Loading bays see a lot of traffic on a daily basis, with hundreds if not thousands of goods passing in and out over 24 hours. In many cases, the items going in and out of a warehouse can be very valuable, whether in the form of goods or industrial machinery. With the possible impacts of British weather and all the dust and debris produced by the loading process, dock shelters are an essential facet of any good loading operation.
This piece digs into the application of the dock shelter, highlighting the vitality of this equipment in loading bays, while also sharing insights into various formats and even inflatable alternatives.
Why use a loading bay dock shelter?
Dock shelters are used to create a seal around the loading bays themselves and the vehicles used in docking, protecting the goods from external elements. They use top and side flaps, mounted on a galvanised, compressible frame to keep possible contaminants or damage at bay by avoiding adverse weather conditions, dust and even insects. Beyond the cargo, they also help to keep operators guarded from these elements – it's hard to carry a piece of antique furniture if you keep getting dust in your eyes!
These protective qualities also help to keep temperatures in the loading bay consistent, vital for maintaining employee comfort helping with energy efficiency.
How dock shelters can be customised
The best dock shelters can be manufactured to suit a variety of vehicle formats and sizes, with popular constructions being made to accommodate:
- Smaller transit vans
- Long wheelbase vans
- Sprinter vans
- Luton Vans
- Smaller lorries
- Double-deck articulated lorries
- And everything in between!
This makes dock shelters suitable for all sizes of warehouses, whether a multi-unit shared space or an in-house loading area for a smaller independent business.
Other customisation features for a loading bay dock shelter include:
- Custom head curtain size (to height of vehicle)
- Extend length (to ground/floor)
- Extended projection
- Logo or number identification
- Full guide stripes
This way, the shelter can suit the requirements of business, all the way down to branding.
Different types of dock shelters
Before you book a dock shelter installation, you need to think about the format that will best suir your needs and budget.
Retractable dock shelters
These dock shelters are designed to provide a comprehensive seal from the loading bay around the vehicle. The shelter flexes around the vehicle before retracting back into place after it departs, using built-in stabilisers to eliminate the need for stiffeners.
Rigid dock shelters
These dock shelters are more stable and set in place, designed to create a seal through inward retracting PVC curtains. The rigid nature of these dock shelters means they should be installed with wheel guides, as they will help the vehicles to back into the correct space.
Inflatable dock shelters
Inflatable dock shelters are best used in larger loading bays for warehouses where temperature control is important. The warehouses that these shelters best suit include facilities that store sensitive food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and flowers. The cushion dock shelter works by inflating around the vehicle, creating a seal, before they return to storage when deflated. The nature of these shelters makes them suitable for vehicles of all kinds.
Find your perfect shelter
If you run a loading bay, you need a dock shelter. The trick to finding the right one is seeking out a well-respected, internationally recognised business with a history of serving industries of all kinds. The right provider will be able to install, service and maintain your shelters, ensuring your investment lasts for years to come.
