Loading docks are one of the most essential commercial areas of many businesses. Ensuring you have the proper equipment and accessories in place to make the most out of your loading zone is critical for increased productivity, safety, and employee comfort.
If you’d like to improve the conditions around the loading dock at your warehouse or facility, Authority Dock & Door has the versatile loading dock equipment options you need. Before you purchase just anything, however, it’s crucial to figure out what devices are the best solution for your company.
What are the Main Types of Loading Dock Equipment?
Before you jump into choosing loading dock equipment, you need a thorough understanding of what options are available to you. There are several different types of loading dock devices and equipment, including:
Loading Dock Levelers
Not every trailer or vehicle is going to be the same size. In order to provide a smoother transition between the loading dock and trailer, many companies use levelers. There are many different types of loading dock levelers, such as:
- Pit Style
- Edge of Dock
- Vertical Style
Loading Dock Seals & Shelters
For top-notch productivity, employees need to be able to work in any sort of inclement weather. Loading dock seals and shelters help to enclose the loading area for increased employee comfort. They also create a tighter seal between trailers and buildings to reduce energy costs and improve your building’s insulation.
Vehicle Restraint Systems
Did you know that a large number of workplace accidents take place on loading docks? This is just one more reason that having proper loading dock equipment is vital. By installing a high-grade vehicle restraint system from Authority Dock & Door, you’ll prevent trucks from slowly moving during loading and unloading.
Choosing the Right Equipment & Accessories for Your Commercial Business
Now that you have a better grasp on some of the most common types of loading dock equipment used across several different industries, it’s time to figure out what will work best for your business. Here are a few things to consider:
What Types of Vehicles & Trailers Will Be in Your Loading Area?
If you work for a company that’s loading dock sees the same types and sized vehicles regularly, for example, you might not benefit from purchasing a dock leveler. If you work for a business, such as a grocery store that has a vast number of different vendors coming to your facility on a regular basis, you might need dock levelers.
How Long Does Unloading Usually Take?
If it usually takes your employees a decent amount of time to unload the products and materials being delivered or transported and trailers will be sitting inside your loading for long periods, equipment like vehicle restraints and dock shelters are crucial.
What are Your Safety Expectations?
If you’re looking for ways to improve your loading dock’s overall safety, then installing items like dock levelers, shelters, and restraints are essential.
Let Our Team Help You Make the Best Decisions
If you’re still wondering what type of loading dock equipment is the best choice for your commercial or industrial business, Authority Dock & Door can help you figure it out. Our employees have the knowledge and skills needed to help you create a custom loading dock that suits your individual needs.
Don’t settle for an unsafe or unproductive loading dock. Our team is here to help you create a functional space that will streamline all of your daily operations.