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Docks are built at a set height, but the trucks that dock at your facility will likely have beds set at different heights. This can make it difficult to safely and effectively load and unload cargo. The solution to this dilemma is a dock leveler (also sometimes called a dock plate or a dock board). These devices can adjust their height and angle up or down to bridge the gap between the truck bed and the dock floor.  There are three main types of dock levelers:

• Hydraulic
• Air-powered
• Mechanical

Hydraulic dock levelers tend to be the most durable and are best for high-volume traffic. Air-powered dock levelers push air into an inflatable bag to raise and lower the leveler. Mechanical dock levelers are often the most economical option but may require more maintenance.

One of the most significant risks to employees and cargo is the truck moving while loading or unloading freight. To avoid this, you’ll need a vehicle restraint. This is a large metal hook and chain that is secured to the base of the dock. The restraint can then be attached to either the truck’s frame or the truck’s bumper to hold the truck firmly in place.  This heavy metal hook and chain help you avoid the truck moving, even while forklifts and other heavy machinery are moving between the dock and the truck bed. Vehicle restraints are a crucial safety feature for any dock, so choose a restraint that is well-rated for durability, strength, and reliability.

Dock seals and dock shelters make it possible to connect the truck bed to the dock without any gaps. This can be crucial when you have pressing temperature control needs. Every gap between the truck and the dock exposes freight and employees to the weather while also losing heating and cooling to the outside. Dock seals and shelters function in slightly different ways. Dock seals are foam pads that the truck backs into. These pads then compress until the truck reaches the dock bumper. This establishes a tight seal between the truck and the dock. Dock shelters, on the other hand, are curtains that press against the sides of the truck. The seal is usually less strong, but the shelter allows full access to the truck.

To choose a dock seal or shelter, you should first consider which is more critical: unimpeded access to the truck or a tight, temperature controlling seal. If you don’t want to limit the amount of room you have to maneuver, a shelter is a better option. If you need to maintain a steady temperature at all times, seals usually work more effectively. When choosing between different seal and shelter options, look for companies with a reputation for quality, durable products. Shelters, in particular, are known to wear out very quickly, so products with excellent warranties that include maintenance can be crucial to incurring extra expenses later.

Unfortunately, there is no standard size for a dock door. The most common size is probably 8 feet by 9 feet, but many dock doors are both larger and smaller. Doors are usually between 8 and 10 feet in height, but even this doesn’t include the full scale of options. Some doors might be as tall as 12 feet. Likewise, width is often about 8 feet, but doors may be as narrow as 7’6” or as wide as 10 feet.  When deciding on the right loading dock door size, consider the requirements for the trucks you will use and the cargo you work with.