20/08/2026
Dock Levellers vs On-Grade Access: What’s the Difference?
When looking at industrial property, the way goods and vehicles move in and out of a warehouse can be just as important as the size of the space itself.
Two terms you’ll often come across are dock levellers and on-grade access. Both are designed to make loading and unloading easier, but they serve very different operational needs.
- Dock levellers are installed at raised loading bays and bridge the gap between the warehouse floor and the bed of a truck. They allow forklifts and pallet jacks to move goods efficiently between the two, making them particularly useful for high-volume, palletised operations.
They’re commonly found in distribution centres, logistics facilities, FMCG warehouses, 3PL operations and e-commerce fulfilment centres.
- On-grade access, on the other hand, allows vehicles to enter the warehouse directly through a ground-level roller shutter door.
This can provide greater flexibility for businesses that need vehicles inside the warehouse or regularly handle machinery and oversized equipment. It’s often seen in manufacturing facilities, engineering workshops, trade warehouses and other light industrial properties.
So, which is better?
Neither. It comes down to how your business operates.
And in some cases, the answer is both. Many modern warehouses offer dock levellers alongside on-grade access, providing the flexibility to accommodate different vehicles and loading requirements.
We take a closer look at the differences, advantages and typical uses of each in our latest blog.
Read the full article on the Baker Street Properties website.
www.baker-street.co.za
