Factors That Affect Loading Dock Selection

There are a variety of factors that can affect loading dock bumper selection. Some of the most important ones are as follows:

• Understanding your needs. Do you need a bumper to prevent dock damage or do you need a bumper to prevent trailer damage?
• The material used. Bumpers are available in rubber and steel materials. Rubber bumpers are the best option for warehouses, distribution centers and other businesses that have a high volume of trailer traffic on the dock. Steel bumpers will last longer, but they can be more expensive.
• The style of your dock. Bumpers come in different styles such as lower profile, steel plate and Z bumpers. They also come in a variety of colors to match the look of your dock area or to match company colors for branding purposes. It's important to select the bumper that is designed for your dock style and that fits with the colors you want to use for your business.

We will break these elements down in this blog. Let's get started!

Understanding your needs.

When choosing a dock bumper, it is important to understand the difference between needs. If you are using the bumper to prevent trailer damage, you need a durable and strong product that will stand up to the abuse of loading and unloading trucks. If you are using the bumper to prevent dock damage, such as scratches or dings in your dock doors or walls from trailer tires, then flexibility and softness should be your main considerations for selection.

The material used to make the bumpers.

Rubber bumpers are generally less expensive than steel models. Rubber bumpers also withstand the heavy loads of trucks without denting or cracking. These materials also have a longer lifespan than steel, which decreases replacement costs over time.

Anyone with a basic knowledge of construction can install rubber bumper systems. It's easy to install these types of dock bumpers if you have any technical training at all. If you're not comfortable doing this work yourself, there are plenty of contractors who offer rubber bumper installation services at competitive rates.

The style of your dock.

When selecting a loading dock bumper, you should choose one that is designed for your current dock style. There are many different styles of bumpers available on the market today, so it's best to do some research on what will work best for you before making a decision.

Remember that the type of bumper you select for your loading dock will depend on how it will be used and how much traffic there is in that area. If you have a lot of trailers coming and going, rubber bumpers are best. However, your warehouse may have minimal traffic; in that case, steel plate bumpers may work well enough for your needs.

Do you have questions about "Factors That Affect Loading Dock Selection"? Contact the professionals at Port City Industrial!