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
- 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
- 4,300-lb. capacity
- For loading dock pallet trucks, pallet jacks, carts, and foot traffic material handling
- 48" x 60" Loading dock plate with a 9" lip-bend and machine beveled edges
- Includes bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs
- Maximum 2,900 lb. capacity over 5" surface height at 14% grade or 7" at 19% grade
- Heavy duty all aluminum construction with a diamond tread surface
- 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
- 3, 000-lb. capacity
- Premium Material: New 5052 type aluminum alloy for light weight and resistance to corrosion, ageing, and abrasion. It possesses good hardness and high strength, not easily deformed.
- Stable Structure: Beveled entrance and exit edges provide smooth transition. Two locking legs secure the plate for safe loading and unloading. Sturdy and have a 5200lb load capacity.
- Non-Slip Surface: Tread plate surface ensures skid-resistant safe traction. Dock plates and ramps can adapt to work in all weather condition. Safe to use.
- Human-Friendly Design: Compact size: 24” x 48”. Light weight: 44.1lb. Ergonomic design with two lifting handles, and a pair of gloves is offered, very portable.
- Wide Application: Widely used with two and four wheeled dollies, hand trucks, carts and pallet trucks. Perfect for usage in subway station, farm, shipments, and so on.
- 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
- For loading dock pallet trucks, pallet jacks, carts, and foot traffic material handling
- 36" x 48" Loading dock plate with a 9" lip-bend and machine beveled edges
- Includes bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs
- Maximum 3,500 lb. capacity over 3" surface height at 14% grade or 5" at 19% grade
- Heavy duty all aluminum construction with a diamond tread surface
- For loading dock pallet trucks, pallet jacks, carts, and foot traffic material handling
- 36" x 72" Loading dock plate with a 9" lip-bend and machine beveled edges
- Includes bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs
- Maximum 7,800 lb. capacity over 3" surface height at 14% grade or 5" at 19% grade
- Heavy duty all aluminum construction with a diamond tread surface
- For loading dock pallet trucks, pallet jacks, carts, and foot traffic material handling
- 30" x 42" Loading dock plate with a 9" lip-bend and machine beveled edges
- Includes bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs
- Maximum 3,300 lb. capacity over 2" surface height at 14% grade or 3" at 19% grade
- Heavy duty all aluminum construction with a diamond tread surface
- 13,000 lb. Capacity loading dock board designed to ease and bridge the transition from truck to dock
- (2) Underside stabilizer braces
- 4,000 lbs. rated for 4-Wheel forklifts, and 2,500 lbs. rated for 3-Wheel forklifts
- Integrated lifting chain (sides to dock board nose) allows the plate to be moved on forks
- Heavy duty reinforced steel diamond plate with highly visible yellow curbs
- For loading dock pallet trucks, pallet jacks, carts, and foot traffic material handling
- 36" x 60" Loading dock plate with a 9" lip-bend and machine beveled edges
- Includes bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs
- Maximum 4,100 lb. capacity over 3" surface height at 14% grade or 5" at 19% grade
- Heavy duty all aluminum construction with a diamond tread surface
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.