No Loading Dock? No Problem. Overcoming Site Access Challenges During Laboratory Relocations
Not every laboratory relocation goes according to plan, as some challenges only become apparent once on-site. A common issue our team often faces is managing a lab relocation without a dock or accessible freight entrance. Whether relocating temperature-controlled freezers, biological material, or hazardous lab chemicals, the absence of a dedicated dock can create significant logistical and safety hurdles.
At BioRelo, we specialize in addressing these challenges efficiently, professionally, and in full compliance with safety regulations.
Why Loading Docks Matter in Lab Relocations
A loading dock is not just a convenience; it is essential for the safe transfer of critical lab assets, including:
- Heavy or oversized lab equipment
- Ultra-low freezers and refrigerators
- Hazardous or regulated lab chemicals
- Temperature-sensitive biological materials
- Glassware, instruments, and delicate scientific tools
If a proper dock is unavailable, too small, obstructed, or incompatible, your relocation risks delays, safety issues, and compliance failures.
But do not worry, that is where BioRelo comes in. We take a proactive and prepared approach to ensure your move stays on track – no dock required. Here is how we do it:
How BioRelo Handles Laboratory Relocations Without a Loading Dock
We recently managed a laboratory relocation in Chicago, where the receiving facility, a research annex in the metro area, had no loading dock and limited ground-floor access. Here’s how we adapted in real time:
While this case had an unexpected access issue, most of the time, we prevent surprises with a detailed pre-move site assessment. We review:
- Loading zones and building entry dimensions
- Elevator weight limits and access schedules
- Proximity to truck staging areas
- Local traffic, stairs, and door widths
In this case, a last-minute building schedule change rendered the dock inaccessible—but we were prepared with a backup strategy.
We deployed liftgate trucks and mobile dock platforms to create a temporary, compliant offloading solution. This allowed us to:
- Maintain proper incline angles for large freezers and refrigerators
- Use pallet jacks and electric stair climbers where needed
- Ensure smooth, safe transfer of temperature-controlled equipment
- Avoid jarring impacts or unsafe manual lifting
Every movement was executed with compliance and safety top of mind.
For facilities with tight corridors or stair access only, our team is equipped with:
- Stair-safe dollies and heavy-duty hand trucks
- Protective padding and corner guards
- Clean-room compliant carts for sensitive biological material
- Mobile containment for hazardous chemicals
We ensure that your research assets are not just moved—but moved securely, safely, and in full regulatory compliance.
For temperature-sensitive items like biological materials and ultra-low freezers, we keep assets in our climate-controlled fleet until conditions inside the building are stabilized and safe.
Our trucks maintain strict temperature control, ensuring no disruption to sample integrity during delays or alternate routing inside the facility.
What Sets BioRelo Apart in Complex Lab Moves
Laboratory relocations demand more than manpower—they require deep industry knowledge and an exacting attention to detail. At BioRelo, our expertise goes far beyond logistics. We understand:
- The critical nature of hazardous materials handling and regulatory compliance
- How to maintain the cold chain for temperature-sensitive biological assets
- The care required to transport delicate lab instrumentation
- How to manage accurate labeling, documentation, and chain-of-custody
- Local, state, and federal compliance standards—from OSHA to IATA and DOT
With a proven track record of relocating laboratories nationwide, including high-stakes projects with access limitations, no loading docks, and strict timelines—we are built to handle complexity without compromise.
Final Thoughts: No Dock? No Delay.
If your lab move involves unique challenges like limited access, tight spaces, or specialized equipment, choose a team with the expertise to navigate those complexities. Whether it is ensuring the safe transport of temperature-sensitive materials, adhering to strict regulatory compliance, or managing intricate logistics, we have the experience to handle every detail and keep your move on track without compromise.
At BioRelo, we do not just move labs; we protect the integrity of science.
