Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Tools Lifting Equipment

Best Loading Dock Plates

Updated October 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Vestil E-4824 Aluminum Economizer Dock Plate
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.

Check Price
Check Price at Walmart
Bottom Line

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.

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
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.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

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

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
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.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

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

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
Bluff Manufacturing
Bluff Aluminum Plate

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

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

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

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
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.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

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

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.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
October 31, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
Category cover
Allen Foster
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.

Our Top Picks
Vestil
Best of the Best
Vestil
E-4824 Aluminum Economizer Dock Plate
Bottom Line
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.
Shop Now
Vestil
Best Bang for the Buck
Vestil
AH-3624 Hand Truck Dock Plate
Bottom Line
Locking legs prevent this aluminum alloy dock plate from moving while in use. It's not for use with forklifts, though.
Shop Now
Rage Powersports
Top Pick
Rage Powersports
SDB-13-60-36 36" x 60" Steel Dockboard with Side Rails
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a plate that's rated for forklifts, consider this heavy-duty model from Rage Powersports.
Shop Now
Bluff Manufacturing
Top Pick
Bluff Manufacturing
Bluff Aluminum Plate
Bottom Line
This loading dock plate is designed mainly for low- to medium-volume use with hand-operated cargo movers.
Shop Now
Eagle
Top Pick
Eagle
1795 High-Density Polyethylene Portable Dockplate
Bottom Line
This lightweight, high-density polyethylene dock plate has convenient carrying handles and can hold up to 750 lb.
Shop Now
Related Reviews
Show More
Related Articles
Show More
You Might Also Like
Show More