Docks, yards & shipping

Loading dock safety: controlling approach speed

Most loading-dock incidents happen where trucks, forklifts and people share the apron. The physical control that fits there is a heavy-duty speed bump placed on the approach lane, far enough from the dock that trailers are already slow before they start backing. Our 2.4 in steel-reinforced rubber profile is rated for 176,000 lb and costs $360–$660 per 12 ft lane plus freight; it bolts down in about 30 minutes.

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Heavy-duty speed bump across a truck approach lane near a loading area

Key specs at a glance

Recommended height	2.4 in
Load rating	176,000 lb
Where	Approach lane, not the dock plate
Cost per 12 ft lane	$360–$660 + freight
Install	~30 min, 2 people
Warranty	5-year commercial

3-inch modular rubber speed bump with yellow and black interlocking sections and rounded end caps

Recommended model

2.4-Inch Heavy-Duty Speed Bump — Steel-Plate Reinforced

Tractor-trailers and loaded forklifts cross it all day; the low 2.4 in profile slows them without jolting loads, and the steel reinforcement handles the axle weights.

Height: 2.4 in
Segment length: 20 in
Width (travel length): 13.8 in
Target speed: ≤ 6 mph
Load rating: 176,000 lb (88 US tons)
Material: Recycled rubber, steel-plate reinforced

Place it on the approach

Put the bump on the lane leading into the dock area, not in the backing zone, so drivers slow before they begin to maneuver.

Mark the pedestrian crossing

Pair each bump with a painted crossing where people walk from the office or break room to the dock; the bump makes the crossing speed predictable.

Part of a traffic plan

Speed control works best inside a written site traffic plan with one-way routes and separated walkways.

Frequently asked

Should speed bumps go in front of a loading dock?

On the approach lane, yes; directly in the backing zone, no. Drivers need the full apron clear to align trailers, so the bump belongs upstream where it controls arrival speed.

Will a speed bump damage trailers or loads?

The 2.4 in heavy-duty profile is designed for trucks at low speed. Crossed at 5 mph it does not jolt loads the way a tall residential bump can.

Can forklifts cross it?

Yes, at walking speed. Where forklifts cross constantly, give them a dedicated gap or route and keep the bump on the truck lane.

How long does installation take?

Bolt-down install takes two people about 30 minutes per 12 ft lane: position the modules, mark the bolt holes, hammer-drill the asphalt or concrete, and torque the anchors flush. No paving contractor and no cure time.

Do you ship nationwide?

Yes. Every kit is in stock in the USA and ships by LTL freight to all 48 contiguous states. Pallet and container pricing is available for volume orders, and freight is quoted to your ZIP code.

Free download

Spec sheet & price guide (PDF)

Both profiles, dimensions, load rating, price per 12 ft lane and what we need to quote freight. One field — no phone call required.

Request pricing

Price your loading dock safety: controlling approach speed

Send lane width and lane count — we reply with a landed price including freight within 24 business hours.

Next step

Forklift–pedestrian safety

Warehouse & dock speed bumps

Truck yards & DCs