Dock Board & Plate Selector
Bridge the gap between dock and trailer safely. Pick what rolls across it and the gross weight — we apply the correct equipment capacity factor (hand truck 1.5× up to forklift 3×) and match every dock board and plate rated for the job. 228 models, most OSHA/ANSI compliant.
Dock board vs. dock plate — and how to size them
- Plates vs. boards: aluminum dock plates are flat and light — hand trucks and manual pallet jacks only. Steel dock boards add side curbs and locking legs for powered equipment; forklifts always require boards, never plates.
- Capacity factor: multiply gross rolling weight (equipment + load) by 1.5× for hand trucks, 2× for manual pallet jacks, 2.5× for electric walkies, 3× for forklifts — speed and wheel-point loading concentrate force far beyond static weight.
- Width: usable width should exceed your equipment's overall width by at least 12" (6" clearance per side) so operators aren't threading a needle.
- Height difference: the length must keep grade under ~12% for powered equipment — bigger dock-to-trailer height gaps need longer boards.
Browse all dock boards & plates or yard ramps for ground-to-dock access, or request a quote.