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Industrial Property Characteristics Glossary
2 min read
by Jeff Hamann

What Dock Equipment Is Used in Industrial Real Estate?

Learn how dock levelers and bumpers have changed the game for industrial real estate owners and tenants.

In this article:
  1. Dock Levelers
  2. Dock Bumpers
  3. Related Questions
  4. Get Financing
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Given the importance of dock doors in industrial asset operations, many distribution centers, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities have additional equipment installed at or near loading doors to ensure smooth, efficient, and safe operations.

Dock Levelers

A dock leveler is a device that bridges any gap between a loading door’s height and the height of a truck loading or unloading goods. Most large, 18-wheeler trucks have deck heights of between 40 and 60 inches, and this can create difficulties when a loading dock does not match up precisely. Loading doors are generally a similar height, between 48 and 52 inches, so consideration must be given to how an industrial operator can move goods via a forklift or other vehicle on or off a truck bed.

At its core, this is what a dock leveler helps with. Most levelers are mechanical, hydraulic, or air-powered, and they essentially create a slight ramp, up or down, to connect the building’s dock door with the truck. While traditional dock levelers are built into a structure’s floor, vertical levelers have gained traction in recent years. These are stored vertically, completely behind a dock door, when not in use. Although most older industrial assets will not have dock levelers, nearly all modern buildings will have some — if not all — loading doors with this equipment.

Dock Bumpers

Dock bumpers are more or less what they sound like: materials which absorb any impact of a truck bumping into a loading dock. Most dock bumpers are typically rubber and at least 4 inches thick. When installed properly, they can absorb an estimated 90% to 95% of a collision’s impact, according to several producers’ websites.

When fitting dock bumpers, levelers may need to be adjusted, as bumpers create an additional space between a loading dock and a truck. This is usually not an issue with vertical levelers, however, as they do not generally have a fixed lip.

Related Questions

What types of dock equipment are used in industrial real estate?

Industrial real estate typically uses dock equipment such as bumpers and levelers to help streamline loading operations in a safe way. According to Industrial Property Loan, bumpers are used to protect the dock from damage when a truck backs up to the dock, while levelers are used to bridge the gap between the dock and the truck bed.

What are the benefits of using dock equipment in industrial real estate?

Dock equipment, such as bumpers and levelers, can help streamline loading operations in a safe way. This extra equipment can help reduce the risk of damage to goods and vehicles, as well as reduce the time it takes to load and unload products. Additionally, dock equipment has become a baseline standard for many tenants, so having it installed can make your industrial property more attractive to potential tenants.

Sources:

  • https://industrialproperty.loan/industrial-property-characteristics/loading-doors
  • https://industrialproperty.loan/industrial-property-characteristics/dock-loading-equipment

What safety considerations should be taken when using dock equipment in industrial real estate?

When using dock equipment in industrial real estate, safety considerations should include making sure the dock equipment is properly installed and maintained. This includes ensuring that the dock bumpers and levelers are in good condition and that the dock doors are the correct size and configuration. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the dock area is well lit and that the dock area is free of debris and other hazards. For more information on dock equipment safety, please see this article from IndustrialProperty.Loan.

What are the most common types of dock equipment used in industrial real estate?

The most common types of dock equipment used in industrial real estate are bumpers and levelers. Bumpers are used to protect the building from damage caused by trucks backing into the dock, while levelers are used to ensure a smooth transition between the dock and the truck bed. Additionally, some industrial properties may have rail doors, which are large, grade-level doors that vehicles like vans, forklifts, and cars can enter.

Sources: https://industrialproperty.loan/industrial-property-characteristics/loading-doors, https://industrialproperty.loan/industrial-property-characteristics/dock-loading-equipment

What are the differences between dock equipment used in industrial real estate and other types of real estate?

Dock equipment used in industrial real estate is typically designed to streamline loading operations in a safe way. This includes items such as bumpers and levelers, which are used to ensure that the loading dock is level with the truck court. This equipment is not typically found in other types of real estate, such as residential or retail. Additionally, industrial properties often have drive-in doors, which are large, grade-level doors that vehicles like vans, forklifts, and cars can enter. Rail doors are also sometimes found in industrial real estate, but are far less common in today’s industrial real estate.

For more information, please see the following sources:

  • Industrial Property Characteristics: Loading Doors
  • Industrial Property Characteristics: Dock Loading Equipment

What are the best practices for maintaining dock equipment in industrial real estate?

Maintaining dock equipment in industrial real estate is essential for ensuring smooth operations for tenants. The best practices for maintaining dock equipment include:

  • Regularly inspect and maintain dock levelers, dock seals, and dock shelters to ensure they are in good working order.
  • Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, tears, or other damage.
  • Ensure that the dock levelers are properly adjusted and that the dock seals and dock shelters are properly installed.
  • Check the dock levelers for any signs of corrosion or rust.
  • Ensure that the dock levelers are properly lubricated.
  • Check the dock seals and dock shelters for any signs of wear and tear.
  • Ensure that the dock seals and dock shelters are properly installed and that they are properly sealed.

For more information on dock equipment maintenance, please visit Industrial Property Loan's guide to dock loading equipment.

In this article:
  1. Dock Levelers
  2. Dock Bumpers
  3. Related Questions
  4. Get Financing

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