Vehicle Profile
Trailer width, overall height, bed height, rear-door arrangement, tail lift and fleet variation.
Loading Bay Protection
Dock Shelters & Seals
Reduce weather ingress, uncontrolled air exchange and exposure around docked vehicles with a solution selected for your fleet, opening and operation.
3 Core shelter types
UK Nationwide support
1 Survey-led solution
Control the Gap
A better interface between the vehicle and building.
A dock shelter forms a protective interface around a correctly positioned vehicle, helping to shield people, products and the building from wind and rain.
The right design depends on much more than the opening size. EVICK considers vehicle heights and widths, docking frequency, tail-lift arrangements, temperature control, wall construction, projection and the way the bay is used. We can supply a shelter as a standalone product or coordinate it with the dock door, leveller, buffers, controls and vehicle-restraint equipment.
Three solutions for different operations.
Our survey identifies the most suitable arrangement rather than forcing every loading bay into one standard design.
01
Flexible fleet coverage
Retractable Curtain Dock Shelters
Retractable shelters use durable head and side curtains supported by a collapsible frame. They suit many mixed-fleet operations because the curtains overlap the sides and roof of vehicles across an agreed working range.
If a vehicle contacts the shelter incorrectly, the supporting structure is designed to retract or yield rather than behave like a rigid projection. Correct vehicle alignment and suitable dock buffers remain essential.
- Useful where vehicle heights and widths vary
- Durable curtain materials and replaceable wear components
- Sloping head construction can support water drainage
- Projection and opening dimensions tailored to the bay
- Optional high-visibility approach markings
02
Close conforming seal
Inflatable Dock Shelters
Inflatable shelters deploy around the vehicle after it has docked, creating a closer seal around the sides and top. They are particularly useful where energy control, temperature stability or hygiene is a priority.
Depending on the selected model, systems can be built into the facade or supplied as a projecting arrangement. The cushions retract before the vehicle departs, helping protect them from unnecessary wear.
- Strong option for chilled, food, pharmaceutical and controlled environments
- Helps reduce draughts and uncontrolled air exchange
- Durable coated fabric and protected supporting structure
- Can be coordinated with door and dock control sequences
- Built-in and front-projection options subject to survey
03
Consistent vehicle profile
Cushion Dock Seals
Cushion seals use resilient pads that compress against the rear of the vehicle. They can provide a close, straightforward seal where a dedicated or predictable fleet uses the bay and vehicle dimensions remain consistent.
They are less suitable where trailers vary substantially in height or width. Tail lifts, rear doors, swing clearance and the required loading aperture must all be reviewed before specification.
- Well suited to dedicated fleets and repeat vehicle profiles
- Simple operation with no inflation cycle
- Effective insulation when correctly matched to the vehicle
- Replaceable covers and wear faces available on selected designs
- Suitable for swap-body or container operations where surveyed accordingly
Which dock shelter fits your operation?
| Consideration | Retractable | Inflatable | Cushion Seal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle variation | Good across an agreed mixed-fleet range | Good when sized for the expected fleet | Best with consistent vehicle dimensions |
| Seal performance | Effective flexible weather protection | Close conforming seal | Close compression seal on matched vehicles |
| Operation | Passive curtain contact | Powered inflation and retraction | Passive cushion compression |
| Typical application | Warehousing and mixed distribution fleets | Temperature-controlled or energy-conscious sites | Dedicated fleets and repeat trailer profiles |
| Key survey point | Vehicle range and approach alignment | Controls, projection and operating sequence | Vehicle consistency and compression depth |
This comparison is a guide only. Final suitability depends on a site survey and the full operating arrangement.
Designed around the real loading bay.
Opening & Projection
Clear opening, facade construction, dock height, required projection and available fixing zones.
Environment
Prevailing weather, wind exposure, drainage, temperature targets and internal hygiene requirements.
Operating Cycle
Vehicle frequency, loading process, door sequence, staff interaction and expected daily use.
Impact Protection
Dock buffers, approach guides, bollards and protection required around the shelter structure.
Controls & Interlocks
Potential coordination with doors, levellers, traffic lights and vehicle restraints where appropriate.
One Coordinated Loading Bay
More than a shelter around an opening.
The shelter performs best when it is considered alongside every other part of the loading-bay interface.
EVICK can survey, install and support complete arrangements including sectional doors, dock levellers, buffers, wheel guides, vehicle restraints, traffic lights and control panels. Coordinating these components early helps create a clearer operating sequence and avoids conflicts between equipment.
Explore dock levellersIndustrial dock doors
Dock levellers
Dock buffers
Wheel guides
Vehicle restraints
Traffic lights and controls
Lifecycle Support
Installation, maintenance and repair.
Curtains, cushions, frames, fixings and protective components are exposed to repeated vehicle movements and weather. Planned inspection helps identify worn material, damaged supports, loose fixings and operational issues before they develop into larger failures.
EVICK supports new installations, replacement shelters, damage repairs and planned maintenance. Where safe and practical, individual wear components may be repaired or replaced without renewing the complete system.
Dock shelter questions answered.
Which dock shelter gives the closest seal?
Inflatable shelters and correctly matched cushion seals can provide a close seal, but suitability depends on vehicle variation, operating sequence and the opening. A survey is needed before selecting a system.
Can one shelter accommodate different vehicle sizes?
Yes, within a defined working range. Retractable curtain shelters are commonly used for mixed fleets, while inflatable systems can also accommodate variation when correctly sized.
Can a damaged dock shelter be repaired?
Often, yes. Curtains, covers, cushions, arms, brackets and protective items may be replaceable. The structure and fixings must be inspected to determine whether repair is safe and economical.
Can the shelter be interlocked with other dock equipment?
Selected powered systems can be coordinated with doors, levellers, traffic lights or vehicle restraints. The required sequence and existing controls must be assessed first.
Do dock shelters require maintenance?
Yes. Repeated vehicle contact, wind, rain and UV exposure can cause wear. Routine inspection helps identify damage and maintain effective operation.
Plan Your Loading Bay
Find the right shelter for your vehicles and operation.
Arrange a site survey with EVICK to review the opening, vehicle fleet, environment and complete loading-bay arrangement.