The short answer

Dock-high loading uses a dock, dockboard or leveler so forklifts or pallet jacks can move freight directly between the building and trailer. Ground-level loading requires equipment or a vehicle setup that can move freight between trailer height and the ground.

Do these first

Tell the broker how the freight will physically get on and off the truck.

  • Confirm dock access — say whether the pickup and delivery both have a usable dock.
  • Confirm forklift access — a dock is not useful if the freight cannot be reached safely.
  • Confirm ground-level needs — request liftgate or another suitable vehicle before dispatch.

Dock-high loading

A dock-high facility brings the warehouse floor and trailer floor close enough for a dockboard or dock leveler to bridge the gap.

OSHA requires dockboards to be strong enough for the intended load, secured when portable, and protected against unintended vehicle movement while in use.

That means the dock operation depends on both the dock equipment and the trailer being properly positioned.

Ground-level loading

Ground-level loading means the freight is being handled from the ground rather than from a dock-height platform.

That changes the physical problem.

A forklift may be able to side-load some equipment, but enclosed trailers often need a liftgate or another loading arrangement when there is no dock.

Use liftgate service for the liftgate decision rather than treating every ground-level shipment the same.

Dock plates and dock levelers

A dockboard or leveler bridges the gap between the dock and the vehicle.

OSHA requires portable dockboards to be secured in position and designed so equipment cannot run off the edge.

Do not treat a temporary plate as an improvised solution for freight that exceeds its capacity.

Sources

  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.26, Dockboards: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.26
  • OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks — Loading and Unloading: https://www.osha.gov/powered-industrial-trucks/loading-unloading

Tell me how both ends load and unload

Send the dock, forklift and ground-level details before booking so the right truck and service are requested.

Request a Freight Quote