Dock Seals vs Dock Shelters
When comparing dock seals and dock shelters, there are several important factors to consider to make the best choice for your facility. First, consider the types and sizes of trucks and trailers that will be docking, as well as the dimensions of your dock door openings. Additionally, the nature of the goods being loaded and unloaded—whether they’re temperature-sensitive, delicate, or require specific environmental controls—can play a major role in your decision. Finally, budget constraints are an important consideration, as dock seals and dock shelters vary in cost and durability. In the sections below, we’ll explore the unique benefits of each option to help you determine which solution best meets your operational needs.
Dock Seals

Dock seals create a tight “seal” around the sides and top of the trailer, forming an effective barrier against outside elements. This tight fit helps keep light, pests, and unwanted weather conditions out of the loading area, making dock seals an ideal choice for warehouses and facilities that require a clean and controlled environment. They are generally more affordable than dock shelters, offering a cost-effective solution for facilities with a consistent truck size.

One thing to consider with dock seals is that they are best suited for standard-sized trailers. Since they’re designed to fit snugly, dock seals are typically intended for facilities that use a specific, uniform trailer size. Dock seals are also “impactable,” meaning they’re built to be compressed as trucks back into them. This pressure helps create a complete seal, ensuring minimal air exchange and providing better climate control within the loading area. However, this impact-ability also means that dock seals may wear out faster with frequent use or with heavier impacts, requiring regular maintenance to retain their performance.
Dock Shelters
Dock shelters, provide more flexibility in terms of trailer access. Unlike dock seals, which cover the perimeter tightly, dock shelters “wrap around” the sides and top of the trailer when the truck backs in. This design allows for greater access to the rear of the trailer, making loading and unloading easier, particularly for larger or unusually shaped cargo. Dock shelters also accommodate a wider range of truck sizes, making them ideal for facilities that handle varying types of trailers.


However, dock shelters come at a higher price point, as they are generally larger and more complex in structure. They may also be more prone to damage, especially if drivers are not backing up straight, because they need a certain amount of side room and head room to mount based on your opening size. Additionally, because they don’t create as tight a seal as dock seals, they may be less effective for facilities that need strict environment control. Despite these limitations, dock shelters provide versatile access, making them a valuable choice for loading docks with diverse truck traffic.
Choosing Between Dock Seals and Dock Shelters
The choice between dock seals and dock shelters depends on your facility’s specific needs. If you require a tight seal for pest control and temperature regulation, and if you work with uniform trailer sizes, dock seals might be the best fit. On the other hand, if your facility handles a variety of trailer sizes and requires flexibility for loading and unloading, dock shelters may offer the versatility you need.
Our Manufacturing Turn Around Time of Dock Seals for Winter 2025 is currently 4-6 weeks