Dock Plates vs Dock Boards

While dock plates and dock boards look fairly similar, they are not designed to be used for the same things and it is important to ensure that each one is being used properly in your warehouse space. If you are unsure about which piece of dock equipment will work best for your particular warehouse needs, consulting an expert like the ones at Commander Warehouse will help you make an informed decision.

What are Dock Plates?

Dock plates are pieces of metal, typically aluminum or steel, that have a slight bend for easy transition, making them ideal for bridging gaps between one area in a warehouse to the next. While dock plates are similar to dock boards, they do not have curbs on the edges and they are intended for use with lighter equipment, such as hand trucks and pallet jacks.

What are Dock Boards?

Dock boards are flat pieces of aluminum or steel that have curbs on either end to prevent runoff. Unlike dock plates which are designed for lighter loads, dock boards are ideal for use in heavy-duty applications, such as using a forklift or other material handling equipment to load or unload a truck, and can be used to bridge any gaps that are considered to be a safety concern.

How to Choose the Best Option for Your Warehouse

When trying to determine which piece of dock equipment will work best for your warehouse, make sure to consider the kind of equipment that your employees use on a daily basis. If your employees often deal with heavy-duty applications that involve higher weight capacities and the use of a forklift, then a dock board will be the best option; however, if employees are not dealing with heavy-duty unloading and loading applications, then a dock plate will be able to sufficiently bridge the gap from one place to another to make movement in the warehouse easier.

Both dock boards and dock plates offer their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Consider consulting with a dock equipment expert before making a purchase to ensure that all of your warehouse needs will be met by the piece of equipment you choose to buy.

If you would like to learn more about the differences between dock plates and dock boards, or if you are interested in one of our dock equipment products, please get in touch with Commander Warehouse at one of our four locations across Western Canada or by filling out a contact form on our website.

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