Tips for Choosing the Best Loading Dock for Your Food Facility

Leading models of shadow hook restraints have a vertical engagement range of 9 to 30 inches. They also feature automatic re-fire if tampered with and can interface directly with security systems. Some restraints can be interlocked with levelers, doors, and barriers in dock control systems, as well as use sensor-based light communications/safety systems that trigger audio and visual warnings when they sense a trailer backing in.

Wheel-Based Restraints

Wheel-based restraints provide another option, as they engage the wheel of a trailer and secure the vehicle in place. They also provide much needed flexibility at facilities with multiple docks that are set up to service virtually any trailer at any time—including those with lift gates and potentially missing or damaged RIGs. Like RIG-based restraints, they help to eliminate dangers associated with early departure and trailer separation and can provide full-time communication, using lights and audible alarms.

The most common wheel-based restraint mounts to the surface of the drive approach directly in front of the dock opening. It engages one of the trailer’s rear tires with a barrier that locks in place and prevents the vehicle from moving forward when parked at the dock. The restraint protects against different types of trailer separation including early departure, trailer creep, and dock walk. Users can choose between an automatic or manually-operated device.

A host of factors are incorporated into the safe design of technically advanced wheel-based restraints. Among them are variables such as trailer tire dimensions, barrier heights, and trailer weight—all of which impact the pullout resistance of the restraint. Pullout resistance refers to the energy required for a trailer to pull over a barrier. There is no standard for pullout resistance, although the frequently quoted guideline is 32,000 pounds (14,515 kilograms).

Although automatic units are generally considered the safest and most productive option, there are now many manual wheel-based restraints that deliver safety benefits (and pricing) similar to those of RIG-based restraints. One design utilizes a steel barrier that is positioned along a frame assembly in front of the trailer’s tire. The barrier securely locks into place and doesn’t require adjustments. This is generally the best option.

Importance of Communication

A key aspect to consider with any type of restraint is its communications system. Leading RIG- and wheel-based restraints feature systems that automatically and clearly communicate the status of the restraint so that both the lift truck operator and truck driver know when they can safely perform their duties. These communication systems are able to detect when a restraint is safely and properly engaged, triggering red or green LED lights inside indicating that it’s safe for the lift truck operator to begin unloading or loading. They also trigger LED lights outside the dock that signal when loading or unloading is completed and it is safe for driver to pull away.

Some restraints can be equipped with advanced systems to further enhance the safety of trailer loading and unloading. Recent technology utilizes lights around the corners of the dock doors, providing clear communication of the restraint status directly in the forklift driver’s line of sight—free of any visual obstructions from stacked pallets or other equipment. It also offers lights at the rear of the leveler to confirm the status of the restraint to the forklift operator where he/she is most at risk—inside of the trailer.

The leading shadow hook restraints go a step further, incorporating sensors, audio, and visual safety alarms, as well as a real-time trailer presence monitor, which provides a camera view of the exterior vehicle restraint on the internal control panel. Additionally, these vehicle restraints can be programmed via integrated control systems to interlock with overhead doors and dock levelers so they operate in a safe sequential order. In all cases, that sequence begins with the RIG of the backing trailer getting secured to the exterior dock wall by the shadow hook restraint.

It Depends on the Application

Food facilities often have an array of different trucks and vehicles that come to their loading docks. Each dock position needs to address the unique challenges that every type of vehicle brings.