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Used Dock Equipment

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Used Dock Equipment for Sale

  • ASI has a variety of used dock equipment in stock to help maximize productivity.
  • Helps ensure the loading and unloading processes of trucks at a shipping dock is done safely and correctly. 
  • Find dock plates, dock boards, yard ramps, high speed doors, and more.
  • Quantity discounts are available.
  • Sales representatives are available to discuss and provide solutions to all material handling needs.
  • ASI pays top dollar for used dock equipment: Learn More About Our Purchasing Program
Used Yard Ramps
  • Movable loading dock
  • Handle freight with a forklift
  • Flexible, place anywhere
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Used High Speed Doors
  • Use to control temperature
  • Maintenance free
  • Alternative to air curtains
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Used Air Curtains
  • Saves energy
  • Improve indoor air quality
  • Prevent dirt & fume build up
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Used Dock Plates
  • Bridge the gap of truck & dock
  • For non-powered trucks
  • Non-slip diamond plate surface
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Used Dock Boards
  • Improve loading dock operation
  • For use with forklifts
  • Non-slip diamond plate
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Used Scissor Docks
  • Portable loading dock
  • Service trucks at any height
  • Access to ground level also
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Used Edge Of Dock Levelers
  • Returns to stored position
  • Simple leveler operation
  • Easy to operate
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Used Dock Levelers
  • To meet various trailer heights
  • Used forklift trucks
  • Simple to operate
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Used Rail Dock Boards
  • To move product in rail cars
  • Non-slip deck for safety
  • Locking ring to secure dock
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We Buy Used Warehouse Equipment

Are you moving or liquidating your facility and looking to sell your used warehouse equipment or material? American Surplus Inc. can help! American Surplus Inc. offers a purchasing program for new and used warehouse and material handling equipment. Learn more about our purchasing program online or call our sales office at (800) 876-3736 to get started.

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About Dock Equipment

Used dock equipment is a cost-effective way to ensure your loading docks have everything you need. We carry a wide range of products aimed at keeping your loading and unloading operation as efficient and productive as possible.

At ASI, we sell multiple products that help bridge the gap between truck beds and your dock opening/warehouse floor, such as dock plates, dock boards, dock levelers, edge of dock levelers, and yard ramps. Each has a specific function, so it is important to know what they do to be certain you pick out the proper piece of equipment.

Dock plates are typically made of aluminum, with capacities ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 lbs. They contain no guide rails, so they are usually used for hand picking operations. If you are looking for a more durable piece of dock equipment that can handle lift equipment, you should consider dock boards instead. Dock boards contain sidewalls to prevent runoff, and the diamond plated decking helps keep traction. Due to the sidewalls, it is important to choose the proper width for your dock board. For manually powered equipment, your dock board should be at least 8 inches wider than the width of the equipment. And for powered lift equipment, your board should be at least 16 inches wider than the width of the equipment.

There are also rail dock boards, which bridge the gap between a railway boxcar and a loading dock. These dock boards lock into place against the dock, and their capacities can be as high as 80,000 lbs. They also contain side rails to help keep workers and equipment safe.

Unlike dock plates and dock boards which are modular, edge of dock levelers are secured to the dock. These are installed onto the loading dock, and you can adjust the pitch of the leveler to meet the height of the truck bed. They can have capacities upwards of 15,000 lbs. and can be utilized with lift equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks.

Dock levelers sit on the ground and raise up to the height of the truck bed and loading dock. They have a much higher capacity than edge of dock levelers but are also much heavier and less portable. Also referred to as pit levelers, dock levelers are contained within the recess between the dock and the truck bed.

Yard ramps are unique because they allow for ground to dock applications and are portable. With capacities up to 25,000 lbs. yard ramps are able to handle forklifts and other heavy lift equipment. Made of an all welded steel construction, yard ramps are the solution for portable loading and unloading applications.

American Surplus Inc. has a variety of used dock equipment in stock and ready for sale. Used Dock Equipment help facilities maximize productivity while ensuring the process of loading and unloading items from truck and trailers is done correctly. You can find dock platesdock boardsyard rampshigh speed doors, and more! Dock equipment helps to prevent injuries of employees, vendors, and visitors, which may cost your business substantial money over time. To customers it can often project an image of showing that a company cares about its assets. Making sure docks are operating effectively is important especially in high-traffic areas. ASI offers quantity discounts are available on our used dock equipment. Call us today and speak with a knowledgeable member of our sales staff. They will work with you to help provide solutions to your material handling needs. Pricing may vary based on quantity desired, capacity, and condition. ASI has been selling and shipping used material handling equipment throughout the United States for over 30 years. Please call (800) 876-3736 for a free same day quote and learn more about our quantity discounts.

Advantages of Dock Equipment

Dock equipment offers various advantages that enhance the efficiency, safety, and productivity of loading and unloading operations in warehouses, distribution centers, and other logistics facilities. Some of the key advantages of dock equipment include:

  • Increased productivity: Dock equipment streamlines the loading and unloading process, reducing handling times and improving overall operational efficiency. This leads to quicker turnaround times for trucks and increased throughput.
  • Improved safety: Dock equipment, such as dock levelers, dock plates, and dock shelters, provide a safe and level transition between the truck bed and the warehouse floor, preventing accidents and injuries caused by uneven surfaces or gaps.
  • Damage prevention: Dock equipment helps prevent damage to goods and equipment during loading and unloading. Properly adjusted dock levelers, for example, reduce the risk of forklifts hitting the truck bed or products being dropped.
  • Versatility: Dock equipment is available in various configurations and capacities to accommodate different types of trucks and cargo, making it versatile for handling a wide range of materials and products.
  • Ergonomics: Dock equipment like dock lifts and scissor lifts can help reduce physical strain on workers by providing them with a more ergonomic work environment. This leads to less fatigue and fewer workplace injuries.
  • Energy efficiency: Dock seals and dock shelters create a better seal between the warehouse and the truck, reducing energy loss and minimizing heating or cooling costs.
  • Adaptability to different facility types: Dock equipment can be installed in both new and existing facilities, making it easy to upgrade or adapt loading docks to changing operational needs.
  • Compliance with regulations: Utilizing dock equipment can help warehouses and distribution centers comply with safety and accessibility regulations set by local authorities and industry standards.
  • Cost-effective: While there is an initial investment cost, dock equipment's long-term benefits in terms of improved productivity, safety, and reduced damage can result in cost savings over time.
  • Customer satisfaction: Faster and more efficient loading and unloading processes facilitated by dock equipment can lead to improved customer satisfaction due to quicker order fulfillment and delivery times.

Dock Equipment Applications

Dock equipment finds various applications in logistics and material handling across different industries. Some common applications for dock equipment include:

  • Truck Loading and Unloading: The primary application of dock equipment is for loading and unloading goods from trucks and trailers at warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and retail stores.
  • Material Handling: Dock equipment such as pallet jacks, forklifts, and hand trucks are used to move and transport goods between the loading dock and the storage area within a facility.
  • Warehousing and Distribution: Dock levelers, dock seals, and dock shelters are essential for efficient material flow, inventory management, and order fulfillment in warehouses and distribution centers.
  • Retail Operations: Retail stores with loading docks use dock equipment to receive merchandise from suppliers and to handle outgoing shipments to other locations or customers.
  • Manufacturing: Dock equipment is utilized in manufacturing facilities for receiving raw materials and shipping finished products, streamlining the supply chain process.
  • Freight Handling: Freight and shipping companies rely on dock equipment to efficiently handle cargo, improve turnaround times, and reduce handling costs.
  • Cross-Docking: Dock equipment facilitates cross-docking operations, where goods from incoming trucks are transferred directly to outgoing trucks without being stored in the warehouse, reducing handling and storage times.
  • Food and Beverage Industry: Dock equipment is widely used in food processing and distribution facilities to ensure safe and efficient handling of perishable goods.
  • Cold Storage and Refrigeration: Loading docks in cold storage facilities benefit from dock equipment that maintains proper seals to minimize temperature fluctuations during loading and unloading.
  • Automotive Industry: Car manufacturing and distribution centers use dock equipment for efficiently moving vehicles and parts in and out of production lines and warehouses.
  • E-commerce Fulfillment: Dock equipment is crucial for e-commerce warehouses to manage the high volume of incoming and outgoing shipments.
  • Air Cargo Handling: Airports and cargo terminals use specialized dock equipment to load and unload air freight containers and pallets from aircraft.
  • Hazardous Materials Handling: Dock equipment ensures safe and compliant handling of hazardous materials during loading and unloading operations.
  • Agriculture and Farming: In agricultural settings, dock equipment can aid in loading and unloading produce, equipment, and livestock.
  • Event and Exhibition Logistics: Dock equipment is employed in the transportation and setup of materials for events, trade shows, and exhibitions.

Dock Equipment Manufacturers

  • Rite-Hite
  • Serco (Entrematic)
  • McGuire
  • Blue Giant
  • Kelley (4Front Engineered Solutions)
  • DLM (Durable Mecco)
  • Poweramp (a brand of Blue Giant)
  • Pentalift Equipment Corporation
  • Copperloy
  • Nordock
  • Beacon Industries
  • Vestil Manufacturing

Types of Dock Equipment

  • Dock Levelers: These are essential for bridging the gap between the loading dock and the trailer bed, making it easier to load and unload goods. There are various types, including hydraulic, mechanical, and air-powered dock levelers.
  • Dock Seals and Shelters: Dock seals and shelters create a weather-tight seal between the trailer and the dock, preventing the loss of conditioned air and protecting goods from the elements.
  • Vehicle Restraints: Vehicle restraints ensure that the trailer remains securely in place during loading and unloading, preventing accidental separation.
  • Dock Plates and Dock Boards: These are used for bridging the gap between the dock and the trailer when the height difference is not significant. Dock plates are typically lighter and portable, while dock boards are heavier and suitable for more substantial loads.
  • Dock Lights: Dock lights provide visibility for safe loading and unloading during low-light conditions.
  • Dock Bumpers: Dock bumpers protect the building and the dock equipment from damage caused by vehicle impact during docking procedures.
  • Dock Controls and Communication Systems: These systems enable communication between the warehouse staff and truck drivers, ensuring safety and efficiency during loading and unloading.
  • Safety Barriers and Guardrails: These are used to create safe zones and protect personnel and equipment from accidents at the loading dock.
  • Wheel Chocks: Wheel chocks are placed against the trailer wheels to prevent unintentional movement during loading and unloading.
  • Yard Ramps: While not technically part of the loading dock, yard ramps are used to bridge the gap between ground level and the trailer when a loading dock is not available or suitable.
  • Hydraulic Lift Tables: These tables are used for raising or lowering goods to a convenient height for loading and unloading.
  • Edge of Dock Levelers: Edge of dock levelers are a cost-effective alternative to full dock levelers, providing a gentle slope from the dock to the trailer.

Dock Equipment Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is dock equipment used?
A: Dock equipment is used at the time when a trailer, shipping container or railcar is being loaded or unloaded. Aside from being effective in improving productivity, it also helps to keep employees safe while loading or unloading items.

Q: What industries typically use dock equipment?
A: Dock equipment is ideal for industries such as automotive, construction, consumer goods, e-commerce, food, hardware, manufacturing, retail, warehousing, distribution, and many more. These are a critical necessity for any facility where bulk items are being moved around.

Q: Is dock equipment important for a facility?
A: Your company's doors and dock equipment are essential, but frequently disregarded, resources. A well operating dock keeps goods and materials flowing smoothly in and out of your warehouse, reduces the risk of on-site mishaps and energy loss, and keeps unwelcome pests or trash from entering your businesses facility.

Q: How can I enhance safety at my loading dock using dock equipment?
A: Safety is a critical consideration at loading docks. Dock equipment can enhance safety by providing level transitions between trucks and docks, ensuring stable platforms for loading/unloading, and incorporating safety features like lip locks and safety barriers.

Q: How can I ensure proper training for my employees to use dock equipment safely and effectively?
A: Proper training and education for employees are essential to ensure they use dock equipment safely and efficiently. Manufacturers may provide training resources and guidelines to help with this.

Q: How does dock equipment contribute to better ergonomics and a safer work environment for my employees?
A: Dock equipment with ergonomic designs, such as dock lifts, helps reduce physical strain on employees, promoting a safer work environment.