On your loading dock, dock shelters can keep your warehouse dry and comfortable, while helping you conserve energy and keep your warehouse secure. Raymond West provides, installs and maintains solutions from some of the world’s top dock shelter manufacturers.

What Is A Dock Shelter?

Most dock shelters are constructed with a metal or wood frame that can be rigid or flexible. Fabric and/or fiberglass is typically affixed to the perimeter and fabric drapes are mounted to the front of the shelter. These drapes seal the top and sides of the trailer when it’s up against the bay door frame. Shelters are generally employed for more substantial door openings, and in situations where there is a wide variety in truck sizes. Shelters can reach about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

Rigid shelters are the most popular option, and they are commonly utilized for oversized openings in situations where there is high variability in truck height and unobstructed access to the rear of the trailer is a necessity. Rigid sides and head frames are reinforced by metal supports that are sometimes configured with fiberglass sides to allow sunlight during daytime operations. The head frame doubles as a canopy to shelter the loading dock from wet weather.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Inflatable shelters, like rigid ones, seal the sides of the trailer enabling unfettered access to the trailer. Inflatable shelters use a blower to inflate 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 permitted to inflate only when the door and leveler are in the correct 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?

Seals are constructed with heavy duty fabric covered foam. They’re mounted around the perimeter of a dock door. They allow for a firm seal when a truck backs up to the door.

Shelters, on the other hand, have a frame that surrounds the bay door with curtains mounted to the frame. When a truck approaches the bay, the drapes enshroud the trailer entry and form a seal.

Dock Shelters Near Me

To learn more about dock shelter capabilities and options, 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 Boise service center serves most of Idaho, including Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Post Falls and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Boise Material Handling Equipment Supplier

743 W McGregor Ct #100
Boise, ID 83705
(800) 675-2500