An automated loading system is controlled by an electronic unit, which is mounted in a steel, laminated box that’s situated at the rear of the trailer’s chassis. Whilst a separate touch screen control box in the loading bay to control and make the operation easy. The electronic system has a number of sensors throughout the system, in both the loading dock and the trailer to safely guide pallets down the full length of the system. This safety measure makes sure that every pallet that’s manoeuvred in and out of the loading bay and trailer is perfectly aligned.
control box
locking fifth wheel
Another safety measure that the system features is an additional fifth wheel that’s located at the rear of the trailer. The system comes complete with heavy-duty wheel guides to ensure every driver positions the trailer in the correct position every time it docks. This ensures that the trailer is in the right position, levelled and locked in place whilst the load is being transferred from the loading dock to the trailer, or vice versa.
Knowing the trailer’s locked in position, the driver can oversee the complete loading and unloading procedure themselves. Sensors in the fifth wheel mechanism form part of the loading dock sequence controls, so if the trailer is not docked correctly and locked in position, the loading system will not function. Likewise, should the driver try and drive away without disconnecting the cables from the trailer, the fifth wheel’s lock won’t open to release the trailer. This prevents the cables and other components in the system from being damaged.
auto-down function
Another safety feature that out automated loading systems benefit from is the ‘Auto-down’ function. This function disables the pneumatic function, exhausting air in the system to lower the rollers and make sure all pallets are safely resting on the trailer’s floor for safe transit. This is controlled by the brake pedal in the truck. Once depressed, it will automatically release the air pressure in the pneumatic rollerbed to lower the rollers and subsequently the pallets, too.
Safety Tips
loading dock safety tips
Did you know that 25% of factory and warehouse accidents happen in or around the loading bay? It’s a worrying statistic that demonstrates a huge under-appreciation of the risks involved in the movement of goods ready for transport or storage. It’s clear it’s having a significant impact on the industry as a whole despite a focus on the prevention of injuries.
Loading bays are thriving hubs of activity during operational hours, with goods packaged ready for loading being moved by forklift trucks (commonly referred to as FLT) to a variety of transport vehicles, from HGVs and articulated lorries through to trailers and vans. The loading approach can change from load to load, with the method of packing, the type of vehicle, and the loading space all creating their risks and hazards. Find out what are our Top 3 Loading Dock Safety Tips are, here.
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Safety Guide
the ultimate guide to safe loading and unloading of vehicles
Automated loading systems can significantly improve the health and safety of the loading dock. In our Ultimate Guide to Safe Loading and Unloading of Vehicles, we've looked at how to load trucks and trailers safely as well as at load securing, the different hazards logistics workers face when loading or unloading a vehicle, and the role of employers and employees in the loading and unloading vehicles safely. We also explore some of the issues operators and their workers face when dealing with chemicals.
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Lightening loads for…
