Systems and methods for automated loading and unloading at a dock station

A dock station comprising:

• a pallet conveyor configured to receive a pallet at a first pallet position remote from the dock station and move the pallet to a second pallet position proximate the dock station;
• an automated material lift truck (AMT) including—
• a drive system;
• a fork configured to engage the pallet;
• and
• one or more sensors;
• one or more fixed guidance elements positioned at fixed locations at the dock station;
• and
• a truck control system configured to—
• cause the fork to engage the pallet at the second pallet position;
• cause the drive system to move the AMT, based on interaction between the AMT and the one or more of the fixed guidance elements, from the second pallet position to a guidance switch position proximate an opening of a trailer parked at the dock station;
• in response to the AMT reaching the guidance switch position, cause the drive system to move the AMT in a first direction to a truck unloading position inside the trailer, based on detection of one or more sidewalls of the trailer by the one or more sensors;
• cause the fork to lower the pallet while the truck is at the truck unloading position;
• and
• cause the drive system to move the AMT in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to disengage the fork from the pallet and exit the trailer.