Dock lifts are not inexpensive. They can be thousands of dollars, so the decision to put one into new or existing dock facilities requires research into the return on investment you may realize from your lift. In cases where you will be receiving many kinds of trucks (often, different in style and size) a dock lift can be ideal. It provides you with a way to allow your lifting equipment (forklift, pallet jack, walkie, etc.) to load or unload most trucks you will receive.
Dock lifts also enhance safety by allowing equipment to handle pallets & loads rather than people.