Modular loading

Loading and unloading equipment specialist Thorworld Industries believes the use of modular loading docks and lightweight mobile loading platforms can help companies meet the challenge of improving distribution efficiency and, at the same time, help prevent overall operational costs from spiralling

John Meale, Thorworld founder and md says: "In these challenging times, everyone involved in the logistics and distribution process is facing increased costs â€" particularly with the continuing rise in fuel bills, including the proposed extra 3p+ duty increase set to take effect in August.

"This means that it is now harder than ever for companies to remain competitive. Yet while it's bad enough that it will cost even more to transport goods, this is further compounded if there are time-consuming delays getting those goods onto the road in the first place.

"This is particularly pertinent where there is no permanent, dedicated raised loading dock. Loading/unloading of goods can therefore be more costly in terms of manpower, time and resources. Many companies are still having to load and unload trucks and trailers by hand, which is far from ideal," explains Meale.

Permanent raised loading docks are not always a practical option, and Thorworld's modular docks and lightweight mobile platforms are designed to solve this problem. "These solutions enable a new or additional raised loading/unloading facility to be positioned exactly where required, outside or inside an existing building, without the expense of building a permanent structure," Meale adds.

Thorworld modular docks are manufactured from extremely durable steel modules, securely bolted together to form a semipermanent loading dock and can be purpose-designed to meet the individual location and performance requirements of each customer. The flexibility, operational efficiency and safety of the loading dock can be further enhanced through the integration of optional fixtures and accessories such as a dock leveller, cat ladder, access steps, hand rails, drop-down safety barriers, pallet/fork truck raves, bumper supports, epoxy anti-slip floor coating and a loading ramp.

One of the significant benefits of modular loading docks is that they can be easily modified to suit a company's changing needs. Moving location or want to reposition the dock? They are a valuable business asset that can be taken down and then reassembled where required. Expanding operations? The size of existing docks can be increased by adding new modules to accommodate the extra capacity.

Thorworld's modular docks are designed to withstand heavy duty demands, providing a strong and secure loading and unloading solution. The standard module has an eight tonne single axle load capacity and, for extra safety, they are equipped with drop-down safety barriers fitted to open sides and durbar tread plate decking as standard.

For smaller loading/unloading operations, up to two tonne single axle weight, Thorworld lightweight mobile platforms provide a solution that can be moved quickly into place.