Inflatable dock shelter
A system designed to withstand impacts and changing weather conditions
The inflatable dock shelter for loading bays is ideal for protecting goods and optimizing energy consumption, offering a higher level of insulation than other dock shelter solutions. It ensures the airtight sealing required to meet hygiene and safety standards, especially in sectors such as logistics, food processing and pharmaceuticals. Its design prevents the ingress of external agents and reduces the risk of structural damage.
Available in three versions, it adapts to different fleets and traffic volumes.
Types of inflatable dock shelters
An inflatable dock shelter for loading bays is a key investment for companies handling products that are sensitive to extreme temperatures, especially in sectors such as food and pharmaceuticals, where temperature control and hygiene are critical.
Airbag inflatable dock shelter
The AIRBAG inflatable dock shelter is recommended for areas where the temperature difference between the inside and outside is very high. It is the ideal solution for protection against cold, wind and heat. It can adapt to vehicle sizes from 3,500 kg upwards, making it suitable for most transport operations.
It is the ideal solution for warehouses requiring a higher level of airtight sealing.
Plus inflatable dock shelter
The Plus inflatable dock shelter, or bellows-type model, represents the next step forward in speed and vehicle guidance. It is designed for high-traffic logistics centres that cannot afford delays, offering superior operation compared to the standard model.
Plus inflatable dock shelter for vans
The inflatable dock shelter Plus for vans is an optimal solution for loading and unloading areas with a high volume of operations that require maximum sealing and operational continuity. It stands out for its active sealing design, using inflatable cushions that adapt to the perimeter of the vehicle, ensuring a tight seal between the vehicle and the warehouse.
Key features:
Main benefits:
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Operation and use of the inflatable dock shelter
1
Truck positioning
The truck is positioned in front of the loading bay and placed inside the shelter. Once correctly aligned, the operator can activate the system to prepare the seal and begin loading or unloading safely.
2
Inflation system activation
The operator activates the motor and the inflatable dock shelter deploys automatically. The side and top cushions inflate until they adapt to the vehicle perimeter and close the gap between the truck and the building.
3
Thermal sealing of the vehicle
With the system inflated, the shelter creates an airtight seal around the truck. This helps reduce thermal losses, prevent the ingress of outside air and protect the goods throughout the logistics operation.
4
Loading or unloading with continuous insulation
During loading or unloading, the cushions remain inflated and under pressure. This maintains a more stable indoor temperature and minimizes the ingress of moisture, dust or air currents.
5
Deactivation and retraction of the shelter
Once the operation is complete, the inflation system is switched off. The top cushion rolls up by means of a tubular motor and the side cushions return to their position thanks to the built-in retraction system.
6
Truck departure
With the shelter fully retracted, the truck can leave the bay freely. The system is then ready to receive the next vehicle and repeat the process quickly, safely and efficiently.
Benefits and operational return
Maximum dock sealing
The inflatable dock shelter effectively seals the contour of the truck and prevents the ingress of air, dust, rain and insects.
Better thermal control and energy savings
It reduces heat or cold losses, helps maintain a stable indoor temperature and lowers the facility’s energy consumption.
Ideal solution for cold storage and climate-controlled warehouses
It is especially recommended for refrigerated loading bays, the food industry, pharmaceuticals and environments with high thermal requirements.
Greater protection for the goods
It protects the load from rain, wind, dirt and temperature changes during loading and unloading.
Less wear and lower maintenance
As the shelter inflates only once the truck is already in position, it is subject to less friction, fewer impacts and less damage than other solutions.
Greater operational efficiency and safety
It improves loading manoeuvres, reduces dock incidents and supports a safer, faster and more controlled operation.
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Frequently asked questions
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Inflatable seal or Inflatable Plus?
The choice depends on your operation. The conventional model is ideal for quickly sealing trailers and large trucks. The Inflatable Plus, thanks to its alveolar airbags, offers greater versatility for mixed fleets, including vans, and faster retraction to minimize incidents at high-traffic loading bays.
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What level of sealing do inflatable dock shelters provide?
The inflatable dock shelter provides a very high level of sealing because it inflates around the vehicle once docked and minimizes the gaps between the truck and the loading bay.
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Is it suitable for cold rooms or temperature-controlled warehouses?
Yes, it is especially recommended for facilities with high thermal requirements, such as cold storage, food processing or climate-controlled warehouses.
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Does it adapt to different truck sizes and heights?
Yes, there are models designed to work with different vehicle sizes and heights, although the correct model should always be selected according to the actual fleet.
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Is it recommended if my fleet is varied or mixed?
Yes, it can be a good option, but it is important to choose a model designed for mixed fleets and to validate the dimensions of the vehicles that will operate at the loading bay.
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Does it allow good truck manoeuvring before docking?
Yes, one of the advantages of the inflatable dock shelter is that it remains deflated during approach, making truck manoeuvring easier before final docking.
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Does it inflate only when the truck is docked?
Yes, that is precisely how it works: it inflates only after the vehicle has been correctly positioned at the loading bay.
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What happens if the truck approaches off-centre or hits the bay?
In that case, the outcome depends on the specific shelter design, but in general it is important to carefully assess impact protection and system behaviour in the event of imperfect manoeuvres.
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How resistant are the inflatable bags or cushions?
They are manufactured for industrial use and designed to withstand repeated cycles, although their actual resistance depends on the material, the environment and the intensity of loading bay use.
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What are the most common failures or wear issues?
The most common wear issues are usually related to rubbing, tears, deformation, sealing loss or damage to inflation system components.
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Can it be installed on an existing loading bay?
Yes, in many cases it can be installed on existing loading bays, provided that the dock front and the opening allow proper fixing and sizing.
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Is building work required for installation?
It normally does not require major civil works, although fixing, adaptation and electrical connection work may be needed depending on the loading bay and the model.
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Is it compatible with my sectional door and dock leveller?
Yes, it normally forms part of the complete loading bay system and integrates with sectional doors, loading dock leveler and other loading bay equipment.
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What energy savings and operational return can it provide?
The return depends on use and installation conditions, but it can be highly beneficial where there are significant thermal losses, a high loading frequency and a need to improve environmental control at the loading bay.
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Which model is most suitable for my installation?
The right model will depend on the type of fleet, the required insulation level, the frequency of use and the specific conditions of the loading bay.
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