Dock Plate and Dock Board Measurement Guide
Select the right dockplate or dockboard with the assistance of our dock plate and dock board measurement guide. Choosing the correct SIZE and CAPACITY of equipment helps improve your dock operation. These factors are determined by length, width, height differential and capacity. Visit our Dock Boards and Dock Plate pages for more information.
Selection Guide for online assistance and to purchase dock boards and dock plates online.
Dock Plate and Dock Board Length
To determine the proper length of a dock board or dock plate three things are required:
• Dock Height (D)
• Height of the Highest Truck Bed (T)
• Type of Loading Equipment Used
Dock Plate and Dock Board Width
We recommend a minimum dockboard and dockplate width of 12″ to 18″ wider than the overall width of the vehicle or pallet used. For improved end loading efficiency, you may consider increasing the dock plate or dock board width.
Height Differential (H)
The height differential is determined by the highest truck height (T) minus the dock height (D). We recommend using 55″ for the highest truck height on freight trailers and 59″ on refrigerated or container trailers. T – D = H
Length
| Dockplate Length | Dockboard Length | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | Pallet Jack | Propane Forklift | Electric Forklift |
| 3" | 36" | 36" | 36" |
| 5" | 48" | 36" | 48" |
| 7" | 60" | 48" | 60" |
| 9" | 60" | 78" | |
| 11" | 72" | 90" | |
| 13" | 84" | ||
| 15" | 96" |
Capacity
| 3 Wheel Forklift | 4 Wheel Forklift | Dock Board Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 - 2,500 | 10,000 | |
| 2,000 - 3,000 | 10,000 | |
| 3,000 - 3,500 | 15,000 | |
| 4,000 - 5,000 | 20,000 | |
| 3,000 - 5,000 | 15,000 | |
| 5,000 - 6,000 | 20,000 |
Additional Information on Dock Boards and Dock Plates
- Stackers and other aisle loaders should not be used on a dock board
- Paper roll clamps and multi-shift loading requires an additional 5,000 lbs. of capacity
- Capacity rated for single-shift operation at a 3 MPH max rate of travel
- For railroad applications visit our Rail Boards page
- An 11″ lip is standard, other lengths are available at no additional cost
- Leg lengths are 2-3″ longer than maximum height differential
- An 11″ degree bend is standard, other bend angles are available at no additional cost
- Refrigerated trailers require HRARL option
Dock Board and Plate Options
| Model | Option |
| HRALC | Lifting chains |
| HRALEG | Extra leg with fasteners |
| HRALH | Loop handles welded to each leg |
| HRARL | Legs set at 14″ from truck end for refrigerated trailers |
| HREZ | EZ Roll option for dock plates |
| Parcel packaging – for sizes up to 48″ x 36″ | |
| HRASL | Leg location other than 2.5″ from edge of plate |
For special applications, custom designs and measurement assistance or pricing call (800)876-7267.
