Two of the simplest pieces of dock equipment do some of the most important work. Dock bumpers absorb the impact of trailers backing in, which protects the building and the leveler. Vehicle restraints (often called truck restraints) hold the trailer at the dock so it can’t creep away or pull out while a forklift is inside. Partridge Door Company supplies, installs and repairs both for warehouses and businesses across central Mississippi.
Loading dock bumpers
Every trailer that backs into your dock hits something. Without good bumpers, that’s your dock wall, your leveler or your door frame.
- Molded rubber bumpers for general use.
- Laminated bumpers built from layers of rubber, for heavier and more frequent impacts.
- Steel-faced bumpers for docks with heavy traffic, where trailers slide up and down on the bumper as they load.
Bumpers wear out. A bumper that’s worn thin or torn off lets trailers hit the dock face directly. We replace worn bumpers and help you choose a size and projection that suits your trailers and leveler.
Vehicle restraints
Trailer creep happens when a trailer slowly moves away from the dock as a forklift drives in and out. Early departure happens when a driver pulls away while loading is still going on. Both can open a gap that a forklift can fall into.
A vehicle restraint engages the trailer’s rear impact guard and holds it in place until loading is finished. Most systems include inside and outside lights so the forklift operator and the driver both know whether the trailer is secured.
Dock equipment is customer-specific. We don’t rely on a single brand. Instead, we can source a wide range of dock systems on the market and match them to your building, your trailers and how you load. We’ll recommend a restraint suited to your trailers and dock, and install it with the leveler and door. → Dock Levelers
Repair and service
We service and repair dock bumpers and vehicle restraints of all makes and models: worn bumpers, restraints that won’t engage or release, failed lights and controls, and impact damage. Bumpers and restraints can be included in our commercial preventive maintenance plan, a custom plan based on your facility. → Commercial Door Repair
A complete, safer dock
Bumpers and restraints work best as part of a complete dock setup with the right dock seal or shelter, leveler and door. We handle the whole opening. → Loading Dock Equipment
Service area
We install and repair dock bumpers and restraints in Jackson, Pearl, Clinton, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Brandon, Byram, Raymond and Vicksburg.
Dock bumper and restraint FAQ
What is a dock restraint?
A dock restraint, or vehicle restraint, is a device mounted at the dock that hooks the trailer’s rear impact guard and holds the trailer in place during loading. It helps prevent trailer creep and early departure.
What are the different types of vehicle restraints?
Common types include automatic or powered restraints that engage the trailer’s rear guard, manual restraints, and wheel-based restraints that block the trailer’s wheels. The right type depends on your trailers and dock layout.
What is the purpose of dock bumpers?
Dock bumpers absorb the force of trailers backing into the dock. They protect the building, the dock leveler and the door from impact damage, and they keep trailers at a consistent distance from the wall.
What are the OSHA requirements for loading docks?
OSHA’s general industry rules require measures to keep a trailer from moving while forklifts drive on and off it or employees are on the dockboard. The rules name wheel chocks as one example, and vehicle restraints are a common alternative. See 29 CFR 1910.178(k) and 1910.26, and check your insurer’s requirements for your facility.
Is your work covered by a warranty?
Yes. Our products and services come with a 1-year warranty, followed by the manufacturers’ warranties.
Make your dock safer
Call (601) 372-4874, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., or contact us online.