Dock Shelters

The choice mainly depends on the type of vehicle, the frequency of use and the required level of weathertightness.

Retractable dock shelters such as the ABRE are commonly used in facilities with varied traffic and frequent docking manoeuvres. Inflatable models such as the ABHM are recommended when thermal insulation and hygiene are top priorities. For temperature-controlled logistics, specialised solutions such as the ABFR, ABFE and ABFM are available, while the ABFI fixed dock shelter is generally installed in repetitive operations with standardised vehicle fleets.

A retractable dock shelter incorporates a flexible structure that absorbs minor docking impacts and adapts to vehicles of different sizes.

A fixed dock shelter remains stationary and is designed for facilities where vehicles perform highly repetitive and controlled manoeuvres. Models such as the ABFI are commonly used in industrial facilities with constant traffic and fixed loading positions.

An inflatable dock shelter is the ideal choice when the project’s main priority is to ensure maximum thermal insulation and hygiene.

The ABHM model automatically inflates around the truck body, completely sealing out air, dust and moisture infiltration. It is the standard solution for pharmaceutical and food-processing facilities, as well as frozen-food logistics centres where temperature fluctuations are not acceptable.

For temperature-controlled logistics applications, the ABFR, ABFE and ABFM series are recommended, as they have been specifically designed to minimise refrigeration losses.

In high-performance facilities, these solutions are often integrated into a combined system with insulated loading tunnels and telescopic-lip dock levellers. This creates an airtight seal before the truck doors are opened, helping maintain the cold chain throughout loading operations.

Yes, they significantly reduce energy consumption by sealing the critical gap between the truck body and the building.

By preventing air exchange with the outside environment during loading and unloading operations, they reduce the workload of the facility’s climate-control systems. They also act as a physical barrier against wind, rain and dirt at the loading dock.

The difference is that the dock shelter creates the sealing contact with the vehicle, while the tunnel is the external structure that houses the entire loading point.

The dock shelter is installed directly on the building façade. By contrast, an insulated loading tunnel projects the loading dock into the manoeuvring yard, allowing the building to remain completely insulated. These are complementary solutions that are often combined in extreme cold-storage applications.

A flush-mounted dock shelter is recommended for projects with severe space constraints in the manoeuvring yard or specific architectural requirements.

Unlike conventional models, the ABFA flush-mounted dock shelter is integrated directly into the building opening without projecting outward. It provides protection and weathertightness without encroaching on the vehicle manoeuvring area and is commonly used for large openings.

Yes. In addition to protecting goods from rain and dirt, they help drivers position the vehicle correctly during docking.

In retractable models such as the ABRE, the structure itself can absorb minor impacts during docking manoeuvres, reducing damage to both the shelter and the truck body.

Preventive maintenance should focus on inspecting the wear of the top and side curtains caused by the continuous contact with vehicles.

It is necessary to regularly check joints, wall fixings and the elastic elements of the retractable structure. In the case of the inflatable ABHM model, it is also essential to inspect the inflation motor and the integrity of the air cushions to ensure proper operation.