On your loading dock, shelters can keep your warehouse dry and comfortable, while helping you save energy and keep your warehouse secure. Raymond West provides, installs and maintains products 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 may be either flexible or rigid. Fiberglass or fabric is normally affixed to the perimeter and fabric curtains attach to the face of the shelter. These curtains seal the top and sides of the trailer when it’s flush to the bay door frame. Shelters are generally employed for larger door openings, and in situations where there is more variability in truck sizes. On average, shelters may attain about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

Among the most popular options, rigid shelters are commonly utilized for oversized openings in applications where there is high variability in trailer height and full access to the back of the trailer is a necessity. Rigid head frames and sides are reinforced by steel supports that are typically equipped with fiberglass sides to allow sunlight during daytime operations. The head frame also acts as a canopy to shelter the dock area from rain and snow.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Inflatable shelters, like rigid ones, surround the sides of the trailer permitting unfettered entry 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 generally part of an interlock system, along with the door and/or the dock leveler, where the shelter can inflate once the door and leveler are in the appropriate 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 thick foam covered with rugged fabric. They’re mounted around the perimeter of a bay 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 drapes attached to the frame. When a truck backs in, the curtains 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 Sacramento facility serves the greater Sacramento area and other parts of Northern California, including Sacramento, Elk Grove, Auburn, Placerville, Vacaville, Fairfield, Sausalito, Napa, Santa Rosa, Redding, Eureka and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Sacramento Material Handling Equipment Supplier

900 National Dr
Sacramento, CA 95834
(800) 675-2500