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 the top producers of dock shelters in the country.

What Is A Dock Shelter?

Most dock shelters are constructed with a wood or metal frame that may be either flexible or rigid. Fiberglass or fabric is typically attached to the outer surface and fabric drapes attach to the front of the shelter. These curtains seal the perimeter of the trailer when it’s up against the bay door frame. Generally, shelters are employed for more substantial door frames, and in situations where there is more variability in truck heights. Shelters can achieve about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

By far the most popular, rigid shelters are generally used for oversized doors in scenarios where there is little uniformity in trailer height and complete access to the rear of the trailer is a necessity. Stiff head frames and sides are bolstered by steel supports that are typically equipped with fiberglass surrounds to maximize light during daytime operations. The head frame also acts as a canopy to protect the dock area from wet weather.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Inflatable shelters, like rigid ones, seal the perimeter of the trailer enabling unrestricted ingress and egress to the trailer. A blower is used to inflate the shelter once a trailer is secured to the dock bay. Inflatable shelters are usually integrated with an interlock system, along with the leveler and door, where the shelter is allowed to inflate only if 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 constructed with heavy duty fabric covered foam. They’re mounted around the outside edges of a warehouse door. They allow for a firm seal when a trailer is against the door.

In contrast, dock shelters have a frame that surrounds the dock door opening with drapes attached to the frame. When a truck backs in, the curtains enshroud 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 San Diego facility serves all of San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Downtown, El Cajon, Escondido, Fenton Carroll Canyon, Grantville, Kearney Mesa, Levanto, Morena, National City, Oceanside, Otay, Otay Mesa, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Sorrento Mesa, Spring Valley, Vista and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | San Diego Material Handling Equipment Supplier

8221 Arjons Dr # B2
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 679-1800