Cheap Loading Dock Equipment Destroys Your Budget

Fiscal responsibility requires long-term vision.

That's nothing new to you. Yet, it can be difficult to remember when looking at your budget. These days, funds are tight and you're asked to do more with less. In that atmosphere, it's easy to view low-cost loading dock equipment as "good enough." However, that mentality is the fastest way to set your operation up for heavy expenses in the future that would be avoidable with high-quality loading dock and door systems.

Read on to learn:

• How future planning for your loading dock saves you money in the long run
• What to look for when seeking quality loading dock equipment
• How to take the headache out of planned maintenance

How Loading Dock Future Planning Saves You Money

The problem with short-term thinking is that it gets really expensive over time, especially in your loading dock.

To put this in perspective, let's use a different example: Carhartt work pants. If you don't have a pair yourself, you've probably seen them on your warehouse staff. They're made of durable, high-quality materials that last for years. They also cost about three times more than bargain work pants. Yet, if a pair of Carhartts lasts three years but bargain pants only last six months, buying the cheaper brand is actually twice as expensive.

The same principle holds true for your loading dock equipment.

You won't have to replace a cheap dock door every six months, but you might have to service it every other month. That adds up quickly and dramatically increases the total cost of ownership when compared to a high-quality dock door that requires service only twice a year.

Ultimately, quality loading dock equipment is more cost-effective than cheap systems.

Quality Loading Dock Equipment

Failed loading dock equipment costs you more than just the repair.

When an essential item, such as a loading dock leveler, goes down, your dock is out of commission until it is repaired. For a busy warehouse, that can mean wasting $10,000 per hour in lost productivity.

High-quality loading dock equipment typically fails less frequently than bargain brands.

What Are the Characteristics of Quality Loading Dock Equipment?

Everybody says their product is high-quality.

So what should you actually look for? “Quality” means different things depending on the equipment you need. However, there are a few common characteristics that should guide your search.

• Quality materials and components. A machine may be more than the sum of its parts, but those parts still need to add up to something good. High-performance, durable materials and components are the first step towards making quality equipment. For example, Nordock's DS series rigid frame dock shelter utilizes high-wear-resistant fabric with double-lock stitching on the seams to better withstand the elements.
• High-performance. These products feature enhancements that increase productivity, drive revenue, and further reduce the cost of ownership. A telescoping lip on a dock leveler is an example of such a feature, as it reduces product damage and speeds up loading/unloading times.
• Lower maintenance. Reduced maintenance, compared to competing brands, lowers the cost of ownership. Nordock, for example, guarantees that its products will outperform the competition, specifically citing lower maintenance requirements.
• Strong warranties. Look for products backed by extended warranties and solid guarantees. Nordock loading dock levers come with five-year warranties on their lifting systems, ten-year warranties on structural components, and an impressive twenty-year warranty on lip lugs, header plate front hinges, and smooth transition continuous rear hinges.

Use these general characteristics to set the minimum standard for what equipment you’ll invest in for your facility.

Regular Planned Dock Maintenance

Regardless of the equipment you invest in for your loading dock and door systems, it will eventually require maintenance.

Planned maintenance is the best way to keep your equipment up and running when you need it, preventing unplanned downtime and saving you thousands of dollars. Our professional staff can install, maintain, and repair all makes and models of loading dock doors and equipment. Equipment we install and service includes:

• Dock levelers
• Dock plate levelers
• Dock seals
• Dock lifts
• Loading dock bumpers
• Dock lights and signals
• Trailer restraints
• Wheel guides

Working with our specialized repair technicians is the easiest way to keep your dock systems operational. Our team saves you time, money, and grief by working with your schedule, preventing costly failures, and providing guaranteed, reliable results.

When you choose loading dock equipment, you want it to last. So, skip the bargain brands. Protect your bottom line by investing in quality equipment and supporting it with professional, planned maintenance.

To learn more about what to look for in loading dock equipment or to discuss a service plan for your existing systems, contact us online or visit one of our locations:

Florida
Jacksonville
Lakeland
Ocala
Orlando
Tampa
Winter Haven

Georgia
Albany
Macon
Columbus
Valdosta

Further Reading
How To Extend the Life of Your Loading Dock Equipment
Top 5 Ways to Boost Loading Dock Efficiency
Driven to Safety: Loading Dock Safety Essentials