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New Dock Plates

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New Dock Plates are made for bridging the gap between your loading dock and a truck or trailer. Dock plates are suited for foot travel, warehouse carts and both manual and electric pallet jacks. If you need to travel over with a forklift, you need a new dock board. New dock plates come in various sizes and comes in different capacities. The durable design has a safety stop feature which helps to secure the dock plate. These dock plates have beveled edges for easy travel and typically feature handle holes for easy lifting. It’s diamond pattern provides tracking so that it’s safer when loading and unloading of trucks or trailers. This pattern prevents wheel slips and human error while walking up or down an incline. The diamond pattern helps to stop oil, snow, water, and other debris from building-up creating difficulties when loading and unloading trucks or trailers.

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New Dock Plates
New Dock Plates
  • 36", 48" or 60" Wide
  • 24", 36" or 48" Long
  • Not for forklift use
  • Ships From Manufacturer
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About Dock Plates

Dock plates are essential equipment used in logistics and material handling operations, providing a safe and efficient means of bridging the gap between a loading dock and a truck or trailer. These versatile devices are designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of goods, making the process smoother and safer for both workers and equipment.

Unlike a dock board, dock plates are incredibly different. Dock plates do not have side curbs like the dock boards do. Dock plates are a cost-effective solution for loading and unloading lightweight materials on foot. Dock plates and dock boards are very similar in appearance, but dock boards have side rails and a much higher weight capacity. The side rails are typically what gives away that it is a dock board and means that it is safe to use with motorized lift equipment. Dock plates have a much lower weight capacity and no side rails, so they can only be used with carts, dollies, and manual operations.

An advantage of dock plates is that they are designed with a flat piece of metal and have a small bend for easy transition. With a lightweight design it makes it easy to transport around a warehouse facility. Unlike dock boards which loads and unloads trailers or trucks with forklifts, dock plates generally use dollies, pallet jacks, or hand trucks. Usually, the sides of a dock plate have brightly colored tape or spray to increase visibility and prevent injury. Note: When determining size needed, the width of the dock plate should be 12 inches wider than the load.

Questions? Talk with our sales team to find out which size dock plate is right for you. Call us today at (800) 876-3736 or request a quote online.

Warehouse Dock Plate

Advantages of Dock Plates

Dock plates, also known as dock boards, are portable and lightweight ramps that are used to bridge the gap between a loading dock and a trailer or truck bed. Here are some pros of using dock plates:

  • Increased safety: Dock plates provide a smooth transition between the loading dock and the trailer, which reduces the risk of accidents caused by tripping or stumbling.
  • Versatility: Dock plates can be used in a variety of situations, such as when the height difference between the loading dock and the trailer is less than 4 inches, or when a loading dock is not available.
  • Easy to use: Dock plates are portable and can be moved by a single person, which makes them easy to use in different locations.
  • Improved efficiency: Dock plates allow for quicker loading and unloading of goods, which can increase productivity and efficiency.
  • Long-lasting durability: Dock plates are made of strong materials such as aluminum or steel, which makes them durable and long-lasting.

Applications for Dock Plates

Dock plates are beneficial for a variety of different industries where the environment can sometimes be harsh. The following are a few of the many applications dock plates can be used for:

  • Loading & unloading trucks: Dock plates are commonly used to bridge the gap between a loading dock and a truck or trailer bed, allowing for easy and safe movement of goods.
  • Warehousing: Dock plates are used in warehouses to facilitate the movement of goods between trucks and storage areas, and to minimize the risk of injury to workers.
  • Distribution centers: Dock plates are an essential tool for distribution centers, which rely on efficient loading and unloading processes to move products quickly and safely.
  • Manufacturing facilities: Dock plates are used in manufacturing facilities to facilitate the movement of raw materials and finished goods.
  • Retail and grocery stores: Dock plates are used by retail and grocery stores to receive shipments of products and to load goods onto trucks for distribution.
  • Construction sites: Dock plates can be used on construction sites to facilitate the movement of materials and equipment from trucks to job sites.

Loading Dock Plates Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a dock plate?
A:A dock plate, also known as a loading dock plate or dock leveler plate, is a portable bridge-like device used to bridge the gap between a loading dock and a truck or trailer, allowing for the safe and efficient loading and unloading of goods.

Q: How do I determine the right size and capacity for my dock plate?
A: The correct size and capacity of a dock plate depend on factors like the type of loads you handle, the width of your loading dock, and the height difference between the dock and the truck. Consulting with a dock equipment specialist can help you choose the right one.

Q: What are the benefits of using a dock plate?
A: Dock plates enhance safety by providing a smooth transition between the dock and the truck, reducing the risk of accidents. They also improve productivity by enabling quicker and more efficient loading and unloading.

Q: Are dock plates suitable for all types of loading docks?
A:Dock plates are versatile and can be used with most loading docks. However, it's important to ensure that the chosen dock plate is compatible with your specific dock and truck configurations.

Q: Are dock plates suitable for heavy equipment and forklift traffic?
A: Dock plates have weight limits, so it's important to use them within their specified capacity. For heavy equipment and forklift traffic, you may need a dock leveler, which is designed for higher capacities.

Q: How do I properly use a dock plate?
A: To use a dock plate, position it securely on the edge of the loading dock and make sure it is resting flat on the trailer or truck bed. Drive the forklift or other equipment onto the dock plate slowly and carefully, and make sure the load is distributed evenly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use.

Everything You Need To Know About Stack Racks

dock board or dock plate
Dock boards and dock plates are a portable solution to bridging the gap from the edge of a dock to an open truck bed. This can be a problem because trucks vary in height, so there is a gap and a height difference to consider. Both styles come in varying capacities that allow for anything from foot travel to lift equipment. Learn More