On your loading dock, dock shelters can keep your warehouse dry and comfortable, while helping you conserve energy and keep your building secure. Raymond West provides, installs and maintains solutions from the top producers of dock shelters in the country.

What Is A Dock Shelter?

The majority of dock shelters are constructed with a wood or metal frame that can be rigid or flexible. Fabric and/or fiberglass is generally attached to the perimeter and fabric curtains are mounted to the face of the shelter. These drapes seal the top and sides of the trailer when it’s up against the dock door opening. Generally, shelters are employed for larger door openings, and in operations where there is less uniformity in truck heights. Shelters can attain about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

Rigid shelters are the most popular option, and they are widely used for large dimension doors in scenarios where there is little uniformity in trailer height and full access to the back of the trailer is a necessity. Rigid sides and head frames are bolstered by metal supports that are sometimes equipped with fiberglass sides to maximize light during daytime work. The head frame doubles as a canopy to shelter the loading dock from wet weather.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Like other shelters, inflatable units surround the sides of the trailer allowing full entry to the trailer. A blower is used to inflate the shelter when a truck is secured to the dock bay. Inflatable shelters are generally integrated with an interlock system, along with the leveler and door, where the shelter can inflate only if the dock leveler and door are in the appropriate positions. Inflatable shelters come in many shapes and sizes for a wide range of uses.

What’s The Difference Between A Dock Seal And Dock Shelter?

Dock seals are constructed with thick foam covered with rugged fabric. They’re mounted around the perimeter of a warehouse door. They allow for a tight seal when a trailer is against the door.

Shelters, on the other hand, have a frame that surrounds the bay door with drapes mounted to the frame. When a trailer approaches the bay, the drapes surround the trailer entry and form a seal.

Dock Shelters Near Me

To get more information about dock shelter capabilities and options, speak with a loading dock equipment specialist at Raymond West today! Our team of of highly trained experts can help with the design and specification of a wide range of dock equipment options.

Raymond West's Long Beach service area includes Long Beach, North Long Beach, Wilmington, San Pedro, Lomita, Torrance and nearby surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Long Beach Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Long Beach
(562) 444-1222