Cargo Van: Side Door Loading

JayHarding · Jan 18, 2008

I have been lurking on this site for awhile, but I've got a question now!

I'm just getting into the business and I am trying to decide which Cargo Van to buy. Do you guys ever load your Vans through the side doors? If so, do you recommend the Slide Door or the Barn Doors?

Is it better just to load through the Rear Doors only and use a pallet puller?

Thanks!

Jay Harding
Harding Delivery

terryandrene · Jan 18, 2008

Rear doors and a pallet puller or equivalent. The side doors on all but the newest Sprinters are too narrow, at about 46", to accomodate a standard sized pallet. If you are planning to get into the "expedite business" you'll have noticed that most of us tend to stay on the road awhile to maximize our profit potential. In order to do so, we fabricate sleeper areas and stow our personal gear behind the van seating, so the side door open is seldom, if ever, used for cargo.

Moot · Jan 18, 2008

When I first started in expediting I drove a company owned short Ford. I used the side door once to unload a p.o.s. pallet that collapsed while loading.

My first Chevy had swing doors and my current Chevy was ordered with a sliding door. I prefer the slider. On the newer GM's the side door opening is 44.1" for both the swing and slider.

For unloading I have a set of pallet tongs and 10' of chain. If that doesn't work I have a 24' tow strap that can be looped around a pallet.

JayHarding · Jan 18, 2008

Moot said:
My first Chevy had swing doors and my current Chevy was ordered with a sliding door. I prefer the slider. On the newer GM's the side door opening is 44.1" for both the swing and slider.

Thanks for the help guys! I have another question...

Is 44.1" enough for a forklift operator to load a standard pallet through a side door? (2" clearance either side of the pallet)

terryandrene · Jan 18, 2008

No! There are many standard sized pallets. 48" x 48" and 48" x 40" are the most common. We also see many 48" tubs. You could selectively use the side door but shouldn't count on it always being a choice, regarless what the customer, broker or dispatchers says on the phone. I'm talking about Ford and GM/Chevy. The newer Sprinters have a wider slider on the side.

Moot · Jan 18, 2008

Jay if you are dealing with standard 4-way pallets, 48" x 40" Then they will fit with 4 inches to spare. The real questions are; is the forklift operator competent enough to load with only 2" of clearance either side and how many hydraulic sandwiches were consumed at lunch.

I had I guy put a forklift mast through my trailer roof 3 times. He had more than a foot of clearance.

Like Terry said, don't trust anyone that the pallet size will always be 48' x 40" unless you are dealing with the same customer all the time.

dhalltoyo · Jan 19, 2008

Worse yet!

When loading in the conventional manner from the rear of the van your bumper provides protection from the inadvertent bump from the fork lift.

If you allow someone to load from the side door and the fork lift bangs the body, you may have problems closing your door because of the damage; not to mention the cost of a major body repair.

Considering the loading ramps for cargo vans I do not believe any shipper or consignee wants to, or would, side load a cargo van. Moreover, it would be more time consuming for all parties involved.