As a former truck driver (still licenced), I would have to argue for
having a loading dock with both the height and room for tractor-trailer
access.
But do remember that trailers come in different lengths: a 40' trailer can
often fit where a 50' one can't. The type/configuration of the cab will
also make a difference in what size space the truck can maneuver into.
Instead of assuming a one-size-fits-all scenario, it might be useful to
find out just what size trailers and cabs your carriers most typically
use. Your architect should be able to help you determine how much
turn-around, backing up, or other space such a rig will require in order
to get to your dock.
It may also be important to know that just because your dock is raised to
"trailer height" doesn't mean that all trucks/trailers will be level with
it. Often trailers designed to carry special or fragile cargo are also
somewhat different in height, for a variety of reasons. But a decent
loading plate should be able to accomodate minor differences. Again, a
few calls to your typical carriers should help you figure this out.
Annette A. Wilson
_________________________ _____________________
The University of Michigan
College of Architecture and Urban Planning : Research Assistant
-Joint Programs- : Interdisciplinary Program
3+ Master of Architecture and : in Feminist Practice
Doctoral Program in Architecture : 2125 Lane Hall
Environment and Behavior : 734/763-3589
__________________________________________________________________________
On Thu, 10 Jan 2002, Victor Vincent, MIAMI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE wrote:
> Sandra,
>
> I would second what has been said about access and loading docks.
> But as an institution that has a loading dock that is not accessible
> for tractor trailers.
>
> We bring in traveling exhibit approx. 3 times per year, which will be
> from 1 to 6 trucks in size. To load in an exhibit we require lift
> gate trucks, we rent a forklift for each load in/load out, and for
> those pieces to large to roll in the double wide doors (think robotic
> dinosaurs) we need to use a smaller truck as a shuttle to our
> loading dock.
>
> I admire Les's institution in Columbus with an enclosed dock. While
> the extreme cold and snow are not a problem for us in Miami, during
> the summer it does rain every afternoon, which we must take into
> account for in our loading schedules.
>
> We have planned a much better facility based on our our experience
>
> Vic
>
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Jan 2002 12:39:41 -0800
> From: Sandra Peffer <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Semi truck access
>
> We are trying to determine the need for semi-truck access to our 52,000 sq.
> ft. facility being planned. Do you have semi-truck access? How often is it
> used? If you don't have it, do you wish you did? Do you have dock high
> access or require trucks with lift gates?
> Thank you.
>
> Sandra L. Peffer
> Co-Founder, Executive Director
> Pretend City
> The Children's Museum of Orange County
> One Technology Drive, Suite F-207
> Irvine, CA 92618
> (949) 428-3900 ext. 209
> [log in to unmask]
> www.pretendcity.org
> ________________________________________________________
>
> "The first rule of intelligent tinkering is to keep all the pieces."
>
> --- J Aldo Leopold
>
> Victor J. Vincent, Senior Director, Institutional Advancement, Miami
> Museum of Science 3280 S. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33129
> voice (305) 646-4216
> fax (305) 636-4300
> beep (305) 886-8276 or [log in to unmask]
> e-mail [log in to unmask]
> www http://www.bridge.net/~vvincent
> lost? lat 25 44' 50.8" N / long 80 12' 45.2 " W / elevation 15 ft
>
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