How to Select the Right Dock Leveller Supplier

Choosing a dock leveller is an important decision for any loading bay operation.

But it’s not just about selecting the right piece of equipment.

Just as critical is choosing the right supplier - one that can support your project from initial assessment through to installation, commissioning and long-term after-sales care.

On top of that, dock levellers play a vital role in keeping loading operations safe and efficient, and are used repeatedly every day.

For this reason, the quality of installation, the level of technical support and the availability of service and maintenance can make a significant difference to performance, uptime and lifetime costs.

So what should you look for when selecting a dock leveller supplier?

SITE SURVEYS 

Every site is unique, making site surveys essential for understanding the critical factors affecting your operation.

They offer you the chance to explain how your loading bay is used in practice and allow the supplier to assess what is really required.

The type of dock leveller specified, whether telescopic or swing-lip, and its overall size will depend on the type and size of loading vehicles, as well as the gradient required for internal handling equipment such as forklifts and pump trucks.  

That’s because different vehicles, traffic patterns and equipment place very different demands on the loading bay.

For this reason, a professional supplier should be considering factors such as:

• Vehicle types, from HGVs through to smaller delivery vans
• Traffic frequency and peak usage
• Internal handling equipment
• Specialist needs such as cold storage

The result is a dock leveller specification that reflects real operating conditions.

INSTALLATION

Installing a dock leveller is a specialist task.

While the equipment itself is robust, the installation process must be carefully managed to ensure safety, compliance and long-term reliability.

A capable supplier should provide a structured installation process, including Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS), trained and certified engineers, and appropriate documentation such as COSHH assessments where required.

PPE and safe working practices should all be standard, not optional.

Equally important is having access to experienced engineers with nationwide coverage.

INTEGRATED DOCK EQUIPMENT

In reality, dock levellers are often part of a full loading bay installation - unless the project is a straightforward replacement or upgrade.

That’s because levellers rarely operate in isolation; they work alongside other equipment to create a safe, efficient and controlled loading environment.

For this reason, it’s important to work with a supplier that offers a full range of loading bay equipment, not just dock levellers alone.

This typically includes dock doors, shelters, vehicle restraints, traffic lights and control systems.

Even more important is the ability to integrate equipment properly.

Controls, interlocks and sequencing should be coordinated so that doors, restraints and levellers operate safely and in the correct order.

SITE VISITS

Installations work best when suppliers offer a structured approach to managing projects - particularly for larger or more complex sites.

Regular site visits at key milestones help reduce delays and maintain a safer working environment throughout the installation process.

Suppliers that stay closely involved with installations typically coordinate:

• Pre-site visits
• Mechanical and pre-wire coordination
• A final visit to commission the equipment
   

As well as these structured visits, your supplier should be available to discuss and quickly react to any issues that occur.

The result will result in fewer install overruns, less unplanned downtime and tighter control of costs - helping avoid unexpected variations, remedial work or delays that can increase the overall project spend.

WARRANTY & SERVICE

Dock levellers operate in demanding environments, so warranty and after-sales support are essential considerations.

Suppliers should clearly explain what level of cover is provided, including parts and labour, and any defects liability periods.

What about ongoing service packages?

Just as important as the initial warranty period is the ability to support the equipment over its working life.

Service agreements provide planned maintenance, predictable costs and peace of mind - and they can often be extended to suit long-term operational needs. That means fewer unexpected failures and better protection for your investment.

Specialist loading bay service providers such as Stertil Stokvis can provide custom service and maintenance packages for your dock levellers and other loading bay equipment.

NEXT STEPS

If you’re planning a dock leveller installation or upgrade, speaking to an experienced specialist at an early stage can help clarify requirements and avoid unnecessary risk.

So if you’re looking to reduce downtime and invest in a dock leveller system that enhances loading bay performance, take a look at our range of dock levellers – or contact us today.  

Contact Stertil on 08707 700471, or email info@stertil.co.uk.