Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL BUSINESS
Q: What separates DACO from the competition?
A: Experience. Our goal is to create long term business relationships with our customers. We do this by listening to our clients and providing them with the best possible solutions for their material handling needs to increase productivity.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: Each branch has slightly different hours of operation: typically M-F 7:30-5:00 and weekends by appointment.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. There may be a 3% transaction fee added to your bill when paying an invoice with a credit card.
MATERIALS
Q: Do you have material in stock?
A: Our stocking branch is located in Kent, WA, and we can ship or have material ready for will call within a days notice. We also have relationships with manufacturers throughout the country that have efficient quick ship programs that can typically ship product within a few days. Items usually in stock in Kent include, but are not limited to, pallet racking, cantilever racking, shelving, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
Q: What other products do you sell?
A: Please see our products pages. We have access to thousands of products not listed there. If you don’t see it listed please contact us.
Q: Can you match my existing rack?
A: A key advantage that DACO has is years of experience and extensive knowledge of the industry. We have the ability to identify unique brands of racking and know if they are interchangeable with current styles. We can also let you know if an old style of rack is still being manufactured, who it is made by and if there is product available for expansion of an existing system.
Q: What is pallet rack?
A: Please see our products and projects pages for additional details and photos. Pallet rack is the large storage systems that is normally seen in a large home center or other “big box” retailer. Applications for these systems are for the storage of pallets or similar sized items weighing several thousand pounds. There are two basic components that make up the rack: the upright frames and the load beams. If you have questions regarding what you need for your specific application please give us a call so we can make sure we are providing you with the proper product.
Q: What type of storage system is best for my company?
A: This is a question that can only be answered by evaluating each storage requirement in order to create a cost effective solution. Often times it is a combination of storage methods to achieve the ideal outcome, such as pallet rack for the majority of the warehouse, cantilever for long stock material, bulk shelving for small parts, etc…
Q: Do you do custom fabrication for non-standard sizes?
A: Yes. In-house Fabrication page. Many of the projects we do require custom fabrication or modification to our stock materials. This can be as simple as a few custom length beams to an entire system based around a unique application with multiple custom parts. The ability to fabricate in-house frees us from the time and design constraints that others must deal with. We are able to offer you a better product faster and more economically priced.
Q: Do you sell used material?
A: Yes. See our Used Products Page. We always have a stock of quality used material. All used material is sold with the same commitment of providing the customer with the best fitting storage system for their application. We are straightforward about what is being offered and do not sell rusty junk. Due to the constantly changing inventory of used material we receive, please check with us to see if we have what you are looking for.
Q: Do you buy used material?
A: Yes. Selling your material to DACO is often the best method to dispose of old racking and material handling products. Our pricing is dependent upon the condition of the material, the brand or style, if there is a need for disassembly, and/or transportation. Attempting to sell larger amounts of used rack yourself can be a time consuming and frustrating task that results in several small sales with a significant amount of mismatched material left over.
Q: Do you sell retail store fixtures and shelving?
A: The shelving we typically sell has an industrial look and function to it. It can be used for a retail application if you are seeking for the “warehouse or industrial look”.
INSTALLATION AND SHIPPING
Q: Do you provide installation services?
A: Yes, our experienced professional installation crews have the ability to install all the material handling products we offer.
Q: Do you deliver?
A: Yes. Material can either be delivered to you or you can pick it up FOB DACO in Kent, WA, or the factory. We ship all material via common curriers and, depending on the product being shipped, use flatbed, curtain van, container, or box truck. Special arrangements can also be made for trucks with lift gates or specific time deliveries.
Q: Can I arrange my own shipping?
A: Yes. If you have a preferred carrier to transport your order just let us know and we will use them.
Q: Can you move/relocate my existing materials?
A: Yes, we can arrange for the disassembly and reassembly of your material handling system including transporting the material and re-engineering the system in the new location across the city or country.
Q: Does my rack need to be anchored to the floor?
A: In most situations the answer is yes. That being said, the anchoring of racking is typically determined by what local codes require and the anchor requirements specified by an engineer. Seismic zones and the design of the racking play an important part in determining how it is to be anchored.
Q: Why is racking not attached to the walls?
A: Racking, shelving, mezzanines and other storage systems are designed to be independent structures from the building. This is done because normally when a building is engineered and built, it is not designed to accommodate the additional load of a storage system.
Q: How do I know what type or size of rack that I need?
A: Give us a call. We will review your requirements and make sure you are getting the proper material for your storage needs.
Q: Does being in a seismic zone effect what type of racking I can use?
A: Yes. The racking and storage systems we sell and design are specifically engineered for the specific location where the equipment will be installed. Racking designed for high seismic activity locations often have larger foot plates, larger endplates, longer welds, and a higher static capacity to withstand the seismic conditions. For example if we had the same warehouse storing the same material in the same configuration, but one was located in Los Angles and the other was located in Wichita, the racking would be designed very differently. We also caution people from purchasing or transferring used material that may be under designed for the intended location.
Q: How long does it take to get my order?
A: If you just require material from our stock we usually can ship it next day. If it is material ordered from the factory, lead times can range from a few days to a few months depending on the product. Along with the material lead time the process of engineering and permitting can take several weeks.
PERMITTING AND ENGINEERING
Q: Do I need a permit?
A: Typically yes, with the ultimate responsibility for the permit resting with the purchaser of the equipment. Each building department jurisdiction may have specific requirements and you are encouraged to contact them for more information if you desire. DACO can act as your representative to the city or you can inquire yourself.
Q: What is the process and requirements for obtaining a permit?
A: Each building department has their own specific requirements for submitting for a permit, so contact them for specifics. Typically the permit application process requires an engineer stamped set of drawings and calculations which show the building, location and details of the system to be installed. These drawings typically will include site plan details, concrete details, and fire protection information. The building department may also request special inspections as part of the permit process. Once the application for permit has been submitted for review plan check comments may follow, requiring corrections or changes prior to issuing. This process may be handled over the counter or can take several weeks. After the permit has been issued, installation begins and special inspection can be done. Following the completion of the install the building department is called for the final inspection.
Q: What if I don’t obtain a required permit from the local jurisdiction?
A: In our experience each building department has their own methods of dealing with these situations. They may require you stop using the racking system, and direct you to have it unloaded immediately. You most likely would be required to initiate the permit process. DACO can assist in most cases by “reverse engineering” a system. In some cases the system may need to be modified or capacities reduced to meet local code requirements. Obtaining a permit after material has been installed can be a significantly more expensive and involved process than if it were completed in the proper order. In addition to the building department, your company’s insurance carrier may require that all applicable permits be obtained. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the customer to verify that they have all the required permits and are in full compliance with local codes.
Q: How much does a permit cost?
A: Permits are sometimes priced out based on the value of the job, number of bays or total SF. Contact them for more information. Local jurisdictions employ a variety of methods to establish permit fees.
Q: What is a special inspection and do I need one?
A: As relates to material handling products, building departments frequently require a special inspection of concrete expansion anchors. An engineer is called in after the installation is complete to verify that the anchors are installed per specifications.
CONSULTING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Q: Do I need to hire a consultant prior to purchasing racking and designing my warehouse location?
A: DACO has extensive experience in designing warehouse systems. When comparing DACO to consultants or architects, they often have a general idea what to do but lack the experience and knowledge of the products to design it right. On several occasions we have totally redesigned a professionally designed system by a consultant resulting in increased efficiency and flow. Talk to us prior to hiring anyone else. Let us help access your needs and provide advice to aid in your decision making process.
Q: Do you do “turn-key” projects?
A: Yes, as a licensed general contractor we can manage all of the resources of your project with confidence.
Q: I know what I want. Can I just buy the material from you and take care of the rest myself?
A: Yes. We will sell material only if you have already detailed your needs. Contact us so that we can confirm the details of what you require.
Q: What sized projects do you do?
A: We offer a wide range of goods and services. We can be called upon to sell an $8.00 shelving post or a $1.5 million engineered system in the same day. We view every opportunity as a big project, because obviously the term “big project” is relative. From a start-up company investing $1,000 in new storage rack or a larger established company retrofitting an existing material handling system for $400,000 we strive to provide the same level of outstanding customer service.
DAMAGED RACK AND RACK REPAIR
Q: Can you repair damaged rack?
A: Yes. If it is worth saving we can repair damaged material on-site or do repairs at our Kent, WA, location. Damaged pallet rack upright repair kits can be used to replace the damaged lower front leg of pallet racking.
Q: How do repair kits compare/ contrast to replacing a full pallet rack upright?
A: Repair kits can be installed in racking without having to remove all the beams or the upright frame. The structurally reinforced splice frame is bolted to an existing frame and is then re-anchored to the warehouse floor.
OTHER FAQS:
Q: Will DACO work with a general contractor on a large project?
A: Yes. We can supply both material and installation services. We have a long and successful history of working with general contractors.
Q: I’m looking for a very custom storage system that I’ve never seen before. Can you help?
A: Providing custom solutions to unique applications is one of our strengths. Throughout the years we have supplied many one-of-a kind systems. Our many years of industry experience give us the ability to design, engineer and build equipment that others can’t or won’t attempt. Let us know what you are looking to do. We welcome a challenge.