Loading Bay Design Guide
To ensure safe, efficient, and smooth operations, proper layout, spacing, and staging area design are critical.
1. Dock Door Spacing (Malaysia Standard)
For warehouses with multiple loading bays:
Minimum spacing: 12 ft (≈ 3.6 m) centre-to-centre
Recommended spacing: 14 ft (≈ 4.2 m)
Why proper spacing matters:
Trucks in Malaysia (lorry / container) are wide (~2.6 m + mirrors)
Easier reversing and docking
Reduces risk of collision between trucks
Improves overall loading efficiency
👉 Wider spacing = safer operation + faster turnaround
2. Staging Area Planning
Staging area = space to prepare goods before loading/unloading
Must be designed for largest truck size, not smallest
Example: 40–60 ft container truck requires ~500 sq ft (≈ 47 m²)
👉 Important: If you plan for small lorries only, future operations will be limited when handling container trucks.
3. How Many Dock Levelers / Bays Do You Need?
The number of loading bays depends on:
Daily number of trucks
Delivery schedule (peak vs spread)
Loading/unloading speed (pallets per hour)
Number of trucks waiting or staging
Next Step
We can support you with:
Site Visit
We visit the site to check dock height, pit condition, trailer access, and working space.
Pit Construction Consultation
We review existing pits or advise on correct pit dimensions before construction.
View a Demo Unit
You can view a hydraulic dock leveller to understand operation and build quality.
Design and Costing
We propose a suitable dock leveller design with clear scope and cost.
Or email us at enquiry@methodcon.co