5 Best Loading Dock Plates - Oct. 2026

Vestil E-4824 Aluminum Economizer Dock Plate

With an impressive 5,200 lb. capacity, this aluminum alloy dock plate bridges the gap between truck and dock with ease. Just don't expect to use it with a forklift.

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PROS

5,200 lb.
capacity.
Bridges gap between truck and dock.
Aluminum alloy construction for corrosion resistance and ease in lifting.
Zinc-plated legs and lifting handles are bolted on.
Has a nonskid raised tread plate pattern for safety.
Measures 24" long with 48" usable width.
Very solidly built.

CONS

Not for use with forklifts.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Vestil

AH-3624 Hand Truck Dock Plate

Locking legs prevent this aluminum alloy dock plate from moving while in use. It's not for use with forklifts, though.

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PROS

700 lb.
capacity.
Use to bridge the gap between truck and loading dock for 2-wheel hand trucks.
Aluminum alloy construction for corrosion resistance and ease in lifting.
Zinc-plated legs and lifting handles attach with bolts.
Locking legs prevent movement during use.
Measures 24" long with 36" usable width.
Sturdy yet easy to move around.

CONS

Not for use with forklifts.

Rage Powersports

SDB-13-60-36 36" x 60" Steel Dockboard with Side Rails

If you're looking for a plate that's rated for forklifts, consider this heavy-duty model from Rage Powersports.

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PROS

13,000 lb.
capacity.
Choice of measurements.
Rated for forklifts.
Designed to bridge transition from truck to dock.
2 underside stabilizer braces.
Integrated lifting chain lets the plate be moved on forks.
Reinforced steel diamond plate with bright yellow curbs.
Heavy-duty.
Also works well as a shipping container ramp.

CONS

May rust if left outdoors.

Bluff Manufacturing

Bluff Aluminum Plate

This loading dock plate is designed mainly for low- to medium-volume use with hand-operated cargo movers.

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PROS

2,429 lb.
weight capacity.
Measures 48" wide by 48" long.
Made of aluminum.
Diamond decking reduces risk of slips.
Bolt-on, locking steel legs.
Great for hand trucks.
A good value.

CONS

For use with hand trucks and pallet jacks only, no forklifts.

Eagle

1795 High-Density Polyethylene Portable Dockplate

This lightweight, high-density polyethylene dock plate has convenient carrying handles and can hold up to 750 lb.

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PROS

750 lb capacity.
Durable HDPE dock plate.
Intended for use with wheeled dollies, hand trucks, carts, and pallet trucks.
Lightweight and ergonomic.
Nonslip surface.
Beveled entry and exit edges.
Convenient carry handles.
Great for small pallets.

CONS

Made of plastic, not metal.

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First Reviewed

October 31, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Allen Foster

Updated October 2021

When transfering goods from a dock to a truck, a wide and heavy-duty loading dock plate can ensure safe and quick transfer of gods. Dock plates rest between the loading dock and the truck to create a platform that goods can be rolled or carried across. Carrying capacity is a major factor, and the range varies greatly from around 700 to 20,000 lb. capacity. There’s no need to spend more on a high capacity dock that won’t be used to its fullest, but the extra capacity may provide peace-of-mind. A dock plate should be about 2’ wider than the widest items you plan to transport.

Best Loading Dock Plates

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