To Determine the proper length of a dockboard or dockplate,
Three items are required:

• Loading Dock Height: (D)
• Height of highest truck or trailer (T)
• Type of loading equipment used  

Dock Height (D) - Truck/Trailer Height (T) = Height Differential

Note:  If refrigerated or container trailers are serviced at your location, you will need to request the legs moved back 4" to acommodate the lip on the trailer.  This will be done at no extra charge.

Dockboard/Dockplate Width:
Bluff manufacturing recommends a minimum product width of 12" to 18" wider than the overall width of the vehicle or pallet used.  For improved end loading efficiency, you may consider increasing your dockboard width, as shown in the diagram. 

Dockboard/Dockplate Capacity:

To determine the dockboard capacity multiply the lifting capacity of the forklift x 3. 

• Increase the board capacity if a (3) wheeled forklift is used
• Increase the board capacity if used more than one shift a day

Note: 
Stackers and other narrow aisle loaders should not be used on a dockboard.
Paper roll clamp and multi-shift loading add 5,000 pounds to the dockboard capacity.
Capacity rated for single-shift operation at a 3 mile per hour maximum rate of travel