A structured receiving process is fundamental to warehouse efficiency, security, and inventory accuracy. The standard procedure begins when a truck arrives at a designated check-in point, typically a gatehouse. Here, security or receiving personnel verify the driver's identity and the shipment's documentation (e.g., Bill of Lading, appointment number). After verification, the driver is assigned a specific dock door and given instructions for proceeding. This controlled process prevents unauthorized access, minimizes yard congestion, and ensures that inbound goods are directed to the correct location for efficient unloading and processing.

B. Incoming vehicle loads are not typically booked in advance.

This is incorrect. Modern warehouses use dock appointment scheduling systems to manage labor, equipment, and space, making pre-booking a standard and essential practice.

C. When vehicle or container doors are sealed, there is no need to check for the possibility of lost goods.

This is false. The seal's number and integrity must be checked against documentation to ensure it wasn't tampered with during transit. A broken seal is a major alert for potential loss or theft.

D. Incoming drivers search for the first available dock.

This describes a chaotic and unsafe practice. Docks are assigned by warehouse staff based on the type of goods, required equipment, and workflow, not on a first-come, first-served basis by drivers.

1. Richards, G. (2017). Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs (3rd ed.). Kogan Page. In Chapter 5, "Receiving and put-away," the text states, "On arrival at the site, the vehicle will normally report to a gatehouse... The gatehouse clerk will check the driver's paperwork... and will then direct the driver to the relevant unloading bay or parking area" (p. 89). This directly supports the procedure described in option A.

2. Frazelle, E. H. (2016). World-Class Warehousing and Material Handling (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. Chapter 4, "Receiving Operations," emphasizes the importance of pre-receipt activities, including advance shipment notifications (ASNs) and appointment scheduling, which contradicts option B. The chapter outlines a systematic receiving process that includes a directed, not random, dock assignment, refuting option D.

3. Rushton, A., Croucher, P., & Baker, P. (2022). The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management (7th ed.). Kogan Page. Chapter 15, "Warehousing and Storage," details the receiving process, highlighting that "The first stage of the receiving process is the arrival of the vehicle at the warehouse site and the checking of the delivery vehicle and driver against a pre-booked schedule" (p. 368). This confirms that loads are booked in advance and a formal check-in process is standard.