Loading bay wheel guides are long physical barriers used to guide HGV drivers in loading bays. Their design provides a visual aid to drivers and helps them to line up correctly and safely at loading docks. The loading bay guides can also reduce the risk of trucks impacting with each other or nearby assets.
Loading bay wheel guides are generally installed on either side of the lane leading up to the dock entrance or doorway. Aligning them along the truck parking bay will help drivers to line up correctly with the dock and keep trailers straight.
Having loading bay guides in place will help with reducing damage to nearby assets, infrastructure and equipment. They can also reduce the risk of harm to employees working at the bays, boosting loading bay protection.
Combine loading bay wheel guides with truck wheel stops to bring trucks to a stop safely and effectively in truck parking bays. Loading bay buffers can also prevent damage to walls, pillars or columns when installed.
Why loading bay wheel guides are necessary
Loading bay wheel guides are highly necesary to safety at loading docks. They will -
- Allow trucks to line up evenly - once lined up evenly it will make it easier for warehouse staff to load or unload goods.
- Reducing the risk of collisions - having a tough buffer in place will reduce the risk of collisions
- Help avoid expensive damage to nearby assets - if collisions can be avoided it will help save on expensive repair or replacment of assets
- Protect loading bay employees from injury - trucks that may be parked at odd angles or not in the right manner may put warehouse staff at risk
- Help to create an even seal against loading dock doors or platforms - parking trucks as straight as possible will help the drivers to line up against the loading docks and lock any taillifts in place securely
Steel v Concrete Loading Dock Wheel Guides
When choosing loading bay wheel guides it is recommended to go with steel over concrete for the following reasons
- Steel is much more durable than concrete - steel designs tend to last longer outdoors and can be powder coated to preserve bright colours
- Easier to install - steel truck guides can be bolted down with ease, where it takes much longer to install concrete options.
- More cost-effective - steel guides can be installed at a much lower cost compared to concrete. Also, steel is much easier to repair or replace in the instance of damage.
- Better visibility - steel guides can be powder coated to increase their overall visibility to truck drivers.
