When it comes to moving goods between your dock and a truck, having the right equipment matters. Dock plates and dock boards both help bridge the gap, but they’re built for different tasks. Choosing the wrong one can lead to damaged equipment or worse, injured workers.
This guide breaks down the difference between dock plates and dock boards, and gives you the info you need to pick the right size for your facility. Whether you’re using hand pallet trucks or forklifts, knowing the right tool for the job makes all the difference in safety and efficiency.
- What Is a Dock Plate?
- What Is a Dock Board?
- Dock Plates vs Dock Boards: Key Differences
- How to Choose the Right Size
- Safety Tips for Using Dock Plates and Boards
Not sure which option is right for your dock setup? Contact Ri-Go Lift Truck today. Our team can help you choose the safest, most efficient solution for your operation.
Dock Plates vs Dock Boards
1. What Is a Dock Plate?
A dock plate is a lightweight, simple bridge used to span the gap between a truck or trailer and a loading dock. It’s typically made of flat aluminum and lacks curbs or raised sides, making it a good fit for light-duty applications.
Ideal for Light Loads
Dock plates are designed for handcarts, dollies, and pallet jacks, not forklifts. They work well in operations where you’re moving smaller loads and don’t need high weight capacity. Dock plates don’t have side rails because they are lighter capacity so they can go the full width of your dock or truck if required but are generally NOT safe for a heavy forklift to drive over. Always check what your dock plate capacity is rated at and check the weight of the forklift or pallet truck before driving over the dock plate.
Easy to Use and Store
Because they’re lightweight and portable, dock plates are easy for workers to position, move, and store when not in use. They often include handles or wheels for added convenience, but they are generally much lighter than Dock Boards.
Best for Low-Traffic Use
In case your facility has just occasional loading needs or handles just lighter shipments, a dock plate is a cost-effective and practical alternative.
2. What Is a Dock Board?
A dock board is a more heavy-duty bridge that spans between a loading dock and a truck or trailer to accommodate heavier loads and motorized equipment.
Built to Support Heavy Loads and Forklifts
Dock boards are built of steel or reinforced aluminum and are designed to support forklifts, pallet trucks, and other heavy equipment. They’re perfect for high-weight-demand loading zones with lots of activity.
Raised Curbs for Safety
Unlike dock plates, dock boards have edges on the sides that are raised. The raised edges or “side rails” ensure that equipment and loads cannot roll over the sides, offering an extra safety feature during unloading and loading. The also provide additional strength to allow heavy forklifts to move over them safely without bending or breaking the dock board.
Requires Equipment to Move
Due to their weight, dock boards often need to be moved with a forklift or hoist, or come with built-in handles or lifting chains. While they’re less portable than dock plates, they’re much more durable and stable for high-traffic forklift use.
Ideal for Heavy-Duty Operations
If you’re using forklifts regularly or moving palletized loads, a dock board is the safer and more reliable choice.
3. Dock Plates vs Dock Boards: The Main Differences
What to select between a dock plate and a dock board relies on the equipment you’re dealing with, how heavy and how much. Here’s a summary of the main differences so that you can determine which is ideal for your loading dock.
| Feature | Dock Plate | Dock Board |
|---|---|---|
| Material Strength | Lighter duty (usually aluminum) | Heavy-duty (steel or reinforced aluminum) |
| Weight Capacity | Lower | Higher – handles forklifts |
| Side Curbs | No | Yes – for added safety |
| Mobility | Easy to move and store | Requires lifting equipment or handles |
| Best For | Hand carts, pallet jacks | Forklifts, heavy machinery |
| Application Type | Light use, low-traffic areas | Heavy use, high-traffic environments |
Material Strength & Weight Capacity
Dock boards are designed to handle heavier loads, especially if accompanied by motorized vehicles like forklifts. Dock plates are better for lighter loads like hand carts or pallet jacks.
Side Curbs for Safety
Dock boards themselves come with raised safety curbs on the sides. The curbs keep the equipment from rolling off the board and reduce the likelihood of accidents, especially when handling heavy or clumsy loads.
Mobility and Ease of Use
Dock plates are lighter and can be manually pushed. They’re best when you need a movable application or where equipment’s transferred by manual effort. Dock boards are heavier and usually utilize lifting equipment in transferring.
Best Use Cases
Dock plates are ideal for low-traffic areas and light weights.
Dock boards are best utilized for heavy use with forklifts and heavy material.
Struggling to choose the right equipment? Contact Ri-Go Lift Truck. We will help you identify the most effective and safest solution for your operation.
4. How to Choose the Right Size
Selecting the correct size dock plate or dock board is essential for safety, performance, and avoiding damage to equipment or cargo. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right size for your loading dock configuration.
Determine the Height Difference
Start by measuring the differential in height between the dock and the truck bed. That will determine how big your dock plate or board needs to be. A greater bridge is necessary for a sharper angle to have a good rate of incline, especially if you are transporting heavy loads or hand-carrying items.
Know Your Load Weight
Make sure the dock equipment is rated to handle the maximum weight it will carry. This includes the weight of the load plus the equipment (such as a pallet jack or forklift). Overloading can cause flexing or failure, putting operators and goods at risk.
Consider the Equipment You’re Using
The type of equipment does play a role. Hand trucks and pallet jacks need less capacity and length than a forklift. Forklifts also require dock boards with curbs to maintain safety and side-to-side load containment.
Think about Width
Measure the widest freight you will be moving, and leave some room for clearance on both sides. If multiple workers or bits of equipment will be coming and going from the dock at once, use a wider plate or board to accommodate the traffic.
When in Doubt, Go Bigger
A good overall rule of thumb: longer and broader is safer. A bit bigger than you think you’ll need allows for added stability and versatility, especially as your operations expand or change.
5. Safety Tips for Using Dock Plates and Boards
No matter if you’re using an aluminum dock plate that’s lightweight or a heavy-duty dock board, safety first. Malapropism in use would lead to serious harm, loss of equipment, or loss of loads. Protect your crew and cargo by observing the following precautions.
Always Check Load Limits
Before applying any dock equipment, check the manufacturer’s load capacity rating. Exceeding the load limit will bend, break, or destabilize the plate or board. Don’t forget to include the combined weight of the load and equipment (e.g., a pallet jack or forklift).
Apply Locking Legs or Pins
If your board or dock plate has locking pins or legs, use them every time. They will keep it from shifting under loads when used, especially moving loads. Well-engaged locks provide additional grip and reduce the chance of slipping.
Align Correctly
Ensure the dock plate or board is aligned correctly with the trailer or container. The lip should be firmly planted on both the dock edge and the bed of the truck. Misalignment causes gaps or uneven surfaces that result in accidents.
Secure Placement
Double-check that the equipment is level and does not rock or shift when walked or driven over. Secure it with chains or positioning loops to hold it in place when available. Never begin loading or unloading until the dock bridge is securely in position.
Train Operators on Safe Handling
All dock equipment users should be trained in the appropriate positioning, securing, and checking of the equipment. The training should cover proper lifting for lighter dock plates, as well as the use of equipment like forklifts to lift heavier dock boards.
Why Buy from Ri-Go Lift Truck?
When you require dock equipment, the appropriate equipment delivered promptly and at a fair price can make an enormous difference. Ri-Go Lift Truck stocks all the products needed to keep your warehouse running smoothly and safely.
Broad Selection in Inventory
Ri-Go keeps a wide selection of dock plates, dock boards, and other loading dock equipment in stock. That means less waiting and faster delivery.
Trusted Canadian Supplier
Decades of experience have made Ri-Go Lift Truck a name you can rely on. We’ve been keeping warehouses, factories, and shipping facilities across the country productive with quality equipment and reliable service for over 48 years.
Expert Advice
Not sure of the size or style you need? Our knowledgeable personnel are here to help. We’ll ask the right questions to make sure you receive equipment that fits your configuration and workload.
Competitive Pricing and Customer Service
You’ll get fair, competitive pricing on top-quality equipment, plus the kind of support that keeps customers coming back. Whether you’re outfitting a new dock or replacing old gear, we’re here to help every step of the way.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“I had an issue and reached out, and Chris—the owner—provided the best customer service I’ve experienced in a long time. He responded quickly and was able to resolve everything in less than 24 hours. What really stood out was how patient and understanding he was. He took the time to clearly explain everything step by step and made sure I understood the process. He didn’t stop until I was completely satisfied with the outcome. It’s rare to find someone so dedicated and professional. I really appreciate the effort he put in and would highly recommend working with Ri-GO!”
-George Breger
