Dock shelters can keep your loading dock area safe and comfortable by keeping weather and pests out of your building, while keeping conditioned air inside where it belongs. Raymond West sells, installs and maintains products from some of the world’s top dock shelter manufacturers.

What Is A Dock Shelter?

Most dock shelters are constructed with a wood or metal frame that can be rigid or flexible. Fiberglass or fabric is generally fastened to the perimeter and fabric drapes are mounted to the face of the shelter. These drapes seal the top and sides of the trailer when it’s flush to the bay door opening. Generally, shelters are put to use for larger door openings, and in operations where there is a wide variety in truck heights. On average, shelters may attain about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

Rigid shelters are the most popular option, and they are commonly used for large dimension openings in applications where there is little uniformity in trailer height and complete access to the back of the trailer is required. Rigid head frames and sides are reinforced by steel supports that are typically equipped with fiberglass sides to maximize light during daytime operations. The head frame doubles as a canopy to shelter the loading dock from rain and snow.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Like other shelters, inflatable units surround the sides of the trailer permitting full entry to the trailer. A blower is used to inflate the shelter once 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 when the door and leveler are in the appropriate positions. Many sizes and shapes of inflatable shelters are available for all types of operations.

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

Seals are made from thick foam covered with rugged fabric. They’re mounted around the outside edges of a dock door. They allow for a tight seal when a truck backs up to the door.

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

Dock Shelters Near Me

To learn more about dock shelter options and capabilities, get in touch 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 Los Angeles facility serves much of Los Angeles County, including Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, La Mirada, Downey, Pico Rivera, Los Angeles, Montebello, El Monte, Rosemead, Alhambra, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Westmont, Gardena, Torrance, Carson, San Pedro, La Habra, City of Industry, Walnut, Inglewood, Hawthorne and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Los Angeles Material Handling Equipment Supplier

9939 Norwalk Blvd
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 944-8067