Dock Vehicle Restraints

A vehicle restraint is a device that physically locks a parked trailer to the loading dock so it cannot creep forward or pull away while a forklift is loading or unloading — preventing trailer-separation accidents, one of the leading causes of serious dock injuries. It is far more reliable than wheel chocks alone. Alliance installs restraints nationwide — call (240) 269-2216.

Hook-style (RIG) restraints rise up and hook over the trailer's rear impact guard — the steel bar under the trailer — and are the most common, fastest-engaging type. Wheel-based restraints chock or capture the trailer's wheels and are used when the impact guard is missing, damaged, non-standard, or out of reach (as on some intermodal and drop trailers). Alliance recommends the right type for your trailer fleet nationwide.

A powered or manual restraint provides far stronger, more reliable holding than chocks and integrates with communication lights, but some operations keep chocks as a backup or for trailers a restraint cannot engage. The safest docks use restraints as the primary control. Alliance can advise on a layered approach for your facility nationwide.

Restraints pair with a red/green light set: outside, a light tells the driver whether it is safe to pull away; inside, a light tells your forklift operator whether the trailer is locked and safe to enter. The lights interlock with the restraint (and often the leveler) so the sequence has to be followed — a key part of preventing early departure. Alliance installs and wires these restraint-and-light systems nationwide.

Yes — restraints are commonly retrofitted to existing dock positions and wired into new or existing dock controls. Alliance assesses the dock face, trailer types, and power, then installs and integrates the restraint with your leveler and lights. Call (240) 269-2216 to upgrade your docks.

Yes — Alliance services and repairs all major restraint brands, and because a failed restraint is a safety hazard we cover dock equipment with a guaranteed 5-hour emergency response nationwide. We also stock common parts and lights for fast turnaround.