Building a Loading Dock

Designing a loading area requires some careful planning. For safe and successful operations, typical loading dock dimensions need to be considered, along with the size and number of trucks you expect to service. Spectrum Facility Solutions. can help you devise a strategic plan before we break ground in building a loading dock area.

Number of Bays

The first thing you should decide before building a loading dock is how many trucks you’ll need to accommodate. Loading-bay dimensions stipulate a door width of 7.5 to 10 feet, depending on the trailer size. And also, factor a minimum of 12 feet between each dock. Consider these numbers when determining the number of bays your current structure can feasibly fit.

Type of Dock

In configuring the layout of your dock, it’s essential to know the type you’re going to be using. There are a few different styles of loading bays:

• Open
• Flush
• Saw-tooth
• Enclosed

The most popular type of dock you’ll run into is the flush style, where bays line up with the exterior of the building. Yet, a bumper is still required to prevent the truck from backing into or damaging the structure. A typical size for this bumper is about 4 feet.

Apron Area

Because trucks are so long, their drivers need sufficient room to position the vehicle in front of the bay. The designated space to do this is the apron; you’ll need to think carefully about the average length of the trucks you’ll bring into the dock. Maneuverability distance should be 5 to 10 feet, more than twice the trailer size.

Approach Angle

Whether trucks are traveling downward, upward, or on level ground to get to your loading dock may significantly impact how you design your bays. Proper bumpers need to be installed to factor in this angle so trucks can park easily without causing damage to your building.

At Spectrum Facility Solutions LLC., we’re well-equipped for loading dock construction. We work with you and will be with you every step.

Core Drilling – Bollard Installation

Core drilling bollards are the safest way and most secure way to install a bollard into concrete surfaces. These installations provide maximum security and ensure the bollards cannot be tampered with as they are a solid installation.

We have the right equipment and expertise to give you a great finish and ensure maximum security is achieved. Core drilling is common for 2 types of bollards:

In-ground and Removable.

In-ground Bollards cannot be removed once installed and will remain solid in the ground. This is usually done with concrete around and inside the bollard OR a hardened epoxy around the bollard base. We provide you both options.

Removable Bollards can be removed by a key. This is a great way to save parking spots or if you need temporary security at times. These bollards are core drilled, then a sleeve is installed to house the bollard, once the sleeve is installed the bollard will sit inside the sleeve and lock into position with the key. We also provide plastic covers for the holes once the bollard is removed. The cover is removable also ensuring you can plug and unplug your bollard as many times as needed.

Steel Yard Ramps & ADA Wheelchair Ramps

Spectrum Facility Solution offers multiple Steel Yard Ramp and ADA Wheelchair Ramps options for your facility that allow easy access.  These ramps allow for quicker turn-around times at your facility, which helps increase your profits.

Yard Ramps, also called Portable Loading Ramps are a safe and cost-effective answer to many loading dock issues.

High Capacity Steel Yard Ramps

• All steel welded construction
• Capacities from 60,000 to 100,000 pounds
• Steel serrated grating
• The beveled approach provides a smooth transition
• Safety chains included securing Yard Ramp to the dock or trailer
• Uses sturdy I-beam construction for strength and durability
• Widths available up to 144” (Ramps may be shipped in two parts to meet transportation regulations)

The ADA Wheelchair Ramps are developed to meet the more stringent code demands of IBC and state building codes. It is fully customizable and can be configured to meet other specialized demands as required. The simple, modular design ensures easy setup and the ability to reconfigure and relocate the system.

• 10-year warranty
• Non-combustible and heavy-duty welded aluminum construction
• Bidirectional knurled tread forms a rugged skid-resistant surface
• 3 handrail options: 42″ guardrail, 38″ handrail, 38″ 2-line rail
• Special manufacturing to meet needs beyond the modular system