How to Choose Steel Dockboards

Extremely strong and durable steel dockboards are designed for the most heavy-duty docking operations. Maximum capacity and reliability makes steel the best option when it comes to serious loading. Top quality dockboards deliver security and ease of operation ensuring that every piece of the load can be safely transferred from dock to truck and vice versa. 
Powered loading and unloading operations require significant safety measures. A lot of people lose their lives in dock accidents every year and that is a major concern for all docking businesses. Steel dockboards help ensure safety of your load and staff making loading and unloading go smooth and without surprises.

There are different types of steel dockboards varying in design and functionality:

Universal Steel Dockboards

Universal dockboards are designed to safely load and unload trucks when close or square back-up to dock is not possible. Due to the featured lifting loops and full-length pin pockets universal dockboards can be easily and firmly positioned for a variety of docking applications. These dockboards come in capacities up to 60,000 lbs. with custom sizes available upon request.

Steel Rail Dockboards

This type of dockboards are widely used in rail docking operations in a number of industries. If your business is involved in loading and unloading rail cars, you can ensure the security of operations with the help of steel rail dockboards. These dockboards are specifically designed according to your dock specs. They can be easily moved and positioned due to the featured lift loops, understructure box and D-type rings. With maximum capacity of 80,000lbs these dockboards can accommodate even the most heavy-weight loads and equipment.

Steel Truck Dockboards

When it comes to heavy-duty applications steel truck dockboards are hard to beat. The design is reinforced with welded side curbs used to prevent equipment and load from slipping off the board. Steel truck dockboards are firmly secured to the truck with the help of one-inch locking pin. With capacity range from 15 to 60 thousand lbs. these top quality steel truck dockboards are a great multipurpose solution the busiest dock out there. 

Shopping Tips

When choosing steel dockboards you should concern yourself with 3 major factors: size, capacity and type of application. Determine the maximum weight of the loaded equipment that will run across the dockboard and make sure that the board has an exceeding capacity. Never overload a dockboard for it will reduce its lifespan and may result in an accident. For safe operation it’s also essential to choose a dockboard that is wider than the load and the powered loading equipment. A lot will depend on the specifications of your dock and the type of operation you’ll be handling. If you’re using three-wheeled forklifts, for example, higher capacity steel dockboards are recommended.

Shop for Universal Steel Dockboards, Steel Rail Dockboards, or Steel Truck Dockboards at Warehousing Equipment Direct.