The loading dock is one of the most high-traffic areas in a company’s facility. It’s where products come in and out of the warehouse, so it needs to be properly maintained to function smoothly.
Avoid Mistakes
Professionals know how to spot problems and fix them before they become worse. They also understand that safety is a priority and follow all necessary protocols when working on loading dock equipment. This reduces accidents and prevents equipment failures, reducing downtime and operational costs.
Attempting to install dock equipment yourself can lead to costly mistakes and repairs. Hiring a marine construction-focused electrician to perform electrical work in your boat docks eliminates this risk and helps you avoid costly errors. After a major storm or hurricane, having a professional inspect your dock for damage is a good idea. They will check for rotting sections, cracks, and other issues. They can then recommend repairs that will extend the life of your dock.
Save Time and Money
Attempting to install dock equipment yourself is not only costly but can be dangerous. Professional dock services know the best options for each facility and follow safety protocols. This results in better materials handling, lower downtime and operational costs, and reliable equipment functioning.
Routine maintenance and inspections may seem time-consuming and labor-intensive. Still, they save businesses money in the long run by identifying issues that would otherwise lead to expensive repairs or replacements. For example, a routine inspection found one company’s warehouse dock door difficult to open due to corrosion and friction. A technician recommended lubricating the moving parts, and now the door operates much more smoothly.
Other examples of preventative maintenance include:
- Cleaning green algae from dock boards.
- Pressure washing rust.
- Reattaching rusted nails to avoid further damage.
Reduce Downtime
Keeping up with routine maintenance will minimize downtime and reduce operational costs. Proactive inspections can help spot potential problems that may lead to equipment breakdowns or prevent a load from getting into or out of the facility. Dock levelers, vehicle restraints, and overhead door opening systems have mechanical moving parts that require routine cleaning, adjustment, and proper lubrication. Qualified technicians are trained to notice small issues and bring them to your attention before they become larger problems.
Unqualified or DIY maintenance may seem cheaper in the short term, but it can lead to costly mistakes, expensive repairs, and a shorter lifespan for your equipment. Having your equipment professionally installed and maintained will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
Save Money in the Long Run
A professional dock inspection averages $50 to $100 and can save you money in the long run. A pro examines everything from the pilings and frames to boat lifts and the foundation, looking for established problems or signs of future issues that will be more expensive to repair.
Dock restoration costs, on average, $500 to $2,000. This includes replacing rotted boards and rusty nails, sanding down splintered sections, and treating wood with oils or sealant yearly to prevent rotting. The bottom line is that hiring a professional to install and repair loading dock equipment leads to increased safety and efficiency in materials handling, reduced downtime and operational costs, and lower overall maintenance and repair expenses.
