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.
Everything You Need To Know About Stack Racks
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.
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