Depending on the shipping dock design you choose, you'll need to purchase a variety of loading dock accessories, including:
Dock Bumpers - These fit onto the side of docks and prevent damage from trucks running into solid structures.
Dock Levelers - These form a slope between the dock and the trailer bed, to help level out different heights.
Dock Seals - These adhere to the openings of a loading bay and block air and dust from getting through.
Dock Curtains - Plastic curtains cover the dock and block air, dust, and noise.
Dock Gates - Safety gates can be installed over the openings of a loading dock, preventing people from accidentally falling through them.
Dock Lights - Help to illuminate the area when loading and unloading cargo at night.
Dock Boards - These lay flat over the gap between the truck bed and the loading ramp to allow forklifts to travel smoothly and prevent falls.
Strip Doors - These plastic strips cover the opening and keep outside air and contamination from getting inside the facility.
Dock Barricades - These block off docks when they're not in use.
Guard Rails - These keep your building and personnel safe by creating clear boundaries around dangerous equipment and areas.
Corner and Wall Protectors - These cover wall corners and building edges to prevent them from damage.
Loading dock accessories are crucial for ensuring the safety of your staff and equipment during loading and unloading. You'll need to factor in the cost of these extras if you're planning to build a loading dock.
But what if building an entire loading dock is over your budget? Fortunately, there are several alternative solutions to consider.