Dock Boards vs Dock Plates

22 Aug 2019 Warehouse Equipment

Understanding the differences between dock boards and dock plates will help you make an informed decision about which type of warehouse equipment will work best for your particular needs. At Commander Warehouse, they want to help you select the best dock equipment for your warehouse. That is why they carry a wide selection of different warehouse products, including dock boards and dock plates.

What is a Dock Board?

Dock boards are specifically designed to handle heavy-duty machinery, such as forklifts. This type of warehouse equipment consists of a steel or aluminum plate with steel curbs on two sides to prevent the equipment from running off the side, as well as to provide additional strength and stability for handling higher weight capacities. While dock boards tend to be heavier than dock plates, dock boards usually feature a carrying chain or cutouts that allow a forklift to easily transport the dock board from one location to the next.

What is a Dock Plate?

Dock plates are designed for use with lighter equipment, such as pallet jacks, hand carts, and foot traffic. In most cases, dock plates are made from aluminum and are relatively light weight, making it easy for one or two people to move a dock plate to wherever it is needed by using its featured hand holds or handles. In order to prevent the dock plate from shifting when it is being used, this type of warehouse equipment features locking legs underneath; however, it is important to note that dock plates are not intended for use with power equipment.

Will Dock Plates or Dock Boards Work Best for You?

Since dock boards and dock plates have a similar appearance and function, people can often be confused by which type of equipment will work best for their particular situation. Make sure to take the time to consider what kinds of applications you will be using the equipment for, as one is designed for lighter applications and the other is designed for heavy applications. Choosing the right dock equipment for your loading and unloading needs will not only make your workplace more efficient but will also help better protect your employees from workplace accidents.

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