Best Loading Dock Plates of 2025

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Loading dock plates are essential equipment for businesses that require the frequent loading and unloading of goods. These plates are typically made of durable materials such as aluminum or steel, and are designed to bridge the gap between a loading dock and a truck or trailer. They come in a variety of sizes and weight capacities to accommodate different types of vehicles and loads. Loading dock plates are an effective way to increase efficiency and safety in the loading and unloading process, while also protecting employees from potential accidents or injuries.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

36" x 30" Aluminum Loading Dock Plate Cover #TOP 1
36" x 30" Aluminum Loading Dock Plate
ftb score rating icon 9.8
48" x 36" Aluminum Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plate Cover #TOP 2
48" x 36" Aluminum Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plate
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Rage Powersports Aluminum Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plates Cover #TOP 3
Rage Powersports Aluminum Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plates
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Loading Dock Plates

#TOP 1

36" x 30" Aluminum Loading Dock Plate

ADP-3036-3000
metallic
30" x 36" x 0.375"
36" x 30" Aluminum Loading Dock Plate Cover
36" x 30" Aluminum 3,000 lb Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plate

This Aluminum Loading Dock Plate is designed for loading dock pallet trucks, pallet jacks, carts, and foot traffic material handling. It has a capacity of up to 3,000 lbs over a 2" surface height at 14% grade or 3" at 19% grade. The plate features bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs, along with a diamond tread surface for slip resistance. Its heavy duty all aluminum construction ensures durability and longevity.

What We Like
Can handle up to 3,000 lbs of weight
Bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs make it easy to use and transport
Diamond tread surface provides slip resistance for added safety
#TOP 2

48" x 36" Aluminum Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plate

ADP-3648-3500
metallic
36" x 48" x 0.375"
48" x 36" Aluminum Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plate Cover
48" x 36" Aluminum 3,500 lb Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plate

This loading dock plate is designed for loading dock pallet trucks, pallet jacks, carts, and foot traffic material handling. It has a 36" x 48" size with a 9" lip-bend and machine beveled edges, allowing for easy loading and unloading. The plate has a maximum capacity of 3,500 lb. over a 3" surface height at 14% grade or 5" at 19% grade. The heavy-duty all-aluminum construction and diamond tread surface provide durability and traction for safe and efficient material handling. Bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs are included for easy transportation and storage.

What We Like
Durable all-aluminum construction
Heavy-duty diamond tread surface provides traction for safe material handling
Includes bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs for easy transportation and storage
#TOP 3

Rage Powersports Aluminum Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plates

Guardian
ADP-4860-2900
metallic
48-Inch x 60-Inch
Rage Powersports Aluminum Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plates Cover
Guardian 48" X 60" Aluminum 2,900 lb Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plate

Rage Powersports ADP-4860-2900 48-Inch x 60-Inch Aluminum Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plates are specifically designed for loading dock pallet trucks, pallet jacks, carts, and foot traffic material handling. This loading dock plate has a 48" x 60" surface with a 9" lip-bend and machine beveled edges, making it easier to use. The carrying handles and steel lock legs make the plate easier to transport and secure. With a maximum 2,900 lb. capacity over 5" surface height at 14% grade or 7" at 19% grade, this plate is perfect for heavy-duty use. The diamond tread surface provides extra traction, making it safer to use.

What We Like
Durable all-aluminum construction
Bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs for easier transport and security
Maximum 2,900 lb. capacity over 5" surface height at 14% grade or 7" at 19% grade, making it suitable for heavy-duty use
#TOP 4

Vestil AH-3624 Aluminum Dock Plate

AH-3624
Silver
36 Inch
Vestil AH-3624 Aluminum Dock Plate Cover
Vestil AH-3624 Hand Truck Dock Plate, Aluminum, 700-lb. Capacity, 24" Length x 36" Usable Width x 5/16" Thick

The Vestil Dock Plate is designed to make loading and unloading easier by bridging the gap between your truck and loading dock. Made from lightweight aluminum, it offers both portability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring durability over time. The plate features bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles, providing you with stability and ease of transport. Additionally, locking legs prevent any movement during use, giving you peace of mind while handling heavy loads. With a robust capacity of 700 lbs, this dock plate is a reliable choice for your loading needs.

What We Like
Lightweight aluminum construction
Locking legs for stability
Corrosion-resistant design
High 700-lb capacity
#TOP 5

Rage Powersports Aluminum Dock Plate

ADP-3042-3300
metallic
30" x 42" x 0.375"
Rage Powersports Aluminum Dock Plate Cover
30" x 42" Aluminum 3,300 lb Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plate

The Rage Dock Plate is designed to facilitate the movement of pallet trucks, jacks, carts, and foot traffic at loading docks. This 30" x 42" plate features a 9" lip-bend and beveled edges, making it easy to transition between surfaces. With a sturdy capacity of up to 3,300 lbs, it can handle various loads with ease. The heavy-duty aluminum construction and diamond tread surface ensure durability and safety while transporting materials. The included bolt-on carrying handles and steel lock legs provide added convenience and stability during use.

What We Like
Heavy-duty aluminum construction
High weight capacity
Beveled edges for safety
Convenient carrying handles
#TOP 6

Discount Ramps Diamond Plate Loading Dock Board

SDB-13-72-60
Metallic
Discount Ramps Diamond Plate Loading Dock Board Cover
Discount Ramps Diamond Plate Loading Dock Board 60" x 72"

The Discount Ramps Diamond Plate Loading Dock Board is a loading dock plate that can hold up to 13,000 lbs. It comes with (2) underside stabilizer braces, integrated lifting chain, and heavy duty reinforced steel diamond plate that has highly visible yellow curbs. It is designed to ease and bridge the transition from truck to dock and has a 4,000 lbs. rating for 4-Wheel forklifts and 2,500 lbs. rating for 3-Wheel forklifts.

What We Like
Can hold up to 13,000 lbs
Integrated lifting chain for easy moving
Highly visible yellow curbs for safety
#TOP 7

Global Industrial Aluminum Dock Plate

241744
48"W x 24"L
Global Industrial Aluminum Dock Plate Cover
Global Industrial High-Traction Dock Plate, Aluminum, 48"W x 24"L, 3700 Lb. Capacity

The Global Industrial Dock Plate is designed for efficient loading and unloading tasks. Its diamond tread surface provides excellent traction, ensuring you can move safely without slipping. With handholds, you can easily transport the plate, making it convenient for quick setup and storage. The beveled edge allows for smooth transitions between surfaces, which is essential for preventing damage to your goods and equipment. Measuring 48 inches wide by 24 inches long, this dock plate is suitable for various loading needs, supporting up to 3,700 pounds for your heavy-duty tasks.

What We Like
High traction surface
Easy to transport
Smooth loading transitions
Durable aluminum construction
#TOP 8

Guardian 36" x 60" Dock Plate

Guardian
ADPH-3660-4100
36"x60"
Guardian 36" x 60" Dock Plate Cover
36" x 60" Guardian Aluminum Dock Plate with Handles

The Guardian Dock Plate is crafted from durable yet lightweight aluminum, providing an impressive weight capacity of 4,100 pounds. Its generous dimensions of 36" x 60" make it ideal for various loading tasks. The diamond plate surface enhances traction, ensuring you maintain stability while moving goods. Additionally, the bright yellow curbs serve as a visual reminder of the edges, promoting safety during use. Built-in handles make it easy to transport with a forklift, adding convenience to your loading and unloading operations.

What We Like
High weight capacity
Enhanced traction surface
Safety yellow curbs
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 9

Guardian Aluminum Pallet Jack Dock Plate

Guardian
ADP-3648-5300
metallic
48 feet x 36 feet
Guardian Aluminum Pallet Jack Dock Plate Cover
Guardian 48" x 36" Aluminum 5,300 lb Pallet Jack Loading Dock Plate

The Guardian Dock Plate is designed for efficient material handling with pallet trucks, jacks, and carts. Its 36" x 48" size features a convenient 9" lip-bend, making it easy to load and unload goods. The machine-beveled edges ensure safety and smooth transitions. With bolt-on carrying handles, you can easily transport the dock plate, while the steel lock legs provide stability during use. Capable of supporting up to 5,300 lbs, this heavy-duty aluminum construction is perfect for various loading dock applications.

What We Like
Heavy-duty aluminum construction
High weight capacity
Easy to transport
Safety-focused design
#TOP 10

Vestil Aluminum Dock Plate

E-4824
Silver
Pack of 1
Vestil Aluminum Dock Plate Cover
Vestil E-4824 Aluminum Economizer Dock Plate, 5,200-lb. Capacity, 24" Length, 48" Usable Width, 3" Height Difference, 3/8" Plate Thickness

The Vestil E-4824 Aluminum Economizer Dock Plate is a loading dock plate that bridges the gap between the truck and the dock. The plate is made of aluminum alloy, which makes it lightweight and resistant to corrosion. It has bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles, beveled edges for a smooth transition, and a 5,200-lb. capacity. This dock plate is ideal for use in loading docks.

What We Like
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy construction
Bolt-on zinc-plated legs and lifting handles for easy installation and portability
Beveled edges for a smooth transition between the truck and the dock
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a loading dock plate?

The goal of a dock plate is to bridge the gap between a trailer and the loading dock. This is the same general goal of a dock leveler, but that's where the similarities end. Dock plates are typically constructed of aluminum and designed to be portable, as opposed to permanent levelers.

2. What is the proper overlap for a dock plate?

Position the dock board or plate with at least 8 inches of overlap on each end. Have a certified specialist must inspect hydraulic dock plates at least once a year. Paint the edges of the plate and consider a lip to prevent forklifts and people from falling from it.

3. What size dock plate do I need?

For the width, the dock board or plate should be around 12-18 inches wider than your widest piece of equipment. On dock boards, the curbs take up about 6 inches of width. You should also note the dock height and the height of the truck that will be unloaded and loaded.

Editor's Notes

During our loading dock plates research, we found 24 loading dock plates products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,232 customer reviews through our big data system to write the loading dock plates list. We found that most customers choose loading dock plates with an average price of $520.70.

The loading dock plates are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of loading dock plates, including Rage Powersports, Guardian, Vestil, Discount Ramps, Global Industrial. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,060 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.