Do you think that your business is too small to benefit from access to a warehouse loading dock? If you need the added storage of a small warehouse space, you also need a docking area. An efficient loading dock is one of the essential tools to improve operations and set yourself up for future growth.
Why Loading Docks?
Access to a warehouse loading dock makes it faster and easier to get your goods to customers and restock your supplies. You don’t need to send out truckloads of goods to benefit from docking areas — carriers can handle full truckloads or single pallets. Loading docks give you the convenience of easy shipping and receiving without having to leave your space.
4 Benefits of Renting a Small Warehouse Space with a Loading Dock
Operational improvement is at the top of the list, but there are a few other benefits to renting a small warehouse space with a loading dock.
1. Increased Safety
A loading dock equipped with appropriate handling tools offers a safer alternative to receiving large shipments than a back door. Trying to unload trucks without docking bays means moving goods outside in all types of weather. Rainy or icy conditions can be dangerous for anyone loading or unloading. Loading docks provide a protected space for safely unloading trucks without exposing workers or products to inclement weather.
It’s also hard to control a truck’s movement without a loading dock. Most docks typically have wheel chocks or other methods to prevent truck creep. This creep is the unintended movement of the vehicle during loading or unloading, which can cause serious injury. Tools around loading docks that prevent this creep make the area safer for those using it.
While loading docks provide a safer alternative than parking lots to unload trucks, everyone must still exercise caution when using these spaces. To ensure maximum safety around the loading dock, always follow safety guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These safety rules include securing dock plates, keeping clear of edges around the dock, and never jumping from the dock.
2. Efficiency
Over time, the design of loading docks has evolved to optimize efficiency for loading and unloading trucks. Most are physically designed and constructed to make shipping and receiving easy. For instance, outside areas around the loading docks should include space for trucks to turn around, back into the docks, and pull out of the area, even if there are other vehicles present.Â
Inside, the layout should be structured so you can quickly and easily access the loading dock area. The best layout for your space is one that’s designed to keep the time needed to stock items, pick products, and ship at a minimum.
3. Flexibility
Most small businesses intend to grow over time. Loading docks give your business the flexibility it needs to increase your inventory. Paired with a shared warehouse that allows you to rent several different size spaces, your business will be set up for growth. You can receive more products, store more goods, and increase sales.
4. Labor and Timesaving
The enhanced efficiency and safety of loading docks also make them time-saving tools. Materials handling tools such as pallet jacks and dollies allow workers to effortlessly move goods. It also saves time because there’s less chance that workers could sustain injuries that might cause them to miss work
Spending less time getting products to the delivery trucks gives workers more time for other tasks. With their extra time, workers can fulfill more orders, prepare additional shipments, or store extra products.
Loading Docks Are Available at Our Facilities
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from the safety, time-saving, and flexibility of warehouse loading docks. But, loading docks are only one of the many amenities that WareSpace offers its tenants. Our small warehouse spaces come equipped with the tools you need to begin to make the most of the storage and shipping space. For more information, give us a call or contact us online to book a tour.Â