Dock Boards
Need a simple, safe bridge between your loading bay and a vehicle? Dock boards span the gap, take the weight, and stop wheels dropping into the void. Pick aluminium for easy handling or steel for higher capacities and hard knocks.
What are Dock Boards?
Dock boards are portable bridges that link a loading bay to a lorry or container so you can drive across the gap. Unlike lightweight dock plates, boards have raised kerbs for run-off protection and are built to take powered equipment such as forklifts and pallet trucks. Result: faster turnarounds and fewer accidents.
How to Choose the Right Dock Board
- Load capacity: Work off the combined weight of your truck and the heaviest load, not just the pallet. Add a safety margin—if you’re on the fence, go up a size.
- Height difference & length: Measure the highest and lowest trailer bed you see. Keep gradients shallow: as a rule of thumb ≤10% for forklifts and ≤5% for pallet trucks. Longer boards reduce the incline.
- Width: Go wider than the truck’s wheel track and your largest pallet. Allow at least 150 mm clearance each side.
- Kerbs & stability: Raised side kerbs prevent run-off. Locking legs, pins or chains keep the board put while you work.
- Surface & environment: Choose anti-slip tread for dry, indoor use; open or serrated surfaces grip better in wet or dirty yards.
- Handling: If it’s moved often by one person, aluminium keeps weight down and resists corrosion. If it’s mostly placed by forklift and sees tough use, steel gives higher capacities and durability.
- Practicalities: Clear capacity labels, visible wear checks and simple maintenance keep you compliant and downtime low.
Aluminium vs Steel at a Glance
- Aluminium Dock Board: Lighter, easier to reposition, excellent for frequent set-ups and mixed indoor/outdoor use.
- Steel Dock Board with Handles: Heavier-duty, higher capacities, built for forklifts and rough yards; handles aid manual positioning when needed.
Not sure which way to go? Tell us your truck type, load weight, and trailer height range — we’ll recommend the right board at a sensible price, with fast UK delivery.