Provide parking space, stick to time slots, organise responsibilities: With "Golden Ramp Rules", the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry aims to make the receiving and loading of goods more efficient and, not least, to restore the attractiveness of the truck driver's profession.
Eliminating frustration at the loading dock
Since the daily frustration at the loading dock can be largely eliminated with the goodwill of everyone involved. In its search for solutions, the DIHK has therefore involved not only the logistics industry but also, for example, the retail trade.
The suggestions and ideas from those affected resulted in nine simple ramp rules being developed. The result is a good example of how the economy can work together to balance different industry and corporate interests.
Improving staffing resources
The practically established rules benefit everyone involved: loaders, goods recipients, transport companies, drivers and the environment. Dwell times can thus be shortened and planning for all parties improved. This can enhance working hours and staffing deployment as drivers also experience less frustrating downtime.
Making the profession more attractive again
At the same time, mutual recognition is key: drivers, as well as the goods they deliver, should be welcomed at the loading dock. Ultimately, the "Golden Ramp Rules" can help to make the truck driver's profession more appealing.
Nine Golden Dock Rules
Preamble: Smooth dock operations and collaboration reduce waiting times and enhance predictability in logistics flows. This benefits shippers, receivers, and transportation companies equally, while improving conditions for truck drivers and dock staff. This enhances job attractiveness and helps alleviate driver shortages.
- Rule 1: Ensure sufficient dock capacity
Adequate capacity should be available at docks, covering dock zones, warehouses, staff, and loading equipment. Structural requirements for smooth handling, such as suitable dimensions for ramps, roofs, etc., should also be ensured, including under-ramp space for vehicles with lifts. - Rule 2: Provide parking facilities for waiting and pre-processing
Adequate space should be available for yard traffic, including parking and waiting zones. With the shortage of truck parking spaces, drivers should be able to take rest breaks before or after loading. Issuing drivers pagers allows swift vehicle retrieval and avoids unnecessary trips to offices. - Rule 3: Guarantee sufficient dock opening hours
Dock opening hours should be long enough to enable transport companies to plan tours without idle time. During municipal restrictions, consider relaxations to balance third-party interests like noise protection for residents. Especially during peak seasons and before high-sales holidays, dock hours should match increased delivery volumes. - Rule 4: Honor agreed-upon time slots
Shippers, carriers, and recipients should treat agreed time slots as binding. Non-adherence increases costs across industries. Sharing delay information quickly—due to traffic, for instance—allows flexible time slot management, minimizing wait times for early or late arrivals. Desirable time slots shouldn't be for sale. - Rule 5: Improve information flow
Modern IT and communication technologies like Big Data should notify partners promptly about changes or disruptions, improving information flow around loading times and goods. Examples include slot management systems, dispatch systems, digitized vehicle processing, and paperless goods receipt inspections. Processing telematics data in real-time represents an optimal solution. - Rule 6: Ensure sufficient exchange pallets available
Exchange pallets should be sufficiently available and of appropriate quality for handover at docks. - Rule 7: Clearly define loading and unloading responsibilities
Loading/unloading and related processes (e.g., foil removal, separating sandwich pallets) are not driver responsibilities, and ambiguity breeds conflict. Processes should be bindingly regulated, including clarifying responsibilities for safe operational and transport-compliant loading. - Rule 8: Foster personal interaction improvements
Drivers and dock staff should treat each other respectfully. Drivers should have access to appropriate restrooms and social facilities. These facilities should be sufficient in quantity and quality, and drivers should use them responsibly. - Rule 9: Enhance driver and loading staff language skills
Language barriers cause misunderstandings, delays, and risks at loading areas. All involved parties should aim to improve language skills of dock personnel. Communication in German—or at least English—must be possible. Pictograms may offer additional support.
- Relevant in topic:
- Serviceportal
Contact
Dr. Patrick Thiele
Director National Transport Policy, Transport Industry