A typical loading dock may at some point service every type of vehicle on the
road. It is essential to recognize the characteristics of the trailers that will
be visiting the loading dock with the highest frequency. This determines the
most appropriate design for the dock itself. Secondary consideration must be
given to vehicles that visit the dock with less frequency. If it is a captive
fleet (only one style of trailer) being serviced at the facility, then the choice
of design is simple. However, due to the range of vehicles utilized by freight
companies and product suppliers, it is vital to consider all of the possible
variations that can occur.
Typical Truck Measurements
| Truck / Trailer Type |
Load Bed Height
Total Range |
| MIN |
MAX |
| Container |
56" |
62" |
| Refrigerated |
50" |
62" |
| Double Axle Semi-Trailer |
44" |
52" |
| City Delivery |
44" |
48" |
| High Cube Van |
36" |
42" |
| Furniture Van |
24" |
36" |
| Step Van |
20" |
30" |
| Panel Truck |
20" |
24" |
| Straight Truck |
36" |
48" |
| Flatbed |
48" |
60" |
Sea Containers
Facilities that must accommodate sea container freight need to be particularly flexible.
Sea containers and refrigerated containers can have trailer heights of up to 62". At the
same time these facilities may service frequent deliveries/pickups by tailgate trucks and
low bed trucks. The height difference can be as extreme as 30" at the low end and 62" at
the high end. Consideration must be given to multi height dock designs or the installation
of equipment such as a hydraulic dock leveler or an elevating dock.
