This section describes the different types of loading dock plates commonly used in warehouses and distribution centers. Loading dock plates are used to bridge the gap between a trailer and a facility’s loading dock, ensuring that packages are not exposed to inclement weather and are delivered to the correct person. They are installed on the trailer and are used to roll totes of different sizes and shapes off the trailer and onto a dock.
Read on to learn more about the different types of loading dock plates.
Our Editor’s Best Loading Dock Plates Reviews
- Aluminum forklift dock board with 10,000 lb. capacity.
- 36" L x 60" W measures, 5" heigh differential, unload a full trailer without repositioning dock board.
- Diamond plate surface gives nonslip traction, bolted steel curbs prevent runoffs and add strength.
- Gradual 11° bend keeps edges flush with dock and trailer. High-capacity bridge between dock and trailer.
- Two side handles, hand holes for easy moving, for hand, platform or pallet trucks, forklif only.
- SAFELY BRIDGE DOCK TO TRUCK GAP: Creates safe surface for pallet jacks and non-motorized loading equipment from loading dock to truck; 3,500 lb. capacity over a 3" surface at 14% grade, or 5" at 19% grade
- HI-VIS ALERTS OPERATORS TO EDGES: Yellow along both sides of the dock keep users aware of potential drop-off hazard during operation
- DIAMOND TREAD TRACTION: Heavy-duty aluminum with a diamond tread surface for better wheel and shoe traction
- WILL STAY IN PLACE BETWEEN DOCK AND TRUCK: Bolted-on legs prevent dock plate from moving out of position for safer working environment
- HANDLES FOR EASIER POSITIONING: Two handles on either side allow warehouse team members to lift dock plate comfortably with a designated lifting position
- SAFER TRUCK TO DOCK TRANSITION: Dock board bridges the gap between loading dock and truck-trailer for safer loading operations
- 13,000 LB. CAPACITY: Supports up to 13,000 lbs. total; rated to 4,000 lbs.for four-wheel forklifts, and 2,500 lbs. for three-wheel forklifts
- HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Heavy duty reinforced steel diamond plate with highly visible yellow curbs; two underside stabilizer braces
- PORTABLE LIFTING CHAIN: Integrated lifting chain (sides to dock board nose) allows the plate to be moved on the forks of a forklift
- DIMENSIONS: Measures 60" L x 60" W with a 7" height differential
- 3,600Lb Capacity: It is made of an aluminum alloy that is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. It has a 3,600 lb capacity. It is 3/8" in thickness for added strength and has a non-skid raised treadplate pattern for safety
- Easy To Use:Loading dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and dock
- Stability: It has bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles on each side for portability and beveled edges on the ends for a smooth transition
- High Quality: This dock plate is 24" in length, with a 36" usable width, and a 3" height differential
- Long-lasting:The bend has an 11 degree angle and is located 9" from the edge. Not for use with forklifts
- SAFER TRUCK TO DOCK TRANSITION: Dock board bridges the gap between loading dock and truck-trailer for safer loading operations
- 16,000 LB. CAPACITY: Supports up to 16,000 lbs. total
- HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Heavy duty reinforced steel diamond plate with highly visible yellow curbs; two underside stabilizer braces
- BUILT-IN LIFTING LOOPS: Lifting loops flip up for easy forklift access to transport and position
- DIMENSIONS: Measures 60" L x 72" W with a 7" height differential
- Dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and loading dock for two wheel hand trucks
- Aluminum for light weight and resistance to corrosion
- Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
- Locking legs for safety during use
- 500-lb. capacity
- SAFELY BRIDGE DOCK TO TRUCK GAP: Creates safe surface for pallet jacks and non-motorized equipment from loading dock to truck; 2,900 lb. capacity over a 5" surface at 14% grade, or 7" at 19% grade
- HI-VIS ALERTS OPERATORS TO EDGES: Yellow along both sides of the dock keep users aware of potential drop-off hazard during operation
- DIAMOND TREAD TRACTION: Heavy-duty aluminum with a diamond tread surface for better wheel and shoe traction
- WILL STAY IN PLACE BETWEEN DOCK AND TRUCK: Bolted-on legs prevent dock plate from moving out of position for safer working environment
- HANDLES FOR EASIER POSITIONING: Two handles on either side allow warehouse team members to lift dock plate comfortably with a designated lifting position
- Dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and loading dock for two wheel hand trucks
- Aluminum for light weight and resistance to corrosion
- Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
- Locking legs for preventing movement during use
- 700-lb. capacity
- Dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and loading dock for two wheel hand trucks
- Aluminum for light weight and resistance to corrosion
- Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
- Locking legs for preventing movement during use
- 500-lb. capacity
- Loading dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and dock
- Aluminum alloy for light weight and resistance to corrosion
- Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
- Beveled edges for smooth transition
- 5,200-lb. capacity
Best Loading Dock Plates Buying Guide
Before choosing the best loading dock plate you should consider following options:
1. What’s Your Purpose: First, you should identify your purpose for the loading dock plates you purchase. Are you looking to move pallets or trucks? If so, you will want to purchase plates that are capable of supporting heavy weights.
If you are looking to move vehicles, you may not need as much support. Generally, a vehicle will weigh less than a truck or a pallet.
2. What’s Your Surface: You will also want to consider what surface you will be installing your loading dock plates on. Are you installing them on asphalt, concrete, or wood decking?
The type of surface will determine what type of plate you should purchase. If you are installing them on asphalt, you will probably want to go with a rubber or polyurethane plate.
This is because asphalt is soft and will not be able to support a metal plate. If you are installing your plate on a hard surface, you can choose between polyurethane or metal.
3. What’s the Weather Like: You should also take into consideration the weather you will be using your loading dock plates in.
If you are using them in cold or hot weather, you will want to purchase a different type of plate. If you are installing your loading dock plates in cold weather, you will want to purchase polyurethane or rubber to ensure they aren’t expanded.
If you are installing them in hot weather, you will want to make sure you purchase a metal or steel plate. This is because polyurethane and rubber plates will expand when it is hot.
4. What’s the Durability of Your Loading Dock: You will also want to consider the condition of your loading dock and what type of support it will need. If your loading dock is in good condition, you can choose a lighter option.
If your loading dock is in bad condition, you will want to purchase a stronger option. Generally, you will want to purchase steel or steel-reinforced loading dock plates if your dock is in poor condition.
What else you should know about loading dock plates
1. What are loading dock plates?
A loading dock plate is a metal plate that is placed over the opening of a loading dock to close it off. The plate is usually made of steel or aluminum and is placed on the dock when it is not in use.
2. How do loading dock plates work?
A loading dock plate is a steel plate that is placed over the gap between a loading dock and a truck. The plate allows the truck to drive over the gap and into the loading dock.
3. What are the benefits of using loading dock plates?
Loading dock plates are used to fill the gap between a loading dock and a trailer. They provide a smooth surface for loading and unloading goods and help to prevent damage to both the dock and the trailer.
4. How do you choose the right loading dock plate for your needs?
The right loading dock plate is chosen according to the application. Factors to consider include the type of vehicle being loaded or unloaded, the weight of the load, and the frequency of use.
5. How do you properly install and maintain loading dock plates?
Loading dock plates should be installed by a professional. They should be checked regularly for damage and replaced as needed.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best loading dock plates. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best loading dock plates will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.