How to Keep Your Loading Docks Running Smoothly with Regular Service

If you’re the manager or owner of a busy commercial facility, productivity is at the front of your mind and, let’s face it, few things bring a facility to a standstill faster than a loading dock that refuses to cooperate. From stuck doors to jammed levelers, minor issues can quickly turn smooth-running operations into a high-stress situation.

The good news? Keeping your loading dock in peak condition is as simple as implementing a regular planned maintenance program from the experienced technicians at Creative Door Services. 

From reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of your equipment to creating a much safer environment to work in, learn more about how our planned maintenance programs keep your loading docks moving smoothly. 

Loading docks with dock shelters

Why Preventive Maintenance in Loading Dock Operations Matters

When you’re managing a facility with heavy traffic, even a small molehill of a problem can rapidly turn into a mountain. Preventative dock maintenance is therefore a must-have to ensure you get the best out of your loading dock equipment. There is simply no substitute for comprehensive maintenance from the licensed and experienced loading dock experts at Creative Door Services when it comes to keeping your equipment operating when you need it the most. 

What Can You Expect from a Planned Maintenance Program?

  • Reduced Downtime—Every manager of every facility in every industry wants to keep their operations going without interruption. Drivers and clients don’t like to wait, but something as simple as a malfunctioning door can create a chain reaction resulting in delays, rescheduled shipments, and complaints. Regular preventative maintenance plays a key role in reducing the amount of downtime you suffer, keeping unexpected holdups at bay and helping keep your loading bays from turning into a parking lot.
  • Fewer Equipment Failures—Planned maintenance empowers you to take action against small problems before they turn into larger, costlier ones. Allowing our maintenance team of experts to catch worn-our springs, frayed cables, and ineffective seals before they fail completely is often much cheaper and less stressful than dealing with the fallout of a full-blown breakdown at the busiest time in your day.
  • Extended Equipment Lifespan—Just like a car, loading dock equipment lasts longer when it’s well taken care of. When you schedule preventative maintenance for your loading dock equipment, you’re doing more than just preventing costly repairs; you’re also helping to increase the lifespan of your equipment, helping to save you the cost of high-priced emergency replacements. Our maintenance team can find problems such as small holes or tears in dock shelters that should not be ignored and address them immediately, ensuring your loading dock equipment goes the distance.
  • A Safer Environment—Well-maintained equipment that’s in good condition is safer for your employees to use, and regular maintenance can help prevent safety hazards. A thorough preventative maintenance appointment may catch problems such as uneven dock levelers, faulty restraints, or worn our seals, and allow you to fix them before someone gets hurt.
  • Increased Access to Information—As the manager of the facility, staying informed on the overall condition of your equipment is a key part of your job. Our professional maintenance technicians will keep you in the know about how your dock equipment is holding up, inform you about what kind of repairs are needed, and advise you when it’s time to replace it for smoother operation. No guesswork required.
loading bay with dock shelters

Loading Dock Maintenance Best Practices

A well-maintained dock starts with regular services, but there are a few items you can add to your daily checklist that will help you get the most out of your planned maintenance schedule:

Keep Your Dock Area Clean and Clear

Debris left scattered around your dock can pose a safety hazard for your workers and may cause damage to your loading dock equipment. Take care of your dock area and clean up any litter or spills right away to prevent jammed equipment, hidden hazards, or slippery surfaces.

Train Your Staff Well

Investing in quality equipment to handle the needs of your facility is important to your operations, but even the best and shiniest equipment won’t last in the wrong hands. Training is an important part of smooth and efficient operations in any commercial facility, but it is also a big part of keeping your loading dock equipment well maintained. By making sure all personnel involved in dock operations is properly trained on equipment usage, you’ll notice a marked improvement in the safety and efficiency of your operations. It will also help keep your repair costs down! 

Keep a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Working with our experienced maintenance professionals to create a regular maintenance schedule plays a crucial role in keeping your loading dock operating smoothly. Whether it’s monthly, yearly, or somewhere in between, sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is key to preventing unwanted surprises.

How frequently maintenance should be scheduled depends on the size of your business and how you use your docks. In most cases, a quarterly maintenance schedule will keep you in good shape, but don’t hesitate to schedule monthly maintenance instead if you find your loading dock needs it. 

Wayne Dalton mechanical pit leveler

Creative Door Services: Your One-stop Shop for All Your Loading Dock Maintenance Solutions

Creative Door Services has been committed to being the loading dock maintenance experts in Western Canada since day one. We have more than five decades of experience working with building owners like you to create comprehensive planned maintenance solutions that suit your situation, keeping your operations running without a hitch. 

We know every job is unique, and we are prepared for every situation. We have truly mastered the remarkable in our industry. We maintain one of the most reliable inventories of stock replacement parts in Canada, so when something needs replacing, we’ve got the fix on hand, no ifs or buts. We’re so confident in our abilities that we offer a 30-day guarantee on all parts and labour! 

As Canada’s loading dock visionaries, we get the job done efficiently and safely thanks to our fully trained and certified technicians. Stop reacting and start planning. Contact us today and take the step towards smoother loading dock operation in Kelowna, British ColumbiaVancouver, British ColumbiaCalgary, AlbertaEdmonton, AlbertaFort McMurray, AlbertaRegina, SaskatchewanSaskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba

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