What types of dock shelters are available? Dock shelters play a crucial role in optimising loading operations in industrial and logistics facilities. Mechanical dock shelters and inflatable dock shelters are two of the most commonly used solutions at loading bays. While both types are designed to protect the loading area from adverse weather conditions and improve energy efficiency, they differ in construction, application and functionality.
In this article, we take a closer look at these differences to help you choose the right solution for your warehouse or distribution centre.
What Are Dock Shelters?
Dock shelters are specialised systems installed at loading bays in warehouses and industrial buildings. Their purpose is to seal the gap between the truck trailer and the building during loading and unloading operations.
A properly designed dock shelter helps to minimise air exchange between the interior and exterior of the building, protecting the facility from rain, wind, dust and debris while improving working conditions for warehouse staff.
Choosing the right type of dock shelter depends on several factors, including the operational requirements of the facility and the type of vehicles servicing the loading dock. Below we present two of the most widely used solutions.
Mechanical Dock Shelters – A Durable and Versatile Solution
A mechanical dock shelter is based on a robust galvanised steel frame covered with high-strength PVC fabric. This material offers excellent resistance to weather conditions and mechanical damage, ensuring long service life.
The standard dimensions of the AMTR-U dock shelter (3400 × 3400 mm) are designed to accommodate typical semi-trailers used in European freight transport. However, customised dimensions can also be manufactured to meet specific operational requirements.
The sealing curtains are made of triple-layer PVC with a thickness of 3 mm, ensuring reliable contact with the vehicle body and effective sealing during loading operations.
Key advantages of mechanical dock shelters
- Easy installation and low maintenance requirements
- Safe and efficient loading and unloading operations
- Reduced heat loss from the warehouse
- Protection against rain, wind, dust and debris
Mechanical dock shelters are particularly suitable for facilities with moderate loading activity, where durability and versatility are the main priorities. Their simple construction means they are easy to operate and do not require complex control systems.
Discover the AMTR-U dock shelter.
Inflatable Dock Shelters – Advanced Protection for Demanding Applications
Inflatable dock shelters are designed for facilities that require a higher level of sealing performance and environmental control.
This type of dock shelter uses inflatable PVC cushions with a fabric weight of 670 g/m², which expand to tightly seal around the trailer body once the vehicle is correctly positioned at the dock. This provides excellent sealing performance and significantly reduces air exchange.
The AMTR-P inflatable dock shelter (3500 × 3700 mm) is equipped with a 450 W blower, which inflates the cushions in approximately 30 seconds. An additional drive system assists with retracting the cushions after the loading operation, improving operational efficiency.
Key advantages of inflatable dock shelters
- Excellent thermal insulation – ideal for temperature-controlled warehouses
- Fast and precise operation controlled by a single push button
- Durable components including galvanised side frames and anodised aluminium profiles
Inflatable dock shelters are particularly recommended for industries with strict hygiene and environmental requirements, such as the food and pharmaceutical sectors, where maintaining stable internal conditions is critical.
For customised projects, the system can also be equipped with dual blowers, providing even greater performance and reliability.
Discover the AMTR-P dock shelter.
Key Differences Between Mechanical and Inflatable Dock Shelters
The choice between mechanical and inflatable dock shelters depends on the specific operational needs of a facility.
Construction
Mechanical dock shelters use flexible PVC curtains that compress against the trailer body. Inflatable dock shelters use air-filled cushions that expand and adapt precisely to the shape of the vehicle.
Sealing performance
Inflatable dock shelters provide a higher level of thermal insulation and air tightness, which is particularly important for refrigerated or temperature-controlled facilities.
Operation
Mechanical shelters operate passively and do not require electrical components. Inflatable shelters use blowers and motors to control the inflation and deflation process.
Applications
Mechanical shelters are versatile and suitable for most standard loading operations. Inflatable shelters are recommended for intensive operations and environments with strict hygiene or temperature requirements.
Operating costs
Mechanical shelters have lower maintenance and operating costs. Inflatable systems require electrical power and periodic servicing of the blower system.
Both solutions are offered by AMTR, a manufacturer of loading bay equipment including dock levellers and dock shelters. The systems are designed for durability and can be customised to meet specific operational requirements.
How to Choose the Right Dock Shelter?
Selecting the right dock shelter requires consideration of several operational factors.
The type of goods handled is important - temperature-sensitive products may require the superior sealing performance of inflatable dock shelters.
The intensity of loading operations should also be taken into account. For high-traffic loading bays, mechanical dock shelters may offer a more cost-effective solution.
Local weather conditions are another important factor. Facilities located in colder climates often benefit from solutions with higher thermal insulation performance.
Finally, the dock shelter dimensions should match the vehicle fleet serving the facility. AMTR System offers custom-designed dock shelters tailored to specific operational needs and vehicle sizes.
Summary - Types of Dock Shelters
Mechanical and inflatable dock shelters differ in construction, application and sealing performance. The AMTR-U mechanical dock shelter provides a versatile and cost-effective solution suitable for many industrial facilities, while the AMTR-P inflatable dock shelter offers advanced sealing performance for demanding environments.
Both types of dock shelters improve energy efficiency, protect goods during loading operations and increase workplace safety.
Choosing the right solution depends on the specific requirements of the warehouse and the nature of its loading operations. AMTR offers durable dock sealing systems designed to meet the expectations of even the most demanding industrial users.
