12 best dock plate

A dock plate, also known as a dock leveler plate or loading dock plate, is an essential material handling product used in industrial and warehouse settings to bridge the gap between a loading dock and a trailer or truck bed. Dock plates are designed to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of goods between the loading dock and vehicles during the loading and unloading process. Here are some key points about dock plates:

Purpose: The primary purpose of a dock plate is to create a smooth and stable surface for forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and workers to move between the loading dock and a vehicle without encountering the height difference or gap that exists between them.
Construction: Dock plates are typically made of strong and durable materials such as aluminum or steel. These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand heavy loads and resist damage from the constant use and impact associated with loading and unloading activities.
Design: Dock plates come in various designs to suit different needs. The most common types include:
- Solid Plate: A solid plate dock plate is a simple, flat, and rigid plate that spans the gap between the dock and the vehicle.It's suitable for lighter loads and smaller equipment.
- Bolt-On Steel or Aluminum Dock Plate: These dock plates are designed to be permanently attached to the dock, providing a fixed bridge between the dock and the truck.
- Portable Dock Plate: These are more versatile and can be manually positioned at the loading dock as needed. They often feature handles or lifting chains for ease of placement.
Capacity: Dock plates come in various weight capacities to accommodate different loads. It's crucial to choose a dock plate with a capacity that matches or exceeds the weight of the loads being handled.
Safety Features: Many dock plates include safety features such as beveled edges to reduce the risk of tripping, non-slip surfaces to enhance traction, and safety curbs or side rails to prevent equipment or workers from accidentally rolling off the edges.
Installation: Installing a dock plate is relatively straightforward, whether it's a permanent attachment or a portable unit. Proper installation ensures stability and safety during use.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of dock plates. This may include inspections for damage, proper cleaning, and lubrication of hinges or moving parts.
Regulations: Depending on the region and industry, there may be regulations and standards that govern the use and maintenance of dock plates. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for safety and liability reasons.

In summary, a dock plate is a crucial component of material handling at loading docks, allowing for the efficient and safe movement of goods between the dock and vehicles. They come in various designs and weight capacities to accommodate different needs and loads, and their construction materials and safety features are chosen to ensure durability and worker safety during the loading and unloading process.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best dock plate on the market

Vestil E-3024 Aluminum Economizer Dock Plate, 3,000-lb. Capacity, 24" Length, 30" Usable Width, 36" Height Difference, 3/8" Plate Thickness

Based on 25 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Loading dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and dock
Aluminum alloy for light weight and resistance to corrosion
Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
Beveled edges for smooth transition
3, 000-lb. capacity

User questions & answers

Question:	Height Difference is for real
Answer:	If you use hand pallet jack, I do not think it works. However, a 2-wheel dolly may work. a 4-wheel dolly may work with 2 persons.
Question:	Title says 36 inch height difference but description says 3 inch, which one is it
Answer:	3 inch height difference.
Question:	How long are the bolted on legs
Answer:	Legs are 6" long
Question:	can i use this for 8 inch hight
Answer:	I used this dock plate for 8" height difference between the dock and the lift-gate truck. You may be able to use this for unload light load skid from a truck directly. However, I suggest you should request the freight company to send you a lift-gate truck just in case.

Vestil E-4224 Aluminum Economizer Dock Plate, 4,300-lb. Capacity, 24" Length, 42" Usable Width, 3" Height Difference, 3/8" Plate Thickness

Vestil Manufacturing Corp

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Loading dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and dock
Aluminum alloy for light weight and resistance to corrosion
Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
Beveled edges for smooth transition
4,300-lb. capacity

Vestil EH-3630 Aluminum Economizer Dock Plate, 30" Length, 36" Usable Width, 1/2" Plate Thickness, 5,100-lb. Capacity

Vestil Manufacturing Corp

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Loading dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and dock
Aluminum alloy for light weight and resistance to corrosion
Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
Beveled edges for smooth transition
5,100-lb. capacity

User questions & answers

Question:	Are the legs removable
Answer:	You could remove them but then the plate would slip and not be held in place. I would strongly advise against it. Why would you want to remove them, if that's the case, buy a regular piece of 1/2" thick diamond plate for half the price.

Vestil AH-3624 Hand Truck Dock Plate, Aluminum, 700-lb. Capacity, 24" Length x 36" Usable Width x 5/16" Thick

Vestil Manufacturing Corp

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and loading dock for two wheel hand trucks
Aluminum for light weight and resistance to corrosion
Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
Locking legs for preventing movement during use
700-lb. capacity

User questions & answers

Question:	Are the legs removable or foldable
Answer:	The legs are welded. This is a great product.

Vestil A-3024 Hand Truck Dock Plate, Aluminum, 500-lb. Capacity, 24" Length, 30" Usable Width, 1/4" Thick

Vestil Manufacturing Corp

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and loading dock for two wheel hand trucks
Aluminum for light weight and resistance to corrosion
Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
Locking legs for preventing movement during use
500-lb. capacity

User questions & answers

Question:	Hello, what is the size of rise? smokeyponddave
Answer:	I'm not sure. But it's way to narrow. I would spend a few more bucks for a wider one.

Vestil AH-3636 Hand Truck Dock Plate, Aluminum, 700-lb. Capacity, 36" Length x 36" Usable Width x 5/16" Thick

Vestil Manufacturing Corp

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and loading dock for two wheel hand trucks
Aluminum for light weight and resistance to corrosion
Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
Locking legs for preventing movement during use
700-lb. capacity

Vestil A-3630 Hand Truck Dock Plate, Aluminum, 500-lb. Capacity, 30" Length, 36" Usable Width, 1/4" Thick

Vestil Manufacturing Corp

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and loading dock for two wheel hand trucks
Aluminum for light weight and resistance to corrosion
Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
Locking legs for preventing movement during use
500-lb. capacity

Vestil AMD-3018 Mini Dock Plate, Aluminum, 600-lb. Capacity, 18" Length x 30" Width x 1/8" Thick

Vestil Manufacturing Corp

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Loading dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and dock
Aluminum for light weight and resistance to corrosion
Lifting handles for portability
Non-skid treadplate for safety
600-lb. capacity,Can scale curbs and door thresholds up to 5 inches

Bluff Aluminum Plate

Bluff Manufacturing

Based on 27 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Bluff Manufacturing aluminum dock plate is ideal for low to medium volume dock loading applications. Aluminum dock plates should be used with hand trucks and pallet jacks only. Dock plates are NOT to be used with power equipment such as fork lift trucks. Use a dock board for fork lift applications. Made in the USA. Bluff aluminum dock plates are manufactured and tested in compliance with ANSI Standard MH30.2 and OSHA compliant. For more than 45 years, Bluff Manufacturing has been recognized as an innovative leader in the fabrication and design of high quality dock, warehouse, and safety equipment. Products include yard ramps, dock boards, dock levelers, mezzanines, cantilever rack, stairways, free standing conveyor support structures, catwalks, work platforms, and caged ladders. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Bluff serves the entire U.S., Central & South America and the Caribbean through a national distributor network, and the company's 5 distribution warehouses ensure quick delivery.

36" width, 24" length
Low-cost solution to light dock loading activity applications
Bolt-on steel legs for securing position between the dock and the trailer
Manufactured and Tested in Compliance with ANSI Standard MH30.2. OSHA 1910.3 Compliant
Made in the USA. ANSI and OSHA Compliant

User questions & answers

Question:	How much weight does it hold
Answer:	We've rolled a 700+ lb pallet over....no trouble. It is small though....just wide enough for a pallet jack.

Vestil TAS-15-7236 Aluminum Dock Board with Steel Curb, 15000 lb. Capacity, 72" x 36", Silver

Vestil

Check latest price

Product description

The Aluminum Truck Duckboard with Steel Safety Curbs is designed for portability and safety. The deck is made of tough high strength aluminum tread plate. The edges are beveled for smooth entry and exit. Safety curbs are coated yellow and are constructed of steel with cast tapered ends. Steel legs are bolted on for increased durability. Canted locking legs for easier truck portability. Manufactured in compliance with OSHA. The capacity is based upon the heaviest type of equipment used plus the maximum load carried times the single axle rating of total load. Dynamic loading, driver tendencies, speed and frequency of use must be considered. When using three-wheeled fork trucks order duckboard with capacity at least four-times the lifting capacity of fork truck. The width of the duckboard should be at least fifteen (15) inches wider than the load or equipment passing between the curbs. If the load does not pass between curbs, but is elevated above, add fifteen (15) inches to overall width of equipment.

High-strength aluminum tread plate material is durable yet lightweight
Zinc-plated locking legs are within OSHA compliance
Beveled entrance and exit edges allow for smoother transition
Heavy-duty steel curbs are painted yellow and bolted to deck plate for safer use

Vestil A-3036 Hand Truck Dock Plate, Aluminum, 500-lb. Capacity, 36" Length, 30" Usable Width, 1/4" Thick

Vestil Manufacturing Corp

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dock plate for bridging the gap between truck and loading dock for two wheel hand trucks
Aluminum for light weight and resistance to corrosion
Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles
Locking legs for safety during use
500-lb. capacity