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

What Is A Dock Shelter?

The majority of dock shelters are built 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 curtains seal the sides and top of the trailer when it’s up against the bay door frame. Shelters are generally employed for larger door openings, and in situations where there is more variability in truck heights. Shelters can achieve about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

Rigid shelters are the most popular option, and they are widely used for oversized openings in scenarios where there is less consistency in truck height and complete access to the rear of the trailer is required. Rigid head frames and sides are bolstered by steel supports that are sometimes configured with fiberglass sides to allow sunlight during daytime operations. The head frame also acts as an awning to shelter the dock area from rain and snow.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Like other shelters, inflatable units seal the perimeter of the trailer enabling full access to the trailer. Inflatable shelters use a blower to inflate when a trailer is secured to the dock bay. These types of shelters are usually integrated with an interlock system, along with the door and/or the dock leveler, where the shelter is allowed to inflate once 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 constructed with thick foam covered with rugged fabric. They’re attached around the outside edges of a dock door. They form a firm seal when a truck backs up to the door.

Shelters, on the other hand, consist of a frame that surrounds the warehouse door with curtains attached to the frame. When a trailer approaches the bay, the curtains surround the trailer entry and form a seal.

Dock Shelters Near Me

To find out 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 Riverside service area includes Redlands, Colton, Rialto, Bloomington, Moreno Valley, Hemet, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Coachella Valley and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Riverside Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Riverside, CA
(951) 384-2444