Choosing the Right Gate Access for Delivery Trucks, Trailers and Commercial Vehicles
A commercial gate should be sized around the vehicles using it, their turning path, and the space required for the gate to operate.
Before fabrication, confirm the largest vehicle, required clear opening, approach angle, and available swing or sliding space.
Measure the Largest Vehicle
Use the largest vehicle or vehicle-trailer combination expected on the property.
Record:
| Measurement | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Vehicle width | Body plus projecting equipment |
| Mirror width | Widest operating dimension |
| Vehicle length | Bumper to bumper |
| Trailer width/length | Actual trailer dimensions |
| Combined length | Tow vehicle plus trailer |
| Approach | Straight, left, or right turn |
| Frequency | Occasional, daily, or high-use |
Use actual fleet or manufacturer dimensions rather than assuming all trucks of the same general type require the same access.
Determine the Required Clear Opening
The important measurement is the usable opening when the gate is fully open.
Before fabrication, record:
- Width between proposed gate posts
- Required finished clear opening
- Maximum vehicle width, including mirrors or attachments
- Manoeuvring space on both sides of the fence
Do not use vehicle width = gate opening as a sizing formula. Posts, hardware, approach angle, and steering clearance all affect usable access.
Trailers require additional attention because their wheels track inside the tow vehicle's path during a turn.
Check the approach for:
- Curbs and bollards
- Buildings and fence lines
- Parked vehicles
- Loading areas
- Storage or equipment
- Utility structures
Where possible, observe the largest vehicle making the actual approach before gate posts are installed.
Compare the Gate Configurations
SafeFence offers single swing, double swing, and cantilever sliding commercial gates.
| Gate Type | Suitable Application | Critical Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Single swing | Moderate openings | Clear swing area and adequate hinge post |
| Double swing | Wider entrances | Two-leaf clearance and centre securing hardware |
| Cantilever sliding | Swing area must remain open | Sufficient lateral runback space |
Single Swing Gates
A single leaf places its full load on one hinge post.
CLFMI commercial/industrial specifications referencing ASTM F900 provide these gate-post outside diameters for gate fabric heights up to and including 6 feet:
| Gate Leaf Width | Reference Gate-Post O.D. |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 ft. | 2.375 in. |
| Over 4 to 10 ft. | 2.875 in. |
| Over 10 to 18 ft. | 4.000 in. |
These are specification references, not universal SafeFence post sizes. Gate height, pipe wall thickness, footing design, wind loading, soil, and project requirements can change the required post.
Double Swing Gates
Double gates divide a wide opening between two leaves. Confirm:
- Both posts are plumb
- Leaves meet correctly at centre
- Latch hardware aligns
- Both leaves clear the ground
- Inactive leaf can be secured
- Cane/drop hardware has a suitable receiving point
CLFMI specifications call for galvanized steel drop bars for double gates and heavy-duty hinges and positive locking latch components for swing gates.
Depending on configuration, SafeFence gate kits can include post collars, frame collars, 6-inch bolts, latch locking systems, and cane hardware.
Cantilever Sliding Gates
Cantilever gates move horizontally instead of swinging across the vehicle approach and do not require a ground track through the traffic opening.
They do require runback space beside the fence because the gate includes a counterbalance section.
A 20-foot clear opening therefore does not mean the complete sliding gate is only 20 feet long. Total gate length and counterbalance must be determined from the gate design and manufacturer requirements.
SafeFence cantilever systems can include rollers and associated installation hardware.
Check Swing Clearance and Grade
For swing gates, inspect the entire gate arc at approximately 0°, 45°, and 90°.
Check for:
- Rising pavement
- Curbs
- Parked vehicles
- Equipment or storage
- Buildings
- Pedestrian routes
- Snow accumulation areas
A gate can clear the driveway while closed but strike rising pavement during opening.
Before setting gate-post elevations, also record the finished driveway grade, drainage swales, and planned asphalt or concrete thickness. If paving will occur later, size gate clearance from the finished grade, not the unfinished surface.
Specify Commercial Gate Hardware
CLFMI commercial/industrial specifications reference welded steel swing gates complying with ASTM F900 and 1.900-inch O.D. frame members, with frame members spaced no greater than 8 feet apart horizontally and vertically.
The same specification describes a positive locking latch fabricated from 5/16-inch-thick by 1¾-inch pressed steel.
For electrically operated gates, additional safety requirements apply; CLFMI specifications reference ASTM F2200 and UL 325.
Gate dimensions, framework, and hardware should therefore be established as part of the overall commercial fencing project.
Commercial Gate Pre-Fabrication Checklist
Before approving the gate, confirm:
- Required clear opening
- Largest vehicle/trailer dimensions
- Approach and turning space
- Gate type and leaf width
- Gate-post requirements
- Footing requirements
- Swing clearance or cantilever runback
- Finished pavement elevation
- Drainage
- Hinge or roller hardware
- Latch and locking requirements
- Cane/drop hardware where applicable
- Frequency of operation
- Automation requirements
Plan the Opening Around Vehicle Movement
Commercial gate access should be based on the largest vehicle, clear opening, turning path, gate movement, grade, and required hardware.
SafeFence can help determine the appropriate custom chain link gate configuration for delivery trucks, trailers, service vehicles, and commercial equipment.
Explore SafeFence's fencing services or contact SafeFence for a quote or consultation. You can also email info@safefence.ca with your opening measurements.