What Are the Best Doors for a Loading Dock and Why?

In an Industry built on efficiency and the transportation of goods from dock-to-door, there's many factors affecting the logistics of a freight terminal. From where the facility is located, the facility's site plan to the types of doors utilized at it's loading dock. That's why we're discussing the impact rolling doors can make on your freight terminal and why you should consider them for you next purchase. 

When looking for a dock door for your freight terminal, consider these three questions:

• How much space does it take up?
• Is it low maintenance?
• Is it easy to repair?

While space, maintenance and repair may not be the first factors you consider while researching rolling steel doors, they're imperative to any project. These factors represent the end user's experience and expenses post installment - what they'll actually be getting. Sure, you can find a cheap door, but if it costs you more in expenses over time, it's simply not worth it. So, Let's dive in!

How much space does it take up?

With rolling doors, you can say goodbye to bulky tracks and exposed door components. With rolling doors that coil above the door's opening, you can utilize that ceiling space for good! Whether you choose to increase your lighting, improve your HVAC system or un-block those emergency fire-sprinklers, there's a way every terminal can benefit.

No matter how you decide to take advantage of your re-acclaimed space, you have optimal room for increasing the safety and operational performance at your facility.

Is it low maintenance?

Rolling doors are known for minimizing maintenance, repairs and expenses associated with taking care and sustaining an overhead door. How you ask? Purchasing a door with pre-greased springs enclosed inside of a drum/axle assembly eliminates the need to routinely maintain that door to avoid factors like corrosion. 

Not only are key components of a rolling door enclosed and protected from harmful environmental elements, but they have less working parts too. With less parts, rolling doors are faster to install and easier to repair, making them less vulnerable to damage and more cost efficient to maintain.

When you compare the amount of savings from reduced maintenance, labor and repair expenses per door to the number of doors in a traditional freight terminal, you'll quickly see the potential to generate substantial savings.

Is it easy to repair?

A damaged door can halt your project and turn into a real money-pit. That's why quick repairs are so crucial to dock doors, loading docks and freight terminals. Replacing individual slats and sections of a curtain has never been easier! With extended service cut-outs up to 30" long, you can install and repair slats to get your door back up-and-rolling as quickly as possible.

Whether you're interested in more space, cost savings, efficient repairs or all three, every factor adds up to increase the efficiency of your freight terminal by enhancing the performance of your daily operations. With rolling steel doors, you have the tools to get your stock from dock-to-door as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible.

Key Takeaways:

• From where the facility is located to it's site plan and dock doors - every factor affects production.
• Rolling doors save you space which allows you to improve lighting, HVAC and un-block emergency fire sprinklers.
• With less parts that are enclosed and protected from harmful environmental elements, rolling doors are sustainable.
• Rolling doors are cost efficient to repair with their interlocking steel slats and extended service cut outs.
• Rolling doors are virtually maintenance free, saving you significantly on reduced repair and labor expenses.