I have a T9, a T10, and a Beluga.
They all have docking computers in the smallest slot (the T9 actually has nothing else except cargo racks, I fly it without shields). Never yet had a collision with an NPC on my way in, because you're included in the traffic-control system. So that halves the problem.
On the way out, use your radar to spot ships near you and avoid sideswipes. That only leaves head-on smashes in the mailslot/toastrack. Be observant, don't go too fast, and be prepared to abort (or, in some cases, accelerate out of the toastrack and then dive out of the way).
