Loading dock systems for detecting trailer wheel/suspension system positions and associated methods of manufacture and use

A loading dock, comprising:

• dock wall having a door opening therein;
• a dock door operably positioned in the door opening;
• a parking pad positioned in front of the door opening;
• and
• a sensor operably mounted to at least one of the dock wall, the dock door, and/or the parking pad, wherein
• the sensor is configured to detect a position of a portion of a rear wheel assembly of a trailer relative to the dock wall, the dock door, and/or another portion of the loading dock when the trailer is positioned at the loading dock,
• the trailer is configured to be operably coupled to and positioned by a tractor, and
• the rear wheel assembly of the trailer is movable between a forward position and a rear position relative to the trailer.

A loading dock for use with a cargo vehicle comprising a tractor and a trailer configured to be operably coupled to and positioned by a tractor, the trailer including a rear wheel assembly movable between a forward position and a rear position relative to the trailer, the loading dock comprising:

• a dock wall having an opening therein;
• a parking pad positioned in front of the opening;
• and
• a sensor system configured to determine a position of the rear wheel assembly relative to at least one of (a) an aft end of the trailer when the trailer is positioned on the parking pad in front of the opening or (b) a portion of the loading dock when the trailer is positioned on the parking pad in front of the opening.

A method of operating one or more pieces of loading dock equipment at a loading dock, the method comprising:

• automatically detecting, by a sensor positioned at the loading dock, a position of at least a portion of a rear wheel assembly of a trailer positioned at the loading dock relative to an aft end of the trailer, wherein the trailer is configured to be operably coupled to and positioned by a tractor, and wherein the rear wheel assembly of the trailer is movable between a forward position and a rear position relative to the trailer;
• if the position indicates that the rear wheel assembly is within a preset distance of the aft end of the trailer, enabling operation of the one or more pieces of loading dock equipment;
• and
• if the detected position indicates that the rear wheel assembly is not within the preset distance of the aft end of the trailer, preventing or at least inhibiting operation of the one or more pieces of loading dock equipment.