. Knowing this information helps keep your warehouse running smoothly, safely, and efficiently at all times. 

Another safety measure that you should be taking as a warehouse manager is the proper installation of loading dock equipment and scheduling regular maintenance with experts. Ready to upgrade? In the process of planning a new warehouse project? Call our experts today at 638-486-1693 to help design, procure, and install the right loading dock doors and equipment. 

Attachments: Add-ons for forklifts in order to handle and transport a load, and include things like clamps. claws, or carpet poles. Attachments change the capacity of a forklift and should be considered when it comes to choosing a dock leveler.

Communication Signals: Colored lights that show (communicate) which loading operation the dock operator and truck driver need to take next. These indicate to both the driver and the operator when it’s safe to pull up to or away from the loading dock — think green for “go” and red for “stop”.

Dock Bumpers or Pads: Pieces of durable rubber that surround the loading dock to prevent damage to the warehouse building when trucks pull up. They should be highly resistant to impact and made of materials that resist environmental factors and moisture.

Dock Leveler: Mechanism that helps to close the gap between docks and trucks, adjusting to meet varying heights of truck beds and creating a bridge that increases warehouse worker safety regardless of the size of the truck.

Dock Leveler Capacity: The weight limit of a dock leveler, determined first by the manufacturer’s rating and then compounded by factors which include top forklift weight, regular forklift cycles and speeds, and the lifespan expectancy of the leveler, among other things.

Dock lips: Lips at the dock’s edge that create a stop that prevents forklifts from driving off the edge of the dock during loading or unloading transport trucks. The lip will automatically lower and provide a smooth transition when it’s safe to do so.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): Limit for any specific vehicle used in and around a warehouse (including forklifts) established by the manufacturer. GVW includes base weight plus cargo or loads and accounts for the weight of maximum passenger limits.

High-Speed Doors: Loading dock doors that lower and raise quickly, and can be a safe, energy-efficient option for warehouses looking to increase productivity and security. They are often installed in climate-controlled facilities that need to closely monitor the temperature.

Lifter Arm: Device on dock levelers that help to raise and lower or extend the main section of mechanical levelers. Lifter arms often use roller and spring tension mechanisms to help deploy the leveler smoothly and quickly.

Loading Dock Door: Entrances to the loading dock areas that are central to warehouse design and construction. Loading dock doors must control temperature and humidity and usually open automatically as trucks approach from the outside or forklifts approach from the interior.

Loading Dock Equipment: Any equipment used in the dock area of a warehouse to make it more efficient and safer as goods move in and out. This definition applies to things like dock levelers, seals, communication lights, dock bumpers, and more.

Overhead Doors: Commonly used loading dock doors that are sectional and raise and lower on a track system. Overhead doors usually consist of panels and are often insulated, and can be used in many standard loading dock applications.

Safety Gates: Barriers that block off pedestrian paths around loading docks. Dock safety gates prevent warehouse workers from walking through loading zones during times when it’s unsafe or prohibited to do so.

Seal: Rubber barriers between dock doors and the trucks that pull up to transport goods, and help keep out weather elements, pests, and even personnel. Dock seals are often used in climate-controlled warehouses and improve energy efficiency and working conditions.

Shelter: Flexible enclosures surrounding loading docks that protect trucks pulling up to transport goods as they are loaded and unloaded. Dock shelters are similar to dock seals but have a looser fit and generally last longer.

Vehicle Creep: Rocking motion that occurs with trucks or transport vehicles when it moves during loading or unloading. Vehicle creep can present gaps between the vehicle and the dock and create a safety hazard and must be accounted for in warehouse loading dock design.

Common Hazards in Your Warehouse (And How to Avoid Them)

08 Apr, 2024
Warehouses are the backbone of many industries, storing and distributing goods to keep the economy moving. However, behind the scenes of this logistical hub lurk various hazards that can pose severe risks to employees and property. Let's investigate some of the most common warehouse hazards and explore proactive mitigation strategies. Slips/Trips/Falls Slips, trips, and falls are among the most prevalent hazards in warehouse spaces. Spills, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can easily lead to accidents if not adequately addressed. To prevent such incidents, warehouses should prioritize proper housekeeping, including regular cleaning and maintenance of floors. Additionally, using signage to highlight potential hazards and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the facility can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Fires Flammable materials and electrical equipment in warehouses make them susceptible to fires. Faulty wiring, improper storage of combustible materials, and lack of fire suppression systems can all contribute to the risk of fire outbreaks. Implementing preventive measures such as regular equipment maintenance, proper storage protocols for flammable materials, and employee training on fire safety procedures are crucial in mitigating this hazard. Harmful Substances Warehouses often house various chemicals and hazardous substances, which can pose risks to employees' health if not handled properly. Exposure to harmful substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other serious health problems. To mitigate this hazard, warehouses should properly store and label hazardous materials, provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure adequate ventilation systems, and conduct regular training on safe handling procedures. Falling Objects With shelves stacked high with merchandise, falling objects present a significant hazard in warehouses. Poorly secured storage systems, improper stacking of items, and inadequate safety measures can all increase the risk of objects falling and causing injury. Warehouses can minimize this risk by adequately securing shelves and storage systems, using barriers or guardrails to prevent objects from falling, and conducting regular inspections of overhead storage areas. Overexertion The physical demands of warehouse work can lead to overexertion injuries if employees lack adequate training or don't perform tasks ergonomically. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and working in awkward positions can all contribute to overexertion injuries such as strains and sprains. To prevent such injuries, warehouses should provide comprehensive training on proper lifting techniques, encourage the use of mechanical aids such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and implement ergonomic workstations to reduce strain on employees' bodies.

Common Inventory Management Mistakes

08 Mar, 2024
Effective inventory management practices influence the success of each warehouse, the supply chain, and the business at large. Inventory management involves many moving parts and elements – everything from the product catalog to the warehouse space to tracked KPIs. Experienced warehouse managers know that no matter how fool-proof your inventory management systems are, there’s always room to improve and prepare for unexpected circumstances. Let’s discuss common inventory management mistakes (and what to do instead). Overstocking or Understocking One of the most prevalent inventory management mistakes is maintaining too much or too little inventory. Overstocking ties up valuable capital and warehouse space, leading to increased carrying costs and a higher risk of obsolescence. On the other hand, understocking can result in stockouts, backorders, and dissatisfied customers. Businesses should leverage historical sales data, market trends, and advanced forecasting techniques to accurately predict demand and optimize inventory levels. Inaccurate Demand Forecasting Businesses are prone to making costly inventory planning errors without precise demand forecasting. Relying on outdated data or flawed forecasting methods can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By utilizing advanced analytics and predictive modeling, businesses can better anticipate shifts in demand, seasonal fluctuations, and emerging trends, allowing for more informed inventory decisions and improved responsiveness to customer needs. Lack of Inventory Visibility Poor visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations or channels can result in operational inefficiencies and errors. Without real-time data on stock levels and movement, businesses may struggle to fulfill orders on time, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Implementing integrated inventory management systems that provide comprehensive visibility into inventory across the supply chain can help businesses optimize inventory allocation, reduce stockouts, and improve overall operational performance.

A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts

By Denis Benden • 08 Feb, 2024
Efficient material handling is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries. It directly impacts productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational success. Effective material handling ensures that goods are moved, stored, and transported in a streamlined and organized manner, minimizing delays, damages, and errors. Electric forklifts play a significant role in effective material handling, transforming the […] The post A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts appeared first on Benco Industrial Equipment.
More Posts
Share by: