Dock shelters can keep your loading dock area safe and comfortable by keeping weather and pests out of your warehouse, while keeping conditioned air inside where it belongs. Raymond West sells, installs and services solutions from the top producers of dock shelters in the country.

What Is A Dock Shelter?

Most dock shelters are constructed with a metal or wood frame that can be rigid or flexible. Fiberglass or fabric is typically fastened to the perimeter and fabric curtains are mounted to the front of the shelter. These drapes seal the top and sides of the trailer when it’s up against the dock door opening. Shelters are generally put to use for more substantial door openings, and in operations where there is a wide variety in truck sizes. Shelters can achieve about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

Rigid shelters are the most popular option, and they are generally utilized for oversized doors in applications where there is little uniformity in trailer height and unobstructed access to the back of the trailer is needed. Rigid sides and head frames are reinforced by metal supports that are typically equipped with fiberglass sides to maximize light during daytime work. The head frame doubles as an awning to shelter the loading dock from wet weather.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Like other shelters, inflatable units surround the perimeter of the trailer enabling unfettered ingress and egress to the trailer. Inflatable shelters use a blower to inflate when a trailer is secured to the dock bay. These types of shelters are commonly part of an interlock system, along with the door and/or the dock leveler, where the shelter is permitted to inflate only when the door and leveler 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 made from compression foam covered with durable fabric. They’re mounted around the perimeter of a dock door. They create a firm seal when a truck backs up to the door.

In contrast, dock shelters have a frame that surrounds the warehouse door opening with drapes attached to the frame. When a trailer backs in, the curtains enshroud the rear of the trailer and create a seal.

Dock Shelters Near Me

To get more information 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 Orange County service area includes Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Orange County Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Orange County, CA
(714) 790-9300