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

What Is A Dock Shelter?

The majority of dock shelters are constructed with a wood or metal frame that can be rigid or flexible. Fiberglass or fabric is typically affixed to the perimeter and fabric curtains attach to the face of the shelter. These drapes seal the top and sides of the trailer when it’s flush to the bay door frame. Shelters are generally put to use for larger door openings, and in situations where there is less uniformity in truck sizes. On average, shelters may achieve about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

Rigid shelters are the most popular option, and they are commonly used for oversized openings in situations where there is less consistency in trailer height and full access to the rear of the trailer is a necessity. Stiff sides and head frames are bolstered by steel supports that are typically configured with fiberglass sides to maximize light during daytime work. The head frame also acts as an awning to protect the dock area from rain and snow.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Like other shelters, inflatable units surround the sides of the trailer allowing unfettered ingress and egress to the trailer. Inflatable shelters use a blower to inflate once a truck is backed up to the dock door. Inflatable shelters are commonly integrated with an interlock system, along with the leveler and door, where the shelter is permitted to inflate once the dock leveler and door are in the correct positions. Many sizes and shapes of inflatable shelters are available for a wide range of uses.

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

Dock seals are built with compression foam covered with durable fabric. They’re mounted around the outside edges of a warehouse door. They create a tight seal when a trailer is against the door.

In contrast, dock shelters have a frame that surrounds the bay door with curtains attached to the frame. When a truck backs in, the drapes enshroud the trailer entry and create a seal.

Dock Shelters Near Me

To learn more 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 Stockton facility serves much of the northern Central Valley, including Stockton, Lathrop, Lodi, Tracy, Modesto, and Merced.

Raymond West | Stockton Material Handling Equipment Supplier

19107 Christopher Way
Lathrop, CA 95330
(800) 675-2500