Example vehicle alignment systems for use at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example vehicle alignment system includes a camera to detect the vehicle approaching a doorway of a loading dock. The camera to generate an image signal indicative of at least one of an angular orientation of the vehicle or a lateral position of the vehicle relative to a reference. A controller is to detect a deviation in the at least one of the angular orientation of the vehicle or the lateral position of the vehicle relative to the reference based on the image signal. A display is to generate an indication representative of the at least one of the angular orientation of the vehicle or the lateral position of the vehicle relative to the reference.

Example vehicle alignment systems for use at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example vehicle alignment system includes a first switch positioned on a first lateral edge of a doorway of the loading dock. The first switch is to be engageable by a first side surface of the vehicle. A second switch is positioned on a second lateral edge of the doorway opposite the first lateral edge. The second switch to be engageable by a second side surface of the vehicle opposite the first side surface. A controller is to receive a first feedback signal from the first switch and a second feedback signal from the second switch. The controller is to compare the first feedback signal and the second feedback signal to detect a lateral deviation of the vehicle relative to a reference.

Example vehicle alignment systems for use at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example vehicle alignment system includes an outer sensor pair to detect a surface of the vehicle. The outer sensor pair is to obtain a first feedback signal representative of an orientation of the detected surface relative to a reference as the vehicle approaches a doorway of the loading dock. An inner sensor pair is to detect the surface of the vehicle. The inner sensor pair is to obtain a second feedback signal representative of the orientation of the detected surface relative to the reference as the vehicle approaches the doorway of the loading dock. A controller is to detect a threshold deviation in the orientation of the detected surface of the vehicle relative to the reference based on at least one of the first feedback signal or the second feedback signal. A display is to vary an output signal in response to the detected threshold deviation in the orientation of the detected surface relative to the reference.

Example vehicle alignment systems for use at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example vehicle alignment system includes a first arm extending a first distance from a wall of the loading dock, where the first arm is positioned adjacent a first lateral edge of a doorway of the loading dock. A first sensor is coupled to the first arm, where the first sensor is directed substantially perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the first arm. The first sensor is to detect a first lateral distance between the first sensor and a first side surface of the vehicle. The first sensor to provide a first feedback signal representative of the first lateral distance. A second arm extends a second distance from the wall of the loading dock, where the second arm is positioned adjacent a second lateral edge of the doorway of the loading dock opposite the first lateral edge. A second sensor is coupled to the second arm, where the second sensor is directed substantially perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the second arm. The second sensor is oriented toward the first sensor, the second sensor to detect a second lateral distance between the second sensor and a second side surface of the vehicle opposite the first side surface. The second sensor is to provide a first feedback signal representative of the second lateral distance.

The device includes a first portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The embodiment also includes a second portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge of the second portion is removably attached to the trailing edge of the first portion and the leading edge of the second portion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The device also includes an extension portion and opposing side portions, the opposing side portions extend the length of and contact the second portion and extension portion. The opposing side portions include at least one light which is controlled by a sensor adjacent to a door.

Examples of an alignment assembly for loading a shipping container are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, the alignment assembly includes a base rotatably disposed on a pole and an alignment bracket moveably connected to the base. The alignment bracket may include a main support member connected to an alignment member. The alignment bracket is configured to permit the alignment member to be disposed substantially co-planer with a sidewall of the shipping container.

A method of leveling a parked semi-trailer at a loading dock, the method comprising: (a) positioning a portable stabilizing device at least partially underneath a forward portion of the parked semi-trailer; (b) positioning a lift associated with the portable stabilizing device to bear weight of the forward portion of the parked semi-trailer; (c) reorienting the parked semi-trailer so a floor of the parked semi-trailer goes from a substantially parallel orientation to an approximately non-parallel orientation with respect to a horizontal floor of the loading dock by repositioning at least one of the jack and a landing gear of the parked semi-trailer; and, (e) maintaining the lift in a weight bearing position while goods are at least one of unloaded from or loaded onto the parked semi-trailer.

This disclosure introduces chassis alignment assemblies for aligning a chassis with a support structure. An example implementation includes a chassis having first wheels, a jacking assembly coupled to the chassis and having second wheels, and a jacking actuation member operable to vertically displace the second wheels relative to the chassis to engage the ground and raise the first wheels off of the ground such that the jacking assembly supports an end of the chassis. Another example implementation includes a chassis, having first wheels, and an outrigger assembly having: a frame movable between transport and alignment orientations; second wheels; and an outrigger actuation member operable to move the frame relative to the chassis.

A method of leveling a parked freight trailer at a loading dock, the method comprising: (a) positioning a portable stabilizing device at least partially underneath a forward portion of the parked freight trailer; (b) positioning a lift associated with the portable stabilizing device to bear weight of the forward portion of the parked freight trailer; (c) reorienting the parked freight trailer so a floor of the parked freight trailer goes from a substantially non-parallel orientation to an approximately parallel orientation with respect to a floor of the loading dock by repositioning at least one of the jack and a landing gear of the parked freight trailer; and, (e) maintaining the lift in a weight bearing position while goods are at least one of unloaded from or loaded onto the parked freight trailer.

An automatic guided vehicle system includes an automatic guided vehicle and a docking station for docking with the automatic guided vehicle. One of the automatic guided vehicle and the docking station has a pair of first vertical guide surfaces and the other has a pair of rows of rollers. The first vertical guide surfaces extend a predetermined length along a first horizontal direction and are spaced by a predetermined distance in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The rows of rollers are in rolling contact with the first vertical guide surfaces to guide the automatic guided vehicle to a predetermined position in the docking station.