
Loading dock shelters are a game-changer for warehouses and distribution centers. They protect against the elements and provide a safe, dry space for truck drivers to load and unload goods.
A well-designed loading dock shelter can reduce heat loss and gain by up to 80%. This is especially important for warehouses with sensitive inventory.
In terms of design options, loading dock shelters can be customized to fit specific needs. Some shelters are designed to be more energy-efficient, while others are built to withstand harsh weather conditions.
A typical loading dock shelter is around 12 feet wide and 20 feet long, but can be customized to fit any size dock.
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Types of Loading Dock Shelters
There are several types of loading dock shelters, each designed to serve a specific purpose. A standard loading dock shelter is the most common type and provides basic protection from the elements.
A sliding curtain shelter is a popular choice for its ease of use and flexibility, allowing for easy installation and removal. It can be made from a variety of materials, including vinyl and aluminum.
A retractable shelter is another type that offers a more permanent solution, providing better protection from the elements and weather conditions. It's often used in high-traffic areas and can be customized to fit specific needs.
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Eliminator

The Eliminator dock shelter is a popular choice among warehouse managers due to its sleek design and functional features. It's designed to provide a seamless transition between the dock and the building.
One of the key features of the Eliminator dock shelter is its detachable side curtains, which allow for easy cleaning and maintenance. These curtains can be removed and replaced as needed, reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency.
The Eliminator dock shelter also features foam side frames, which provide additional support and protection for the dock area. These frames are durable and long-lasting, withstanding harsh weather conditions and heavy use.
The pivoting canopy header is another notable feature of the Eliminator dock shelter. This allows for smooth and easy movement of the shelter, even in windy conditions.
Here are some key features of the Eliminator dock shelter:
- Detachable side curtains
- Foam side frames
- Pivoting canopy header
Rail-Dox
Rail-Dox is a type of loading dock shelter that's designed to provide a tight seal for railcars. It's built to last with durable materials that require low maintenance.

One of the standout features of Rail-Dox is its ability to deflate and retract, making it easy to store when not in use. This feature is especially useful in areas with limited space.
Rail-Dox also boasts the tightest railcar seal among its peers, ensuring that cargo is protected from the elements and secure in transit. This is a critical aspect of railcar loading, as it directly impacts the safety and integrity of the cargo.
Rigid Frame Truck
Rigid Frame Truck shelters provide full-width access to the back of the trailer, allowing for efficient loading and unloading.
One notable feature of Rigid Frame Truck shelters is that they form a seal across the top and sides of the trailer, preventing weather and debris from entering the area.
This design ensures that the goods being transported remain safe and dry, even in harsh weather conditions.
By offering a secure and protected environment, Rigid Frame Truck shelters can help reduce damage to goods and improve overall logistics efficiency.
Foam Sided

Foam Sided loading dock shelters are a popular choice for businesses due to their effectiveness and durability. They provide a tight seal between the trailer and the dock, reducing air leaks and keeping the interior of the building at a consistent temperature.
The Eliminator Dock Shelter features detachable side curtains and foam side frames, which help to create a secure seal. This design also allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Foam Sided Truck Shelters, on the other hand, have foam filled insulated side members that provide a rigid frame structural header for a tight seal. This type of shelter is ideal for businesses that need to store sensitive materials or maintain a consistent temperature.
Here are some key features of Foam Sided loading dock shelters:
- Detachable side curtains
- Foam side frames
- Foam filled insulated side members
- Rigid frame structural header
Seal Hoods
Seal hoods are a crucial component of loading dock shelters, and Rite-Hite offers metal hoods that help protect dock seal headers from heavy rains, snow, or ice.
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These metal hoods are designed to keep the dock seal headers dry and functioning properly, even in harsh weather conditions.
Rite-Hite's metal hoods are a great option for warehouses and distribution centers that experience heavy rainfall or snowfall during the year.
By protecting the dock seal headers, metal hoods can help extend the lifespan of the loading dock shelter and reduce maintenance costs.
Design and Features
A loading dock shelter's design and features are crucial for withstanding the rigors of frequent use. The Flexible Frame Truck Shelter can pull back on impact, reducing frame damage and extending its working life.
This feature is particularly useful in high-traffic areas where trucks are frequently coming and going. The shelter's ability to absorb impact can help prevent costly repairs and downtime.
Wear pleats in both upper corners of the shelter provide extra support from truck corners, adding an extra layer of protection against damage.
Head Curtain Seal

The Head Curtain Seal is a game-changer for dock sealing. It provides an effective seal with its curtain styler header member.
This design allows for a tight seal around the dock, preventing air and moisture from entering or escaping. The foam filled side pads add an extra layer of protection, making it a reliable solution.
The Head Curtain Seal is also an economical choice, offering the most cost-effective solution for dock sealing needs.
Flexible Frame
The Flexible Frame design is a game-changer for truck shelters.
Goff's Flexible Frame Truck Shelter is designed to pull back on impact, reducing any frame damage and ultimately extending the working life of the shelter.
Wear pleats in both upper corners provide extra support from truck corners.
This thoughtful design feature helps prevent damage to the shelter and keeps it in good condition for longer.
Blocker
Our Blocker is designed for easy operation in close proximity for pedestrians, forklift, and vehicle drivers.

It's available with both our Foam Sided Shelter and our Rigid Frame Shelter, providing added protection at the dock.
This setup offers a safe and efficient way to manage traffic flow and prevent accidents.
By having a Blocker in place, you can minimize the risk of collisions and ensure a smooth operation at the dock.
Designing for Your Operation
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to designing the right loading dock layout. Accounting for the truck drive approach outside of the building is crucial.
The standard loading dock layout may not be suitable for every operation. You need to consider the specifics of your business.
A well-designed loading dock can significantly improve the efficiency of your operations. It can also reduce the risk of accidents and damage to goods.
The truck drive approach outside of the building should be taken into account when designing the loading dock layout. This includes the direction of the approach and the clearance needed for trucks to maneuver safely.
Highlights

The highlights of this design and feature combo are truly impressive. The sleek and modern aesthetic is achieved through a combination of clean lines, minimalist typography, and a predominantly white color scheme.
The user interface is incredibly intuitive, thanks to a well-organized layout and clear navigation. With just a few clicks, you can access a wide range of features and settings.
One notable feature is the ability to customize the interface to suit your personal preferences. This includes the option to change the color scheme, font styles, and even add custom widgets.
The device is also equipped with advanced security features, including biometric authentication and encryption. This ensures that your data is always protected and secure.
Overall, the design and features of this device make it a joy to use and a valuable addition to any home or office.
Benefits and Advantages
Loading dock shelters provide a complete seal at every dock door, which can have an immediate positive effect on a company's operations.

Protecting employees from the elements is a major benefit of loading dock shelters, as they keep rain, snow, sun, and pests out.
This helps maintain a safe and comfortable working environment, increasing productivity and confidence among employees.
By sealing the gap between the dock and trailer, loading dock shelters also prevent energy loss and product loss, keeping indoor temperatures consistent.
This not only saves energy but also helps maintain product quality characteristics and pass inspections.
Benefits
Installing a dock seal or shelter at your loading dock can help maintain indoor temperatures, preventing energy loss and product loss. This can be especially beneficial in extreme weather conditions.
Rain, snow, sun, and even pests can be kept out of your loading dock with the help of a dock seal or shelter. This keeps your space free of hazards and protects your products from contaminants.
Safer working conditions for your employees can be achieved by installing a dock seal or shelter. This, in turn, increases productivity and confidence among your staff.
A complete seal at every dock door can have an immediate positive effect on your business. This can help prevent weather-related product damage and contamination.
Differences and Benefits

Dock Seals and Dock Shelters are designed to protect employees and products, but they serve different purposes.
A dock seal is traditionally designed to enclose a loading dock, reducing its width to an optimal 7'6".
Dock Shelters are designed to allow full access to the trailer without restricting the available space around the door.
Truck Shelters, a type of dock shelter, afford service to a wider range of trucks than a dock seal.
Dock Shelters have curtains with spring steel stays that slide along the side of the vehicle, rather than compressing like a dock seal.
This design allows for more flexibility and accessibility, making it a better option for warehouses that handle a variety of truck sizes.
Product Information
Dock shelters are designed to protect goods, personnel, and equipment at loading docks by providing a barrier against weather elements and enhancing energy efficiency.
The Eclipse NH Dock Shelter features advanced curtain sealing edges, fabric sealing pockets, and a weighted head curtain for improved sealing performance.

These features work together to provide a tight seal, reducing air leaks and energy loss. The Eclipse NH Dock Shelter also offers deflation and retraction for easy maintenance and repair.
Here are some key features of the Eclipse NH Dock Shelter:
- Advanced curtain sealing edge
- Fabric sealing pockets
- Weighted head curtain
In addition to the Eclipse NH Dock Shelter, some dock shelters are designed to reduce oversized doors to match truck openings, providing a snug fit and improved sealing performance.
Eclipse Nh
The Eclipse NH Dock Shelter is a reliable and efficient solution for your loading needs. It features an advanced curtain sealing edge that provides a tight seal to prevent air leaks. This design ensures that your dock shelter inflates and deflates smoothly.
One of the key benefits of the Eclipse NH is its deflation and retraction system. This system makes it easy to store the shelter when not in use, which can be a huge space-saver. I've seen firsthand how this can be a game-changer for businesses with limited storage space.

The Eclipse NH also boasts a weighted head curtain, which provides additional stability and security. This is especially important for high-traffic loading areas where safety is a top concern. The weighted head curtain helps to prevent accidental openings or closures.
Here are some key features of the Eclipse NH Dock Shelter:
- Advanced curtain sealing edge
- Fabric sealing pockets
- Weighted head curtain
The Eclipse NH is also designed for easy installation, which can save you time and money on setup. Its fast and reliable inflation system ensures that your dock shelter is always ready to go when you need it. This can be a huge time-saver, especially during peak loading periods.
GapMaster
The GapMaster dock shelter is a great solution for creating a more efficient space at your loading dock. It features a pivoting canopy header that allows for easy movement of trailers in and out of the dock area.
The GapMaster dock shelter also comes equipped with impactable side frames and GapMaster hooks, which provide a secure and reliable seal when a trailer is parked at the dock.
Here are some of the key features of the GapMaster dock shelter:
- GapMaster hooks
- Impactable side frames
- Pivoting canopy header
By installing a GapMaster dock shelter, you can minimize downtime and maximize productivity at your facility, thanks to the industry's fastest lead times.
Product Family Overview

Dock shelters are designed to protect goods, personnel, and equipment at loading docks by providing a barrier against weather elements and enhancing energy efficiency.
The maximum size of doors that can be used with a dock shelter is 10'W x 10'H.
A dock shelter reduces oversized doors to match truck openings, ensuring a secure and efficient loading process.
The long wear fabric used in dock shelters is highly resistant to abrasion and tearing, making it a durable option for busy loading docks.
Fiberglass staves are sewn into the flaps of the dock shelter for added strength and protection.
A minimum of 10" trailer penetration is recommended for a good seal, ensuring that the dock shelter functions as intended.
The supporting structure of a dock shelter is made of 2" x 4" wolmanized lumber, providing a sturdy foundation for the shelter.
Here are the key features of a dock shelter:
- Three foam-filled pads offer full dock protection
- Maximum compression design offers the maximum protection
- Built-in air tunnels allow air to escape when contacted by a trailer
- Mounting hardware and installation instructions make installation quick and easy
Model Specific Details
If you're looking for specific details about a product, you'll want to check the model number. Each model has its own unique features and attributes, such as the D-750-18, which has a projection of 18 inches.

The net weight of a product can also be found in the model details, with the D-750-18 weighing in at 2433 pounds. This information can be crucial for shipping and installation purposes.
Some models, like the D-750-24, are even marked as "POPULAR", indicating their relative popularity among customers. However, this doesn't necessarily affect the product's features or functionality.
The warranty for each model is also listed, with all of the models in the table having a 90-day limited warranty. This gives you peace of mind when purchasing a product, knowing that it's covered for a certain period of time.
Here's a breakdown of the model numbers and their corresponding features:
By looking at the model number and its corresponding details, you can get a better understanding of what a product has to offer.
Product Details
The Eclipse NH Dock Shelter is a top-notch product that offers advanced features and benefits. Its advanced curtain sealing edge ensures a tight seal with the trailer, while the fabric sealing pockets provide additional protection against the elements.

The Eclipse NH Dock Shelter has a weighted head curtain that helps to keep the shelter in place, even in windy conditions. This feature is particularly useful for busy loading docks where trailers are constantly coming and going.
If you're looking to install a dock shelter, you'll need to consider the size of your door opening. The Eclipse NH Dock Shelter can accommodate doors up to 10'W x 10'H, making it a great option for most loading docks.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing a dock shelter:
The Eclipse NH Dock Shelter is also designed with safety in mind, featuring a safety yellow guide strip as standard. This helps to ensure that drivers can navigate the loading dock safely, even in low-light conditions.
Overall, the Eclipse NH Dock Shelter is a reliable and efficient solution for loading docks of all sizes. Its advanced features and benefits make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to improve their loading dock operations.
Installation and Setup

To install a loading dock shelter, you'll need to choose the right location on your dock, ideally with a slight overhang to protect against wind and weather. Ensure the area is clear of any obstructions.
The shelter's frame should be securely anchored to the dock's structure, using bolts or screws that can withstand heavy loads. This is crucial to prevent damage and ensure the shelter remains stable.
The shelter's size and design will depend on the type of vehicles that will be using it, with larger trucks requiring larger shelters.
Return
So you're looking to return to normal operations after setting up your loading dock equipment. Rite-Hite loading dock shelters give full, unobstructed access to loads on trailers.
To ensure a smooth return to normal, make sure you've installed your dock shelters correctly. This will prevent any obstruction to loads on trailers.
Rite-Hite loading dock shelters provide full access, so you can load and unload trailers efficiently.
Under-Leveler

Under-Leveler dock seals are a game-changer for loading docks. They close the gaps below the leveler, reducing energy loss.
By installing under-leveler dock seals, you can promote improved sanitation. This is especially important in areas with high foot traffic or where food products are being handled.
Under-Leveler dock seals are designed to be easy to install and maintain.
Upgrades
Upgrades are a crucial part of achieving optimal performance from your installation.
Dock Seal and Shelter upgrades can help you achieve environmental control at the loading dock on all four sides of the opening, both inside and outside.
Comparison and Decision
When choosing a loading dock shelter, consider the climate and weather conditions of your location. This is crucial because shelters are designed to protect against wind, rain, and extreme temperatures.
In areas with heavy snowfall, a insulated shelter is a must, as it can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. On the other hand, in hot and sunny climates, a non-insulated shelter can be sufficient.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and budget.
Combo

The ComboShelter Dock Shelter is a great option to consider. It features an extended projection, which can be beneficial for certain applications.
One of the standout features of the ComboShelter is its reinforced fabric, which provides added durability. This is especially important for environments where the shelter will be exposed to harsh weather conditions.
The ComboShelter also boasts slim-profile side frames, which can help to reduce wind resistance and improve overall performance. This is a notable advantage for users who need to ensure a smooth and efficient operation.
The ComboShelter's C-4-style head curtain is another notable feature. This style of curtain provides excellent protection from the elements and can help to reduce noise levels.
If you're considering the ComboShelter, it's worth noting that it has impactable side frames. This means that the shelter can be easily installed and removed as needed.
Here are some key features of the ComboShelter:
- Extended projection
- Reinforced fabric
- Slim-profile side frames
- C-4-style head curtain
- Impactable side frames
- V-Flow fabric header
Q: Difference Between a Car and a Truck

A car is traditionally designed to be more compact than a truck, allowing for easier parking and maneuverability in tight spaces.
The main difference between a car and a truck is the size and purpose of each vehicle. A car is typically designed for personal transportation, while a truck is designed for hauling heavy loads or equipment.
A truck's larger size and rugged design make it better suited for tasks that require a lot of space and power, such as towing or hauling heavy equipment.
In contrast, a car's smaller size and more refined design make it better suited for daily driving and commuting.
A truck shelter is designed to allow full access to the trailer without restricting the available space around the door, which is beneficial for service to a wider range of trucks.
Why Rite-Hite?
Rite-Hite dock seals and shelters are a must-have for any facility with loading dock doors. Each loading dock door opening represents a giant hole in the wall of your facility, typically ranging from 8’x8’ to 10’x12’ or larger.

These openings present a huge opportunity for bad things to enter your facility, like bugs, dust, wind, rain, and rodents. The size of these openings can be staggering, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable and safe environment.
By installing Rite-Hite dock seals and shelters, you can effectively seal these openings and keep your facility secure. This is especially important for facilities that handle sensitive or valuable materials.
The benefits of Rite-Hite dock seals and shelters are numerous, including reduced energy loss and improved safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dock shelter and a dock seal?
A dock shelter provides easy access to cargo, while a dock seal creates an airtight seal, compressing to fit snugly around the trailer. This key difference affects how cargo is loaded and unloaded, and how well the dock seals against the elements.
Sources
- https://www.ritehite.com/en/am/products/dock-seals-and-shelters/dock-shelters
- https://www.vestil.com/product.php
- https://www.beacontechnology.com/dock-equipment/dock-door-seals/dock-door-shelters/
- https://goffsenterprises.com/products/dock-seals-shelters/
- https://www.ritehite.com/en/am/products/dock-seals-and-shelters
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