On your loading dock, shelters can keep your warehouse dry and comfortable, while helping you conserve energy and keep your warehouse secure. 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 constructed with a wood or metal frame that may be either flexible or rigid. Fiberglass or fabric 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 warehouse door frame. Generally, shelters are put to use for larger door openings, and in situations where there is less uniformity in truck sizes. Shelters can reach about 70% air flow efficiency.

Rigid Dock Shelter

By far the most popular, rigid shelters are generally used for oversized openings in applications where there is high variability in trailer height and full access to the rear of the trailer is needed. Stiff sides and head frames are bolstered by steel supports that are typically configured with fiberglass surrounds to maximize light during daytime operations. The head frame also acts as a canopy to protect the dock area from wet weather.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Like other shelters, inflatable units surround the perimeter of the trailer enabling full entry to the trailer. Inflatable shelters use a blower to inflate once a truck 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 dock leveler and door 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 made from thick foam covered with rugged fabric. They’re attached around the perimeter of a warehouse door. They allow for a firm seal when a trailer is against the door.

Shelters, on the other hand, consist of a frame that surrounds the dock door opening with drapes attached to the frame. When a truck backs in, the drapes surround the rear of the trailer and create a seal.

Dock Shelters Near Me

To find out 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's Seattle service operation includes most of Western Washington, including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Everett, Tukwila, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, Kent, Federal Way, Fife, Sumner, Auburn, Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Olympia, Lacey and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Seattle Material Handling Equipment Supplier

6607 S 287th St
Auburn, WA 98001
(253) 333-2100