Concrete Truck Docks and Ramps

Concrete Truck Docks and Ramps

There are certain types of projects that demand the use of concrete, including truck docks and ramps. However, if you want your loading dock and its associated components to be durable and strong, you need to make sure that you hire a contractor who has the experience, skills, and knowledge to deliver high-quality work. At Black Hawk Paving & Construction, we have the expertise to design and construct your truck docks and ramps.

What Are the Initial Steps in Constructing Concrete Truck Docks?

The first thing we will do is gather information on your operation, including the number of trucks you expect your dock to handle on a typical day. We will discuss the different styles of loading docks that are commonly used for facilities of your type and size. We will evaluate the space available for the dock itself as well as the apron area. We will discuss any applicable fire or building codes that could impact your design or construction choices. Once we know exactly what you need and want, we will work with you to create and build your docks and ramps.

What Are Some Common Mistakes That Inexperienced Contractors Can Make When Constructing Loading Docks?

Concrete can be a demanding material, so there are several mistakes that an incompetent contractor could make on any type of installation project. However, there are also some mistakes that are only relevant when installing truck docks and ramps.

• The docks are too narrow. Backing a tractor-trailer requires training and experience, but even the most skillful drivers need sufficient room to maneuver. Depending on other factors, there should be between 12 and 16 feet between docks.
• The design does not include bumpers. Bumpers, which typically measure around four feet, help prevent damage to your dock or building.
• Insufficient attention was paid to the apron area. The apron is the area designated for maneuvering the truck into position. Maneuvering distance needs to be over twice as much as the length of the average truck that will use the dock.
• The contractor is unaware of how to eliminate or mitigate safety hazards. For example, OSHA regulations require incorporating wheel chocks or vehicle restraints in truck dock designs to prevent trailer creep.
• The approach slope is wrong for the business. The slope can be uphill, downhill, or level. The types of trucks you expect, your method of unloading or loading trucks, and the terrain surrounding your docks can influence the appropriate approach slope.
• Dock-to-ground ramps are too steep, too narrow, or too short for forklifts to operate on them safely. If customers request that you load pallets so that they can be unloaded from the side, or if you must load or unload smaller vehicles that are too low for the dock, ramps can expedite matters.

If you need high-quality truck docks and ramps, Black Hawk Paving can assist you. We serve customers in a number of sectors, including national clients. Our services include concrete installation, asphalt paving, interior and exterior pavement marking and striping, asphalt repairs, site grading, asphalt sealcoating, excavations, sewer repairs, and asphalt milling. We have a reputation for craftsmanship, integrity, and customer satisfaction that we have built through consistency and dependability. If you wish to request a free quote, complete the online form, call 708-479-0400, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.