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?

Almost all dock shelters are built with a wood or metal frame that may be either flexible or rigid. Fabric and/or fiberglass is normally attached to the outer surface and fabric curtains attach to the face of the shelter. These drapes seal the sides and top of the trailer when it’s flush to the bay door frame. Shelters are generally used for more substantial door openings, and in situations where there is less uniformity 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 situations where there is little uniformity in trailer height and full access to the back of the trailer is a necessity. Stiff sides and head frames are reinforced by metal supports that are sometimes equipped with fiberglass sides to allow sunlight during daytime work. The head frame also acts as a canopy to protect the dock area from precipitation.

Inflatable Dock Shelter

Inflatable shelters, like rigid ones, surround the perimeter of the trailer allowing unfettered access to the trailer. A blower is used to inflate the shelter when a truck is backed up to the dock door. These types of shelters are usually part of an interlock system, along with the door and/or the dock leveler, where the shelter is permitted to inflate only if 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 outside edges of a warehouse door. They form a tight seal when a truck backs up to the door.

In contrast, dock shelters have a frame that surrounds the bay door with curtains mounted to the frame. When a trailer backs in, the curtains enshroud the trailer entry and form 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's Reno / Sparks service operation includes all of Western Nevada, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Incline Village, Virginia City, Indian Hills, Johnson Lane, Fernley, Fallon, Dayton, Silver Springs, Spanish Springs, Yerington, Genoa and Zephyr Cove.

Raymond West | Reno / Sparks Material Handling Equipment Supplier

975 Terminal Way
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 356-8383