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.