The majority of loading dock areas are designed with a level grade approach, the truck backs in level and square to the building's foundation and wall. The second most common is a declining approach at the loading dock area. A declining approach increases the risk of damage to the building walls above the overhead doors as the top of the incoming truck can potentially contact the wall before the back of the truck bed contacts the dock bumpers. https://www.pentalift.com/wp-content/uploads/2020... Read More

Well maintained loading dock equipment is very important to keep a consistent product flow in and out of an industrial facility. Establishing a Planned Maintenance Program that covers equipment inspection, lubrication, cleaning and any adjustments that may be required will keep the loading dock area operating efficiently and safely. In addition to the maintenance requirements a visual structural inspection of the dock leveler platform, rear hinges and lip assembly will monitor the structural ... Read More

In a production environment material handling equipment is used to keep the product moving. In a Distribution Center/ Fulfillment Center materials handling equipment is used to both move and temporarily store products. Materials handling equipment covers a broad range of products, most familiar are lift trucks, cranes, racking and shelving, conveyors, work positioners and loading dock equipment. For 35+ years Pentalift has been recognized as a leader in designing and manufacturing a number of... Read More

Loading dock seals are most commonly fabric covered foam that is attached to a wood backboard. The 3 piece dock seal is installed on the two sides and on the top of an overhead door at the loading dock. The majority of dock seals are a compression design providing a gasket type seal between the sides and top of the parked trailer and the building wall. A proper dock seal installation will automatically lower energy costs by creating this gasket type seal at the loading dock doors.  https://w... Read More

The loading dock area has been rated as one of the most hazardous areas of any facility. Unscheduled truck departure during the loading or unloading process does happen and it could result in a devastating accident if the forklift and operator fall from the elevated dock area to the driveway. Vehicle restraint safety systems are designed to provide two very important functions. Vehicle restraint safety systems mechanically lock a truck/trailer in the proper parked position at the loading dock... Read More

Maintaining and properly servicing loading dock equipment is very important for 2 main reasons, operations efficiency and dock attendant safety at the loading dock area. In distribution centers and in the majority of manufacturing facilities products are received and shipped across a dock leveler. Any interruption of product transfer in or out of the facility due to problems or delays at the loading dock area directly impacts the efficiency of the operation and ultimately the bottom line. ... Read More

Whether it’s a light volume operation or a facility receiving and shipping products 24/7 there are considerable financial savings to be made by investigating and improving energy efficiency at the loading dock area. There are 3 major components to consider relative to energy efficiency at the loading dock; the use and configuration of the dock seal and shelter, the insulation rating of the overhead door and the use of the most effective weather seal for the overhead door and dock leveler. ... Read More

A dock leveler is a vertically adjustable hinged ramp designed to provide a smooth transition for a lift truck or pallet truck from the building floor to the truck bed at the loading dock area. The vertical adjustment of the dock leveler allows it to accommodate varying truck bed heights. Dock levelers are most often installed in a recessed pit and are flush with the floor when in the closed, stored position. The dock leveler platform is hinged at the back, when activated the dock leveler dec... Read More

The most common loading dock height is 48”-50” above grade and this accommodates the highest percentage of commercial trucks serviced at the loading dock area. The truck and trailer bed heights arriving at the loading dock are generally 46” - 52” high and the standard 48”-50” dock height is in the middle of this range. The goal is to have the loading dock height and the truck bed heights match. The less difference between these two dimensions the better. Lower differences result i... Read More

With supply chains tightening it has become important to understand the role that loading dock equipment plays in the fast paced workplace. Choosing the correct loading docks has become more important now than ever to safely and efficiently provide a quick turn around when loading or unloading trucks at the loading dock area. As a trusted manufacturer of loading dock equipment for 35+ years Pentalift is ideally suited to guide a client, Architect or Engineering firm through all aspects of suc... Read More