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

What Is A Dock Shelter?

The majority of dock shelters are built with a metal or wood frame that may be either flexible or rigid. Fabric and/or fiberglass is generally attached to the outer surface 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 situations where there is less uniformity in truck heights. On average, shelters may reach about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

Rigid shelters are the most popular option, and they are generally used for large dimension openings in situations where there is less consistency in truck height and complete access to the rear of the trailer is required. Rigid sides and head frames are bolstered by steel supports that are sometimes configured with fiberglass surrounds to maximize light during daytime operations. The head frame doubles as an awning to shelter the dock area from rain and snow.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Like other shelters, inflatable units surround the sides of the trailer permitting full access to the trailer. A blower is used to inflate the shelter once a trailer is backed up to the dock door. Inflatable shelters are commonly integrated with an interlock system, along with the leveler and door, where the shelter is permitted to inflate once 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?

Dock seals are made from thick foam covered with rugged fabric. They’re attached 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 attached to the frame. When a trailer approaches the bay, the drapes surround the rear of the trailer and form a seal.

Dock Shelters Near Me

To get more information about dock shelter capabilities and options, 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 Nogales facility serves Santa Cruz County and Pima County, including Nogales, Patagonia, Tucson, South Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and surrounding areas

Raymond West | Nogales Material Handling Equipment Supplier

480 N Mariposa Rd C
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 281-4125