Introduction
Protecting the goods and merchandise during loading and unloading operations is of utmost importance at warehouses of different categories. If not, the external climate, harsh weather conditions, and other influencing factors could cause damage to the materials and even disrupt the warehousing operations. That’s why most facilities have specialized reinforcement installed at the entry and exit sections where trucks and trailers are docked for loading and unloading of goods. It is termed as a dock shelter and works pretty well in keeping your warehouse interiors and merchandise protected against varying weather conditions. With this being said, we have explained everything you need to know about dock shelters before you invest in this specialized docking equipment.
Understanding Dock Shelters
A dock shelter can be regarded as a special weather protection system installed at the docking gates of warehouses to protect the goods from external weather conditions while facilitating safer and more efficient loading and unloading operations. It is manufactured with a flexible frame to accommodate trailers and trucks of varying sizes. The frame is covered with a thick, durable material, like vinyl or rubber to protect the vehicles and goods from external weather conditions. The protective material usually covers the top and sides of the trailer or the truck, leaving the bottom open for easy moving in and out.
Types of Dock Shelters
While several types of dock shelters are used in the warehouses, below we have briefly described the most popular categories.
- Retractable Dock Shelter: As the name implies, the highly flexible frame compresses when exposed to external pressure applied by the truck, thereby accommodating varying vehicle sizes and allowing easy movements without any hassle.
- Curtain-Like Shelters: These dock shelters have an open structure made with a durable material that forms a shelter around the vehicle and prevents airflow and energy exchange between the interior of the warehouse and the exterior environment.
- Fixed Dock Shelter: It has a rigid frame with a curtain-like cover that can form an umbrella surrounding the vehicle and protect the merchandise from harsh external weather. However, it won’t form a tight air seal.
- Inflatable Dock Shelter: Made with an inflatable material, these dock shelters form a tighter seal around the vehicles and prevent airflow between the exterior environment and the warehouse interior. These are best suited for warehouses where climate control is of optimal priority.
The Impact of Weather on Goods
Before you invest in dock shelters, you must understand the impact of weather conditions on different merchandise and good types. For instance, in areas receiving heavy snowfall, goods need to be protected from frost so that they won’t lose their structure or have dampening issues. Similarly, when temperature-sensitive goods are loaded or unloaded at warehouses, it’s imperative to maintain the interior warehouse temperature by forming a tight seal at the opening.
Benefits of Dock Shelters
Below we have described a couple of benefits of dock shelters that everyone should know before purchasing them for the warehouses.
- Protection from elements: Dock shelters are quite helpful in protecting the interiors of the warehouse facilities and the merchandise being loaded or unloaded from the impact of external elements, like rain, wind, sun rays, and snow.
- Energy efficiency: Retractable and inflatable shelters are best suited for making the warehouses highly energy efficient since they form a tight air seal and prevent energy exchange between the interior and exterior.
- Improved safety: Since the trucks and trailers are protected by the shelters, goods can be loaded or unloaded easily, thereby ensuring optimal safety for both the merchandise and personnel working inside.
Choosing the Right Dock Shelter
Finding the right dock shelter is the key to streamlining loading and unloading operations at the docking gates and ensuring optimal safety for everyone. Here are some of the major factors you need to consider.
- You should choose a dock shelter that can meet the special temperature requirements of the merchandise being handled at the warehouse facility.
- If your warehouse receives trucks and trailers of varying sizes, opt for a flexible dock shelter that can accommodate the vehicles with ease.
- Based on the frequency of loading and unloading operations, you need to choose from fixed and retractable dock shelters.
- If temperature needs to be controlled at stringent levels inside the warehouse, you need a dock shelter made from thick material like rubber that can form an airtight seal and prevent energy exchange.
- Costing will also play an important factor in choosing an accurate dock shelter for your warehouse operation.
Installation And Maintenance
Some of the best installation tips for dock shelters are:
- Check the dock layout and get accurate measurements to ensure the dock shelter can form the required canopy around the vehicle after installation.
- The entire surface needs to be leveled and cleaned properly to eliminate any unevenness before installation.
- Considering the trailer size is crucial to ensure the dock shelter is installed properly around the docking gates.
- If needed, weatherproofing and sealing should be done with additional materials, like a waterproof vinyl curtain.
Conclusion
Dock shelters serve the primary function of a weather protective system that prevents external rain, wind, and other elements from interfering with the loading and unloading operations while ensuring optimal safety for merchandise, machinery, and personnel. Hence, you should consult with a professional to understand the specific needs of your warehouse and choose the best dock shelter that will ultimately prove to be a fruitful investment.
