Dock shelters can keep your loading dock area safe and comfortable by keeping weather and pests out of your building, while keeping conditioned air inside where it belongs. Raymond West provides, installs and services solutions from some of the world’s top dock shelter manufacturers.

What Is A Dock Shelter?

The majority of dock shelters are built with a metal or wood frame that may be either flexible or rigid. Fabric and/or fiberglass is generally attached to the perimeter and fabric curtains are mounted to the front of the shelter. These drapes seal the perimeter of the trailer when it’s up against the bay door opening. Shelters are generally employed for larger door frames, and in situations where there is more variability in truck sizes. On average, shelters may reach about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

Rigid shelters are the most popular option, and they are commonly utilized for large dimension doors in scenarios where there is high variability in trailer height and complete access to the back of the trailer is a necessity. Rigid sides and head frames are braced by metal supports that are typically equipped with fiberglass surrounds to allow sunlight during daytime work. The head frame also acts as a canopy to shelter the dock area from precipitation.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Inflatable shelters, like rigid ones, surround the sides of the trailer enabling full access to the trailer. A blower is used to inflate the shelter once a trailer is backed up to the dock door. These types of shelters are usually part of an interlock system, along with the leveler and door, where the shelter can inflate only when the dock leveler and door 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 built with heavy duty fabric covered foam. They’re mounted around the perimeter of a bay door. They allow for a firm seal when a trailer is against the door.

Shelters, on the other hand, have a frame that surrounds the bay door opening with drapes mounted to the frame. When a truck backs in, the drapes surround 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 Fremont facility serves all of the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, Fremont, San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Richmond, Vallejo, Concord, Pleasanton, Livermore and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | San Francisco Bay Area Material Handling Equipment Supplier

41400 Boyce Rd
Fremont, CA 94538
(800) 675-2500