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

What Is A Dock Shelter?

Almost all dock shelters are built with a wood or metal frame that may be either flexible or rigid. Fabric and/or fiberglass is generally fastened to the outer surface and fabric curtains are mounted to the face of the shelter. These curtains seal the perimeter of the trailer when it’s up against the warehouse door opening. Generally, shelters are employed for larger door openings, and in situations where there is less uniformity in truck sizes. Shelters can reach about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

By far the most popular, rigid shelters are generally utilized for oversized doors in applications where there is less consistency in trailer height and unobstructed access to the back of the trailer is a necessity. Stiff sides and head frames are bolstered by steel supports that are typically configured with fiberglass surrounds to allow sunlight during daytime operations. The head frame also acts as a canopy to protect the loading dock from rain and snow.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Like other shelters, inflatable units surround the perimeter of the trailer enabling full entry to the trailer. Inflatable shelters use a blower to inflate once a truck 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 once the dock leveler and door are in the appropriate positions. Inflatable shelters come in many shapes and sizes for all types of operations.

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

Seals are built with thick foam covered with rugged fabric. They’re attached around the perimeter of a bay 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 opening with curtains attached to the frame. When a truck approaches the bay, the drapes enshroud the rear of the trailer and create a seal.

Dock Shelters Near Me

To learn more about dock shelter options and capabilities, speak 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 Santa Clarita / Valencia facility serves the northern region of Los Angeles County and the San Fernando Valley, including Valencia, Santa Clarita, San Fernando, Sylmar, Sun Valley, Reseda, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Hollywood and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Santa Clarita / San Fernando Valley Material Handling Equipment Supplier

28303 Industry Dr
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 206-0462