Loading Doors in Industrial Real Estate
There are several different types of loading doors common in industrial properties. Find out what you need to know about each.
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As there are many types of industrial properties, so too are there different types of loading doors in use. This article describes each major type of loading door and the ideal use for each.
Dock Doors
Dock doors are your standard loading doors in an industrial facility. Raised above the truck court, typically to heights of between 48 and 52 inches, they allow trucks to simply back up to load or unload goods directly into the building. While there is no standard size for these doors, the most common dimensions today are 8 feet wide by 9 feet high.
Dock doors are typically positioned above a relatively level truck court, but dock doors can also be found with a truck well setup, which is a sloped area leading downward to the height of the facility’s loading platform. Truck wells, however, are relatively uncommon in newer industrial buildings.
Grade-Level Doors
Also known as a drive-in door, a grade-level door is generally significantly larger than a dock door and is placed, as the name suggests, at ground level. These doors allow for direct access inside a facility by vehicles including cars, vans, and forklifts. Most large, newer industrial properties have at least two or four, often placed at the corners or at the center of a property.
Rail Doors
Exclusively for properties utilizing railroad spurs, rail doors are generally elevated docks, similar in nature to standard dock doors. These doors tend to be slightly larger to allow for smoother loading operations from freight trains.
Related Questions
What are the different types of loading doors available for industrial real estate?
The most common type of loading door for industrial real estate is the dock door, which is elevated about 48 to 52 inches above a truck court. Additionally, drive-in doors are large, grade-level doors that vehicles like vans, forklifts, and cars can enter. Rail doors are less common, but may offer a benefit for existing, long-term tenants that rely on rail freight to reach customers or receive large shipments.
For more information, please see the following sources:
What are the benefits of installing loading doors in industrial real estate?
Installing loading doors in industrial real estate can help streamline loading operations significantly in a safe way. Loading docks are essential in loading and unloading products, and having the right number of loading doors and the right configuration and setup of those doors is important. Generally, loading doors should be elevated about 48 to 52 inches above a truck court and should be approximately 8 feet wide by 9 feet high. Additionally, having useful dock equipment such as bumpers and levelers installed can help make loading operations more efficient. (Source 1, Source 2, Source 3)
What are the considerations to keep in mind when selecting loading doors for industrial real estate?
When selecting loading doors for industrial real estate, it is important to consider the number of loading doors, the configuration and setup of those doors, and the dock equipment installed. Generally, loading doors should be elevated 48 to 52 inches above a truck court, and should be approximately 8 feet wide by 9 feet high. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the loading doors are equipped with useful dock equipment such as bumpers and levelers, which can help streamline loading operations in a safe way. It is also important to consider the number of drive-in doors and rail doors, which may be beneficial for existing, long-term tenants.
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What are the safety regulations for loading doors in industrial real estate?
Loading docks are essential in loading and unloading products, and understanding demand in your market is critical to ensuring your potential investment has what it needs to meet your tenants’ needs. It's a good idea to ensure the dimensions of the doors are roughly in line with industry standards, or approximately 8 feet wide by 9 feet high. Additionally, it's important to ensure the loading doors have useful dock equipment such as bumpers and levelers installed. This extra equipment can help streamline loading operations significantly in a safe way. Security doors must not be fitted with dual-side key locks, as this could be dangerous in the event of an emergency.
For more information, please see the following sources:
What are the installation requirements for loading doors in industrial real estate?
Loading docks are essential in loading and unloading products, and it's important to ensure the dimensions of the doors are roughly in line with industry standards, or approximately 8 feet wide by 9 feet high. Additionally, it's a good idea to ensure the loading doors have useful dock equipment such as bumpers and levelers installed. This extra equipment can help streamline loading operations significantly in a safe way. For more information, you can check out Industrial Property Characteristics: Loading Doors and Industrial Property Characteristics: Dock Loading Equipment.
What are the maintenance requirements for loading doors in industrial real estate?
Loading docks require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe and efficient. This includes checking for any damage to the dock leveler, dock seals, and dock bumpers, as well as ensuring the dock door is properly aligned and functioning. Additionally, it is important to check the dock door's weather seals and insulation to ensure they are in good condition. Finally, it is important to check the dock door's springs and hinges to ensure they are in good working order.
For more information on the maintenance requirements for loading doors in industrial real estate, please see this article from IndustrialProperty.Loan.