Specialised loading bay equipment from Transdek UK Ltd has increased the efficiency and reduced the cost of deliveries at two city-centre John Lewis stores with minimal disruption and without any construction work.

The stores in Sheffield and Nottingham both have underground delivery areas with restricted access which in the past have been serviced exclusively by 7.5 tonne demountable trucks shuttling between the stores and an out-of-town distribution centre. They are now able to receive double-deckers and trunkers, reducing the number of deliveries required.

At the Sheffield store a mobile dock leveller has been supplied, which can be moved from one bay to another so it can be used with double-deck or demountable trailers.
At the same time Transdek increased the number of loading docks at the location from two to three by installing a free-standing custom-built ramp, which avoided the need for civil engineering work. In addition, the docking position for one of the two existing loading bays was extended forward by installing a free-standing platform, which gives convenient access for large double-deck trailers. The whole installation was completed in half a day.

Deliveries to the John Lewis Nottingham store are made along an underground access road shared with other retailers, and loading docks are inaccessible to large trailers. A Transdek mobile dock lift with a 2.25-tonne load capacity – sufficient for six standard roll cages -- is now enabling 13.6-metre-long trunking trailers to deliver direct to the store.

The equipment is designed for convenient one-man operation and has interlocked controls so it can only be operated when the wheels are fully retracted. On-board 24V batteries are included, and rails on all four sides prevent falls. The equipment is kept in a secure area near the loading bay so it does not stop access by other vehicles and is wheeled into position when required.