Vehicle Restraint Checklist: Must-Have Features

From wheel-based restraints and rotating hooks to vertical barriers and stabilizing trailer restraints, when you choose a Dok-Lok from Rite-Hite, each piece of equipment is expertly designed to support the following must-have features:

Help Prevent Trailer Separation Accidents – The material handling industry receives over 100,000 reported forklift accidents each year, 7% of which occurring at the loading dock. Proper RIG or rear-wheel engagement paired with constant restraint status communication helps prevent traditional trailer separation accidents, such as early departure, landing gear collapse and trailer pop-up. Vehicle Restraints should also feature or support future integration of solutions that address trending pedestrian hazards that often occur outside on the dangerous drive approach and inside the loading dock.

Integrity of Installation – Completed dock survey required for each dock position to help ensure safe and proper application of all Dok-Loks. Critical to the safety of material handlers and equipment utilizing the dock equipment, the surveys are reviewed by expert Applications team if outside of standard dock configuration.  

Pull-Out Force Benchmarks - Rite-Hite was the first loading dock equipment manufacturer to establish pull-out force benchmarks based on years of research and development. Followed today by many other manufacturers, all Rite-Hite restraints are installed with mounting force in excess of 100,000 lbs. while also exceeding 32,000 lbs. of pull-out force, doubling what tractors can achieve when in first gear. 

Withstand Harsh Loading Dock Environment – Surface mounted, wall mounted and under leveler stored restraints should be designed to perform in all weather conditions. Some models have military grade corrosion resistant and endure 1000 hours of spray testing compared to only 100 hours of galvanized restraints.  

Communication and Control – Dok-Lok® Controls enhance communication between dock personnel inside the building and truck drivers outside. A dock attendant operates a NEMA 4X rated user interface which allows for full integration of additional and or future equipment. When interlocked with equipment, the controls can be programmed in safe sequential order to help ensure safety protocols and processes are followed.  

Rite-Vu™ Hazard Recognition and Control - Clear, concise communication sets the stage for safety and productivity. Incorporating lights along with audible and visual alarms can have an immediate, positive impact at the loading dock. From red and green lights which inform dock personnel when they can safely proceed with loading activities to audible and visual alarms that notify personnel when they need to vacate the drive approach, Rite-Hite offers solutions integrated into equipment or standalone for a safer, more productive facility.  

Smart Data & Analytics Platform - Connecting Dok-Lok vehicle restraints, audible and visual alarms, dock doors, dock levelers and more, Smart Data and Analytics captures current events as well as historical trends, allowing managers to analyze loading dock trends and efficiencies to help improve productivity, safety, energy consumption and asset management. 

Rite-Hite 12-Month Limited Money Back Guarantee  

Extended Industry-Leading Warranty with Connected Rite-Hite Equipment 

Meet and Exceed ANSI MH30.1 Performance Testing Standards 

To help determine which restraint is best for your specific loading dock application, a good starting place is asking these two questions: 

1. What is my facility's load style?

2. What types of trailers does my facility receive?

Which Vehicle Restraints is Right for You?