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A loading dock is typically an elevated opening (or openings) in a building’s sidewall where shipments are sorted and staged for loading and unloading of trailers, shipping containers or rail cars. To make that area more accessible and safe during the movement of goods, loading dock equipment and attachments are used. Because the shipping and receiving process requires personnel to conduct loading and unloading processes, dock equipment is designed to ensure the safety of both the workers and the loads as they enter and exit the trailer. Typical equipment includes attachments that secure and bridge the gap between the vehicle and the dock, lighting to illuminate the inside of the trailer, building-to-vehicle communication systems and weather protection. What Is Dock Equipment? There are several types of dock equipment. These include: Security: To secure the trailer, shipping container or rail car to the dock face, or outside wall of the dock door area, and ensure that it does not roll or shift away, a variety of devices are employed. These include: Dock bumpers - Pieces of rubber located at the floor level of a dock opening to cushion the building from truck trailer impact. Chocks (also called wheel chocks - Triangular blocks of rubber, wood or metal placed in front of, between or behind truck wheels to prevent trailer movement. Trailer restraint - Mechanical or hydraulic devices attached to the dock face that connect to the trailer to prevent its movement. Trailer jack – A device used to support the vehicle end of an over-the-road trailer when the vehicle departs, leaving the trailer behind for extended loading or unloading. Gap bridging: To properly align the floor of the dock and the floor of the trailer, shipping container or railcar—or to close any space between the two—a variety of devices are used to adjust the elevation of the vehicle and bridge the gap. These include: Dock board or dock plate- A portable plate that can be placed manually or with a lift truck. Dock ramp or yard ramp – A portable metal ramp with curbs and wheels attached, pushed into position at the rear of a truck or side of a railcar to provide a bridge down to ground level for personnel or lift trucks to use in loading and unloading. The longer the ramp, the less steep the angle to be climbed. Dock leveler or edge-of-dock leveler - A manually, hydraulically air or electrically operated plate, located at the dock entrance, that can be raised and lowered to accommodate varying trailer floor heights. Dock lift – A fixed lift whose travel is generally 5 feet or less that is used to load/unload material from trucks and transfer it to dock or ground elevation. For loading and unloading trailers when no direct access to the building is available, a movable device can be used instead. These portable dock platforms use a scissor lift mechanism to lift the surface up to the level of the trailer. This allows personnel and handling equipment to ride up to the trailer and back down to ground level with loads. Hinged bridge - A hinged transition plate attached to the edge of the dock platform that unfolds to reach the truck bed. Conveyor – In certain facilities, trailers can be loaded or unloaded from a conveyor line in a fluid load process. Lighting: Lights are often used at the dock to both illuminate the work area, as well as to facilitate communication between personnel at the dock and a truck driver. Types include: Communication lights – Similar to traffic signals, these two- or three-light devices operate in pairs. The exterior light station signals to the truck driver when it is safe to dock the vehicle or depart from the dock. The interior light station notifies warehouse personnel that a vehicle is present at the dock face. Illumination lighting – Because dock areas are often utilized at night, dock lights are used to illuminate the work area, as well as to bring light into the trailer, shipping container or railcar to help personnel do their jobs safely. Weather protection: For dock areas that are exposed to the elements, a variety of devices are used to protect workers and surfaces from rain, snow, ice, heat and humidity. These include: Loading dock door – Similar to a residential garage door, these retractable doors can be made of panels or curtains to control ambient temperature and humidity inside the building. They can be opened manually or automatically when a trailer is secured to the dock face. Dock seal or weather seal - A rubber or canvas covered pad or drape that extends a few inches out from a dock face to seal the gap between the dock and the trailer’s entrance. Dock shelter - A cover that can be extended to protect the opening between the door of a rail car or truck and a warehouse from inclement weather. How Is Dock Equipment Used? Dock equipment is used at the point where a trailer, shipping container or railcar is loaded or unloaded. Shipping: At the dock faces where outbound shipments leave the facility Receiving: At the dock faces where inbound shipments arrive at a facility Yard: If a building has no elevated dock openings, or if all dock openings are occupied by other vehicles, loading and unloading can be accomplished in the yard What Are the Benefits? Dock equipment provides a variety of benefits: Communication: Lighting that indicates and directs truck drivers and warehouse personnel that it is safe to park, enter or exit a trailer Illumination: Lighting that extends into the trailer to help warehouse personnel as they load or unload contents Loading and unloading: Providing safe access by bridging the gap between the dock face and trailer, shipping container or railcar Safety: Preventing personnel or loads from tripping or falling through any gap between the trailer, shipping container or railcar and the dock face Security: Securing the transport vehicle to the building to prevent movement until the loading or unloading process is complete Weather protection: Protecting personnel and loads from inclement weather Where Is Dock Equipment Used? Dock equipment can be found in facilities in nearly every industry, including: Aerospace Appliance Automotive Beverage Chemicals Construction Consumer goods E-Commerce Food Hardware Hospital Manufacturing Materials processing Paper Pharmaceutical Plastics Retail Warehousing and distribution Read more about how Dock Equipment is used in different industries and applications. Case studies detailing the use of Dock Lifts can be found here. Learn More About Dock Equipment Loading Dock Equipment Manufacturers (LODEM) Industry Group Loading Dock Equipment Manufacturers (LODEM) Industry Group Members Dock Equipment Standards
VisionNav® Robotics is a global leader in autonomous industrial vehicles (AMRs/AGVs) and logistics automation solutions. Utilizing deep learning, environment perception, and servo control technologies, VisionNav has developed nine product series to address full-stack material handling scenarios. With over 750 projects deployed across more than 30 countries, VisionNav is trusted by numerous Fortune 500 companies in industries such as automotive, food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, and 3PL, enhancing operational safety, efficiency, and future readiness.
American Crane is a privately held U.S. company with headquarters in Eastern PA. We are a leading manufacturer of overhead cranes, hoists, and other material handling equipment. Our equipment can be used in almost any industry including Nuclear, Oil and Gas, Aerospace, Marine, Pulp and Paper, Automotive, Food and Beverage, Metals, Transit, Chemical/Plastic, Waste, Construction and General. We have over 40 years of experience customizing equipment to meet the application requirements provided by our customers. Visit AmericanCrane.com for more comprehensive material handling information and to ORDER parts and standard equipment. We carry the American Crane brand as well many other popular brands such as Columbus McKinnon (CMCO). From complex custom equipment to standard equipment and parts, we can meet all your material handling needs. Call 877.877.6778 or email us at info@americancrane.com.
Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end-to-end, AI-powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next-gen technology, high-density storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce the Symbotic platform transforms the flow of goods and the economics of supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com.
ULMA Inoxtruck ULS, Inc. is hygienic (100% stainless steel) material handling equipment manufacturer focused on food&beverage and pharma industries. The design and materials used makes highly recommended equipment for those industries the environment is aggresive and there is no room for contamination . Breaking down our solution range, Inoxtruck has different solutions for pallet, tote, drum, buggies or other material transportation, elevation and tipping/unloading. We also offer solution for auxiliary equipment for packaging lines like roll, dies and other material handling.
Presented by: The Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS) MHI Industry Group As automation reshapes the modern supply chain, the integration between packaging and material handling is more important than ever. In this session, experts from the Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS) Industry Group will explore how automation technologies—such as conveyors, sorters, and smart controls—are creating seamless transitions from packaging lines to warehouse and distribution operations. Attendees will learn: The key touchpoints where packaging and material handling intersect How automation reduces bottlenecks, labor costs, and product damage Real-world examples of integrated systems across e-commerce, CPG, and food & beverage Best practices for evaluating and selecting automation solutions The role of data and software in connecting packaging equipment with material flow systems Whether you’re a packaging engineer, operations leader, or supply chain strategist, this session will help you better understand how collaboration between sectors is driving scalable, sustainable automation strategies. Session Presented by CSS Colin Cartwright Director of Industry Development – Packaging NA at Murrelektronik Dr. Helge Hornis Director of Technology, Americas at Pepperl+Fuchs Allison Myers Director of Marketing & Communications at Fives Intralogistics Corp. Chris Thompson Sr. Marketing Communications Manager at Duravant 📅 Tuesday, September 30 🕧 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM 📍 Industry Speaks Stage (W-4324) 🔗 View full session details on the PACK EXPO website
Montreal, September 15, 2025 – Last week, NūMove Robotics & Vision reached a milestone with the official inauguration of its Center of Excellence. Over 200 guests— including partners, clients, political representatives, and suppliers — gathered to experience live demonstrations of NūMove’s latest innovations, implemented directly in Montreal. The showcased automation line featured robotic layer depalletizing, automated storage, and robotic mixed palletizing.Valued at over $1.5 million USD, the Center of Excellence supports a wide range of research and development initiatives, while providing the opportunity to experience the potential of warehouse automation systems in a live, operational setting. Customers can now benefit from personalized demonstrations using their own products, reinforcing NūMove’s commitment to tailored solutions and long-term partnerships."From the beginning, NūMove demonstrated leadership and vision by investing its own capital into the Center of Excellence, giving itself the flexibility to carefully identify the right partners. This marked one of the largest private investments in warehouse automation ever made in Canada. " says Samuel Jodoin, Managing Director of NūMove, who also acknowledges the invaluable support of their partners: ABB Robotics, DRL Systems, Les entreprises Fabexp, Ryson International, SICK Sensor Intelligence and Storcan Ltd.About NūMoveNūMove Robotics & Vision is a manufacturer and integrator of robotic systems and industrial automation solutions. Backed by a team of over 140 professionals and engineers, this leader in robotics and warehouse automation develops palletizing, depalletizing, case packing, and storage technologies tailored to the needs of manufacturers and distribution centers. With deep expertise in design, programming, industrial vision, and software integration, NūMove transforms its clients’ operations across a wide range of sectors, including food and beverage, warehousing, consumer goods, and more.ContactAnne JodoinMarketing & Communication CoordinatorAjodoin@numovegroup.com
This award honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain networkNorthlake, Texas (September 8, 2025) Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG), a global leader in unified supply chain execution and warehouse management technology, announced today that Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive named Lindsay Schuemann, Director of Marketing, as a recipient of the 2025 Women in Supply Chain Award in the Trailblazers Category for the second consecutive year. The award honors female leaders whose accomplishments, mentorship, and contributions are helping shape the future of supply chain and logistics.“Every year, the award winners amaze me. Regardless of the disruptions, economic uncertainty, and other industry challenges, these women in supply chain winners are doing remarkable things for their communities, organizations and teams,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Co-Founder of the Women in Supply Chain Forum. “In correlation with the theme of this year’s Women in Supply Chain Forum, these female logistics leaders are rising up; they’re strengthening leadership pipelines, enforcing a people-first leadership approach, spearheading new product introductions, and transforming the way the industry views women in supply chain. I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s winners.”Lindsay Schuemann is a seasoned supply chain and logistics technology marketing leader with over 13 years of experience driving growth for some of the industry’s most innovative brands. She is dedicated to helping industry professionals modernize operations, streamline processes, and improve efficiency through the adoption of advanced technologies. Since joining EPG in early 2025, Schuemann has strengthened the company’s visibility in the Americas, established strategic partnerships, secured multiple industry awards, and built a foundation for stronger regional and global brand alignment.“Lindsay stood out immediately as the clear choice to lead EPG’s marketing efforts in the Americas,” said Hermann Pulm, Vice President of Sales at EPG. “Her insight and vision have already made a meaningful impact. She has a rare ability to translate complex technology into human-centered storytelling that helps supply chain leaders improve agility, enhance efficiency, and drive stronger operational performance.”“I’m honored to be recognized by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive alongside such an inspiring group of women who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of supply chain,” said Lindsay Schuemann, EPG’s Director of Marketing. “In a traditionally male-dominated industry, the voices and leadership of women bring invaluable perspective and lasting impact. Thank you, Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, for highlighting the contributions women are making across the supply chain.”Go to the Supply & Demand Chain Executive site to view the full list of winners. Recipients will be honored at this year’s Women in Supply Chain Forum, set to take place November 18-20, 2025 in Clearwater Beach, FL. Go to www.WomenInSupplyChainForum.com to register and learn more.To learn more about how Lindsay and the team at EPG are enabling smarter connected logistics for organizations worldwide, visit epg.com.About EPGEhrhardt Partner Group (EPG) is a global leader of unified supply chain execution technology, supporting global brands for over 35 years with smarter connected logistics. Over 1,600 organizations around the world put their trust in EPG and its suite of solutions to optimize complex logistics processes from manual to fully automated warehouse environments. EPG ONE™ unified supply chain software centralizes WMS, WCS, WFM, voice solutions, multi-carrier global shipping execution, intelligent route optimization, dock management, contract and billing management, and supply chain control tower, enabling integrated supply chain and logistics management from end-to-end. To learn how EPG powers smarter connect logistics for organizations worldwide, visit epg.com.About Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain ExecutiveFood Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive also operate SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.FoodLogistics.com and www.SDCExec.About IRONMARKETSIRONMARKETS, formerly known as AC Business Media, is a leading business-to-business media and buyer engagement platform with a portfolio of renowned brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, landscape, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain markets. IRONMARKETS delivers relevant, cutting-edge content to its audiences through its industry-leading digital properties, trade shows, conferences, videos, magazines, webinars, and newsletters. It also provides advertisers the analytics, data, and ability to reach their target audience. Learn more at www.iron.markets.ContactLindsay SchuemannDirector of MarketingEhrhardt Partner Group (EPG)(414) 559-8995lindsay.schuemann@epg.com
Innovative American-Made Industrial Safety Fencing Provides Lightweight Strength for Workplace ProtectionNORTON, Kansas – September 5, 2025 – New Age Industrial, a leading manufacturer of high-quality aluminum equipment, today announced the launch of its new product line: the Heavy-Duty Aluminum Machine Guard Safety Fencing. This innovative and durable perimeter guarding system is engineered to provide a robust physical barrier around industrial machinery, robotic work cells, and automated equipment, enhancing workplace safety and compliance.Engineered and manufactured in the USA, the New Age Industrial Machine Guarding System is constructed from high-quality primary Aluminum Alloy 6063. This material provides a rugged, impact-resistant solution while offering significant advantages over traditional alternatives, including its lightweight strength."We engineered this industrial safety fencing from the ground up, utilizing a primary aluminum alloy to ensure maximum quality and strength," said Scott Schrum, National Sales Manager for New Age Industrial. "Every component, from the fully welded panels to the modular uprights, was designed with safety, durability and ease of installation in mind, setting a new standard for industrial perimeter guarding."What is Machine Guarding?Machine guarding is a type of physical barrier installed around industrial machinery to protect workers from hazards. This type of guarding creates a clear, visible separation between personnel and dangerous machine parts, minimizing the risk of injury and preventing unauthorized access. It is a critical component for workplace safety, especially in facilities with automated equipment, robots, and other machinery with moving parts. A well-designed machine guard, like our new fencing, is a proactive measure that helps create a safer, more productive environment by reducing the potential for accidents.Key Product Highlights: Exceptional Durability and Lifetime Corrosion Guarantee: Made from heavy-duty Aluminum Alloy 6063, the fencing provides a strong barrier that will not rust or corrode, ensuring a long-lasting professional appearance and reduced maintenance. Modular and Customizable: The system is sold in individual panels and uprights, allowing for the creation of custom layouts to fit any production floor. A pre-configured kit (Model #54421) is also available for common configurations. Simplified Installation: The fencing ships knocked down and includes all necessary hardware for assembly. The panels are fully welded for maximum strength and bolt securely to the uprights with simple hand tools. Made in the USA: Manufactured with pride in the United States, adhering to stringent quality and safety standards. Enhanced Visibility: The Amplimesh design features 2.375" x 2.375" openings, providing clear visibility of machinery for safe monitoring by operators.The New Age Industrial Heavy Duty Aluminum Machine Guarding System is ideal for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, robotics, automotive, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.Model #54421 Technical Specifications: Construction: Primary Aluminum Alloy 6063, fully welded panels. Dimensions: Panels: 36.375”W x 83.625”H x 1.25”D; Uprights: 2”W x 86.5”H x 2”D. Net Weight (Model #54421): 155 lbs. Guarantees: 1-Year Construction Guarantee for Workmanship and Material Defects; Lifetime Guarantee against Rust and Corrosion.For more information, to request a custom layout design, or to place an order, please contact the New Age Industrial factory.About New Age IndustrialNew Age Industrial is a leading American manufacturer of high-quality aluminum products for a variety of industries, including food service, material handling, and custom fabrication. With a commitment to innovation, durability, and American craftsmanship, New Age Industrial provides reliable solutions that help businesses operate more safely and efficiently.ContactMegan KeiswetterMarketing Managermegan.keiswetter@newageindustrial.com800-255-0104www.newageindustrial.com/
Now delivered in as little as 6 weeks – matching many heavy industry gearbox lead timesSEW‑EURODRIVE, now offers external oil cooling and supply systems for heavy industry gearing with lead times as short as six weeks. Built and configured at SEW-EURODRIVE Heavy Industry Gearing (HIG) in Wellford, South Carolina, these systems are engineered to support today’s torque-dense gearboxes—where thermal limitations often determine gearbox size.Previously available only through longer-lead global channels, these systems are now stocked and assembled in the U.S., eliminating delivery bottlenecks.Never Lose Your Cool: Precision Cooling for Critical ApplicationsAs HIG drive systems grow more compact and power-dense, thermal management becomes essential. SEW‑EURODRIVE’s external lubrication systems address that challenge, with configurations that ensure oil is delivered, circulated, and cooled exactly as your application demands.Available types include: Oil-to-air cooling systems (OAP1) Oil-to-water cooling systems (OWP1) Pressure lubrication systems without cooling (ONP1)Each is sized using SEW‑EURODRIVE’s thermal validation tools and can be gearbox-mounted or skidmounted for flexibility in layout and maintenance access.What’s New Assembled in the U.S., reducing delivery time from 14–20 weeks to as little as 6 weeks Standard options in stock and ready to configure Designed to support thicker startup oil viscosities up to 5,000 cStBuilt for Your ApplicationSEW‑EURODRIVE’s Oil Cooling and Supply Systems can be tailored to your specific requirements and include modular, sensor-ready features to support system reliability and monitoring.Standard stocked options include: Duplex oil filters (25μm) — allows filter change during operation • Electro-optical contamination pop-up indicator Oil manometer gauge Oil thermometer gauge Oil pressure switch • Oil temperature switch — all to monitor the gearbox oil sump in real time“With local assembly and standard stocked components, we can now deliver complete external thermal management solutions in six weeks—helping our customers get their HIG systems up and running faster and more reliably.” — Austin Burdette, Product Manager, SEW‑EURODRIVE HIG USAGet StartedContact your SEW‑EURODRIVE Heavy Industry Gearing representative to discuss your application needs or request a quote.www.seweurodrive.comAbout SEW-EURODRIVEFounded in 1931 in Bruchsal, Germany, SEW-EURODRIVE is a global leader in Industrial Automation, with operations in over 50 countries, 17 manufacturing plants, 92 assembly facilities, and more than 21,000 employees. The company holds over 1,000 patents, continuously driving technological advancements in gearmotors, frequency inverters, servo drives, and Industry 4.0 solutions.SEW-EURODRIVE provides engineered solutions in countless industries, including automotive, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, steel, logistics, energy, and more, providing customized automation solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Despite its global reach, SEWEURODRIVE remains family-owned, ensuring long-term vision, strong values, and a commitment to excellence.SEW-EURODRIVE. Driving the World™ContactSEW-EURODRIVE, Inc.Michelle NAU937-307-1901MNau@seweurodrive.com—Joe TETZEL864-661-1236JTetzel@seweurodrive.com
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This is a paid advertisement. Unveils the invisible: adaptable to various colors, curved shapes and challenging angles:- Reliable detection of transparent objects. No reflectors required- Illuminating low-reflective objects and objects with dark surfacesExcelling across spaces and environment: compact and sub-miniature sensors for tight spaces:- IP67 and IP69K- Resistant to Food & Beverage cleaning agents (Ecolab)Scalable settings and usage:-Plug & Play version for quick installation and maintenance
Transbotics engineers designed a Laser-Guided Tugger vehicle to move cart-trains weighing up to 65,000 pounds of palletized glass for a major client in the North American food and beverage industry. These automated guided vehicles (AGVs) carefully move and stop while fully loaded with palletized glass, preventing tower pallets from toppling over. They are programmed to work side by side with automatic train loading machinery and conveyor systems. Transbotics technicians integrated the AGV system seamlessly into the existing automated process.
Three automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) has proven to be a safe, efficient way to handle pallets generated by four robotic palletizing lines in this food and beverage warehouse. The use of AGVs eliminated the damage caused by material handling and increased workforce productivity. With the installation of the automatic guided vehicles, the system payback is under two years!