
For logistics, retail, and distribution companies, winter is a busy time of year.
But with increased demand comes extended operating hours and a rise in vehicle loading and unloading activities – which in turn places greater stress on loading bays and their equipment.
This is when reliability becomes essential, and where proactive loading bay service can make all the difference.
Here’s what you need to know about loading bay service this winter:
INCREASED WINTER DEMANDS
When operations ramp up, even the smallest delay can have a ripple effect across a supply chain.
A faulty dock leveller or door can hold up vehicles, reduce throughput, and put additional pressure on staff.
On top of that, colder conditions can make working environments more challenging.
Dock doors that fail to close properly let in cold air, which not only impacts building efficiency but also affects staff comfort and concentration.
The result: reduced productivity and increased risk of accidents.
That’s why it’s essential to undertake pre-winter checks, giving maintenance teams the opportunity to spot early warning signs before they cause disruption.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Regular maintenance throughout the year, including ahead of winter, ensures equipment is ready for increased demand.
This includes testing hydraulic systems, inspecting door seals, checking electrical connections, and verifying safety systems.
It also allows engineers to carry out small adjustments that keep performance consistent when workloads increase.
The benefits are straightforward: fewer breakdowns, smoother operations, and compliance with essential regulations such as PUWER.
However, no matter how well-prepared operations are, busy loading bays in winter can still experience breakdowns or reduced performance.
That’s why fast, reliable response times are essential when problems occur.
PEAK COVER SUPPORT
Peak Cover is a dedicated on-site service designed for high-demand months.
It’s when specialist loading bay service companies, such as Stertil Stokvis, can station engineers on site for a set number of hours each day.
This means they’re available to react immediately to any issues that arise, without waiting for a call-out.
The result:
- Instant onsite response to operational issues
- Reduced downtime when every minute counts
By having engineers already on site, customers can keep operations running smoothly, even during the most demanding months of the year.
PLAN AHEAD
Scheduling a loading bay service or discussing Peak Cover options in advance ensures your site is fully supported when demand rises again - with a little preparation today saving a lot of downtime tomorrow.
To learn more or book your next service, contact our expert and friendly team.
Contact Stertil Stokvis on 0870 770 0471, option 2, option 4, or email helpdesk@stertil.co.uk.