A Quick Guide to Loading Dock Best Practices

Canadian transport and equipment operations jobs had 86,752 reported loss of time claims due to injury in 2021, the highest of any sector. Improving your loading dock operations is one way to ensure your workplace is proficient.

Start with this quick guide to loading dock best practices to upgrade your team’s protocols!

Optimize Your Loading Dock Layout

One problem with using an old loading dock is that it may not work for modern tasks or dimensions. That is why a new loading dock design will make your job easier by accommodating your cargo.

Delivery trucks are bigger than they once were. In the 1960s, the maximum length of the semi-truck was 65 feet. Transport demands have increased since then, so truck-size regulations have had to change.

Ensure that your docks support the current truck dimensions. This will make loading and unloading more efficient.

At ARPAC, we can provide an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of your loading dock’s layout and a list of actionable recommendations that will improve your operational performance and safety tailored to your business.

In addition to having the proper dimensions and space to load and unload, you also want to engineer your layout. You want to include pallet shelving and racking to unload and store freight quickly while improving organization. Catwalks can also maximize your space and separate loading and unloading operations.

Add Safety Training and Protocols

Loading dock procedures should always remain safe as a top priority. To do so, add safety training classes when onboarding workers. You can also offer certification courses to operate specific machinery, like a forklift.

Keeping your staff updated on safety protocols will limit hazards. Assigning storage zones and job tasks ensures that everyone has a duty to maintain safety throughout operations.

When attending regular training, managers stay compliant with province legislation and Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) standards.

Choose the Right Equipment

Having useful equipment as part of your loading dock practices will make work faster and safer.

Forklifts are required to move oversized pallets from the trucks to storage or vice versa. They accommodate a range of load weights, which will determine their price.

Another essential piece of machinery on a loading dock is the lever. Upgrading to a hydraulic, automatic level from a manual lever removes the physical labour of opening and closing the dock doors. This makes it safer to operate from a control panel.

Having vehicle restraints will keep trucks secure to prevent rolling while transporting freight.

Improve Your Loading Dock Setup & Performance – Call ARPAC Today!

From developing a practical layout to having the right equipment, it may be overwhelming to simultaneously make all these changes to your loading dock. You also must consider the safety of your workers while improving productivity.

To meet your deadlines and ensure you meet the highest safety standards, you need to partner with ARPAC. We have all the necessary equipment to enhance your layout, courses to train your staff on the equipment, and installation guidance to make your layout the most productive.

Contact us in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, or Lethbridge to speak with an expert in your area.