A loading device, for automatic rear end loading of trucks or trailers by means of a forklifting type of device being movably mounted on a platform that can be lowered and lifted is improved by a docking and loading gate defining a particular position for the rear end of a truck or trailer on one hand and of a direction of loading on the other hand, the position being established with respect to a truck or trailer when positioned in and at the loading dock; a loading bridge is arranged in the loading gate for bridging the space from the loading platform to the truck or trailer when in the loading dock, the bridge is lowered to obtain particular positions in which the bridge exerts a particular load upon the truck or trailer in the loading dock which position is maintained as the load and forklift move across the bridge, onto the truck or trailer.