Beyond the Basics: Dock Levelers, Seals and Doors in Distribution Center Design
In distribution center design, doors are more than access points: they dictate speed, efficiency, energy use and even safety. The wrong choice can create daily bottlenecks, while the right mix of doors can optimize throughput (the rate you are able move product through your warehouse) and keep your operating efficiently in your facility for years to come. Here’s a breakdown of the door types that matter most for logistics operators in Reno and beyond.
Dock Levelers: Bridging the Gap
Dock levelers are the adjustable platforms that connect your building floor to a trailer bed. Choosing the right type depends on your volume, frequency, and product type:
Mechanical Levelers
Operated manually with springs and levers.
Low cost but require more effort and ongoing maintenance.
Best for facilities with low to moderate volume.
Hydraulic Levelers
Push-button operation, faster and safer.
More durable for high-frequency use.
Higher upfront cost but lower long-term wear.
Vertical Levelers
Stored upright inside the building, sealing tightly when not in use.
Excellent for temperature-sensitive operations like food or pharma.
Premium option for tenants prioritizing cleanliness and climate control.
Dock Seals and Shelters: Protecting Product and People
Northern Nevada’s climate — high winds, hot summers, and cold winters — makes dock sealing especially important.
Dock Seals
Foam pads compress when a trailer backs in.
Good protection at a low cost.
Best for operations using uniform trailer sizes.
Dock Shelters
Flexible fabric frames wrap around the trailer.
Work with a wider range of trailer sizes.
More durable, but higher upfront cost.
Inflatable Seals
Air-filled cushions create the tightest closure.
Ideal for cold storage or clean environments.
Provide maximum energy efficiency and product protection.
Doors: The Gateway to Efficiency
The type of door installed at each dock can dramatically affect throughput and operating costs.
Overhead Sectional Doors
Standard in most warehouses.
Reliable, cost-effective, and durable.
High-Speed Roll-Up Doors
Open and close rapidly, reducing energy loss.
Ideal for temperature-controlled or high-volume facilities.
Insulated Doors
Essential for cold storage or sensitive goods.
Reduce energy costs and product spoilage.
Impact-Resistant Doors
Built to withstand forklift hits and heavy use.
Extend door life and reduce downtime.
Drive-In Doors
Allow vehicles, forklifts, or oversized equipment to enter directly.
Typically at least one per building for flexibility.
Key Takeaways for Tenants
When touring a distribution center, don’t just count dock doors — evaluate:
The type of levelers installed (are they built for your volume?)
The quality of seals or shelters (will they protect your product in Reno’s climate?)
Whether door types match your operational needs (speed, insulation, impact resistance).
If the landlord is willing to retrofit or upgrade equipment as part of your lease deal.
Your dock design is where supply chain efficiency starts. By understanding levelers, seals and doors, tenants can avoid hidden costs, improve safety and keep operations running smoothly. In Reno’s competitive logistics real estate market, these details separate a building that simply “works” from one that truly supports your business.
Beki Dobson is an industrial real estate advisor with Miller Industrial Properties in Reno, Nevada. She specializes in tenant representation and helps companies evaluate facilities, negotiate leases and grow their operations in Northern Nevada’s competitive industrial market.
