RE: loading dock HELP!

["Brian York" <BYork@strategicairandspace.com>]

Kristen

I can appreciate your challenge, we actually do not have a loading dock, but have made all the same arguments to add one.

How many temporary or traveling shows do you host each year?
What size of shows do you typically host?
How heavy are the typical loads/crates you will be off loading?
I think the biggest justification is the amount of direct use your exhibit and collection departments will have for these docks.

My biggest obstacle here (other than money) has been demonstrating that we need the dock. Though we host several shows a year, each requiring 4 to 5 trucks for shipping and out, we have always managed to off load with fork lift, electric lift, or pretty much whatever means necessary.

Good Luck

Brian T. York
Curator of Exhibitions & Collections
Strategic Air & Space Museum
28210 West Park Highway
Ashland, NE 68003
402.944.3100 x227
402.944.3160 (fax)
402.429.2876 (cell)
byork@strategicairandspace.com
 

-----Original Message-----
From: pacinlist-bounces@pacin.org [mailto:pacinlist-bounces@pacin.org] On Behalf Of Kristen Watts
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 9:17 AM
To: Museum discussion list; Registrars; pacinlist@pacin.org
Subject: FW: loading dock HELP!

Please excuse the cross-posting.  
 
Good morning!  We are in the schematic design phase of building a new facility which will be part of a larger commercial and cultural mixed-use project.  
>From the outset of the project, I compiled a list of requirements for the loading dock (see below).   These requirements, particularly the bays for tractor trailers, have been called into question and I now need to essentially prove it.  
 
How do I convince and best demonstrate the need for a loading dock to handle tractor trailers?  
 
Have you encountered similar problems with your building project?  
 
Also, did you work with a fine art shipper during construction of your dock?
 
Any information or names you can send me is greatly appreciated!
 
have a great weekend, 
Kristen
 
Kristen S. Watts
Associate Registrar
The Mint Museums
Mint Museum of Craft + Design/ Mint Museum of Art
704-337-2058
kristen.watts@themintmuseums.org
www.themintmuseums.org <http://www.themintmuseums.org/> 
 

70 YEARS
The Mint Museums: 1936-2006
Celebrating the Past, Envisioning the Future

 
Loading Dock Art Entrance

§         dedicated/exclusive entrance for artwork with 3 bays total

§          2 dedicated bays to accommodate 2 tractor trailers of 88 feet in length simultaneously with sufficient turning radius inside dock  

§         standard size of tractor trailers:  13'6"  by 18' by  80'  (height by width by length), length will increase based on cab size

§         14 feet of clear height for tractor trailer units plus minimum of 3 feet for lighting and ductwork

§         tractor trailer bottom clearance is 8 inches, ramps must be designed to avoid high centering

§         docks level for tractor trailer at stop point, 52+ feet

§         1 additional bay for vans and smaller vehicles

§         all bays equipped with hydraulic dock levelers (with a service contract) and bumpers

§         drainage in floor

§         hose-bib connection at dock

§         striping on ramp for safe parking and backing

§         dimensions of hallway: minimum of 12 foot cube access (horizontal and vertical clearance required)

§         dimensions of doors to museum:  minimum of 12' x 12'

§         ease of loading/ off-loading crates from truck:  lift, sufficient space, well lit, clean, ventilated

§         ease of access moving crates to/from loading dock to/from museum:  dock hall width/height, turning radius in dock hallways, door widths/heights, museum hall width/height

§         straight, unimpeded path from truck to museum:  door handles, sprinkler heads, light fixtures, signage, piping, ductwork should not interfere with pathway

§         proper ventilation of loading dock for diesel trucks

§         no trash storage/dumpsters in or near art entrance

§         no smoking in or near art entrance

§         provide covered, separate loading dock for daily deliveries (UPS, FED EX) and caterers

§         security through controlled access

§         secured space with live feed cameras

§         overall design should include room to safely maneuver a forklift while off loading/loading trailer

§         consult with a fine art shipper and perform computer models of how tractor trailers will enter, turn, and exit 

§         security problems arise when this is a mixed-use entrance;  other issues involve catering and garbage disposal (roaches are attracted to cardboard;  dumpsters and food/drink spills draw bugs harmful to collections)  consider where food service will store trays, supplies, garbage in relation to loading dock