The Loading Dock
Reno Industrial Blog
Your source for industrial insights, market trends and real-world tenant strategies in Reno, Nevada and beyond.
Beyond the Basics: Dock Levelers, Seals and Doors in Distribution Center Design
Dock doors are more than entry points, they determine efficiency, safety and long-term usability in your distribution center. From high-speed roll-ups to insulated and impact-resistant options, here’s a deep dive into how the right doors and dock equipment keep operations running smoothly in Reno’s logistics market.
Truck Courts, Docks and Doors: The Anatomy of a Functional Distribution Center
When evaluating a distribution center, the details matter. Truck courts, docks and doors determine how efficiently goods move in and out of your facility. In Reno’s growing logistics market, understanding these design elements helps tenants choose the right space for their operations.
Catching Up with SIOR at Oracle Park
There’s nothing like a day at the ballpark to bring people together, and SIOR’s afternoon at Oracle Park proved just that. Against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay and the excitement of a Giants game, members connected beyond the office, sharing insights, stories and a few laughs in the stands. It was a reminder that in commercial real estate, relationships are built not only in meetings but also in the moments where community shines.
Announcing the Launch of WILD: Women in Industrial, Logistics & Development
I’m honored to announce the launch of WILD (Women in Industrial, Logistics & Development) as a founding board member. WILD is a new national nonprofit dedicated to amplifying women’s voices across industrial real estate, logistics and development. With Reno continuing to grow as a hub for industrial activity, WILD creates space for women to connect, educate and elevate one another while shaping the future of our industry.
A Port in the Desert? How the Port of Nevada is Changing Reno’s Industrial Market
When you think of a “port,” you probably picture giant ships, stacks of containers and the San Francisco Bay - not the high desert of Nevada. But here we are: Northern Nevada is home to the Port of Nevada, an inland port in Fernley that’s shaking up how freight moves through the region.
So, what does it mean for tenants, owners and the industrial market around Reno? Let’s break it down.
Free Industrial Real Estate Resources You Can Use Right Now
Access free industrial real estate resources for Northern Nevada, written by SIOR broker Beki Dobson. Download guides on market trends, site selection, leasing, buying and operational planning to make confident, cost-effective decisions in the Reno-Sparks industrial market.
Battery Breakthroughs: Why Redwood’s Energy Storage Is a Game-Changer for Today’s Warehouses
As industrial users demand more power to support data centers, AI and EV infrastructure, efficient energy storage is quickly becoming a game changer. Redwood Materials and others are leading the charge with scalable battery solutions that reduce grid strain and open the door to sustainable growth across Northern Nevada’s warehouse and logistics facilities.
The Market Has Moved - But Not Everyone Got the Memo
The industrial real estate market in Northern Nevada is shifting - but not everyone’s adjusting. Vacancy is climbing and concessions are returning, yet asking rents remain high. In this post, we break down the growing disconnect between landlords holding on to 2023 pricing and tenants expecting 2013-style deals - and what it means for users navigating leases, renewals or acquisitions in today’s market.
Why Hire an SIOR in Northern Nevada?
What sets an SIOR apart in Northern Nevada's industrial real estate market? From deep local expertise to national deal-making power, hiring an SIOR ensures you have a trusted advisor navigating every stage of your lease or purchase. In this post, we break down why the SIOR designation matters and how it can give your business a competitive edge in a complex market like Reno.
A Cooling Market: What the Industrial Slowdown Means for Reno-Sparks Tenants
After years of rising rents and tight inventory, the Reno-Sparks industrial market is finally cooling. Vacancy is climbing, activity is slowing and tenants are beginning to regain leverage. Find out what this shift means for your next lease, renewal or expansion.
Industrial Real Estate Lingo: What It All Really Means
Industrial real estate comes with a lot of technical language - some of it useful, some of it just confusing. Whether you're searching for your first warehouse or expanding into a larger space, knowing the difference between terms like “NNN” and “clear height” can save you time, money and frustration. In this post, we break down some of the most common (and often misunderstood) phrases you’ll see on flyers and leases, so you can make informed decisions without second-guessing what you're reading.
Tariffs, Uncertainty and Industrial Real Estate: How Import-Driven Tenants Can Plan Ahead
Tariffs and trade policy flip-flops are adding unexpected costs and complexity for import-dependent industrial users - impacting pricing, inventory strategy and facility needs. In this post, we explore how smart real estate planning, like flexible lease terms, location strategy near ports and rail, dual sourcing and adjustable inventory models, can help tenants stay nimble and resilient. Whether you're considering expansion or renegotiating a lease, discover practical steps to ensure your real estate strategy supports long-term growth amid uncertainty in Northern Nevada and beyond.
Broker vs. Google: Who Really Knows the Market
Google is a great place to start your industrial space search - but it’s not where your deal should end. This blog explores what online listings miss and why an experienced broker gives you a clear path to the right property, better lease terms and off-market opportunities. If you’re relying on Google to make multi-year real estate decisions, read this first.
Industrial Property Comparisons that Actually Make Sense
Finding the right industrial space takes more than a listings search. Our side-by-side property recap helps you compare key details - like clear height, dock doors, power, and rent structure - so you can make faster, smarter decisions.
Industrial Sprinkler Systems: What Tenants Need to Know
When it comes to industrial real estate, fire protection isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this post, we break down the differences between ESFR, conventional and in-rack sprinkler systems - and why your storage height, product type and racking layout should drive the fire system conversation.
Should I Buy or Lease Industrial Real Estate? Here’s What Reno Businesses Need to Know
Considering industrial space for your growing business? This guide breaks down whether leasing or buying is better in today’s Reno market - and why the answer may surprise you.
3PL vs. Self-Managed Warehousing: What’s Right for Your Business?
Is it time to bring your warehousing in-house or outsource to a 3PL? As businesses grow, many find themselves weighing the control of self-managed warehousing against the scalability of third-party logistics (3PL). This post breaks down the pros and cons of each option to help you decide what’s right for your operation.
Navigating Industrial Lease Renewals: Strategies for 2025
The industrial real estate market in Northern Nevada and across the country has undergone a significant transformation over the past several years. Since 2019, average asking rents for industrial space have increased dramatically due to supply constraints, rising construction costs and surging demand driven mainly by e-commerce and logistics. For tenants approaching lease renewal in 2025, the landscape looks very different than it did even a few years ago.
What Are Industrial Operating Expenses (OPEX) & NNN Leases? A Quick Guide for Tenants
If you’re searching for industrial properties, you’ve probably come across terms like NNN lease, OPEX or CAM charges. These can be confusing, especially if you’re new to commercial real estate. So, what exactly are operating expenses - and how do they affect your bottom line as a tenant?
A Day in the Life of an Industrial Broker (It’s Not What You Think)
When people hear “industrial real estate broker,” they often picture spreadsheets, steel-toed boots and endless warehouse tours. Sure, those things happen but the reality is a lot more interesting (and honestly, more fun).
Here’s a little peek behind the curtain of what my typical day really looks like as an industrial broker in Northern Nevada.