Inflatable vs. Curtain Dock Shelters: Which Is Right for Your Site?

Choosing the right dock shelter is essential for keeping your loading bay safe, efficient, and protected from the elements.

But with several types of loading dock shelters available – each one suited to different vehicles, and performance requirements – understanding the differences can help you create a safer, more energy-efficient loading bay.

Here’s what you need to know about the different types of dock shelters, and why a combination of both is often used:

Curtain Dock Shelters

Sometimes called retractable dock shelters, curtain dock shelters are the most widely used shelter style for everyday logistics operations.

They feature a robust, retractable steel frame with flexible PVC curtains, designed to create a reliable seal when a vehicle reverses into position.  

Which sites do they suit best?

Because they strike the right balance between durability, performance, and cost, curtain shelters are the standard choice for many general logistics operations.

Especially sites that operate a consistent fleet of vehicles, as this allows curtains to sit snugly around trailers and create a dependable seal.

But what if sites need enhanced performance including tougher environmental protection?  

Inflatable Dock Shelters

Inflatable docking shelters create the tightest seal available.

Once the vehicle is positioned on the bay, the shelter inflates around the trailer to minimise air leakage and stabilise internal temperature.

That means they are especially effective in chilled, frozen, and hygiene-critical environments.

On top of this, because they expand to meet the trailer rather than relying on compression, inflatable shelters are ideal for sites with mixed vehicle fleets.

While inflatable shelters have their clear advantages, the higher initial cost and number of moving components means facilities use them selectively – typically on priority bays or temperature-controlled loading positions where sealing performance is most critical.

Can you use both? 

Yes – and in many cases, it’s the most effective approach.

Many larger facilities choose to combine curtain shelters and inflatable shelters to match the specification of each bay with the type of goods being handled. For example:

• Curtain shelters may be installed across the majority of bays
• Inflatable shelters may be added to a smaller number of temperature-controlled or multi-dock bay

This combination allows sites to balance cost, performance, and vehicle-size flexibility without over-specifying equipment where it isn’t required.

It also reflects real-world patterns, where chilled, hygiene-controlled, or high-value goods often move through dedicated bays with enhanced sealing.

Curtain vs. Inflatable Dock Shelters

How do the different systems compare side by side:

What About Cushion Shelters?

Though less common, it’s worth noting that cushion shelters, sometimes called foam pad shelters, are also available.

These shelters use compression foam to form a seal as the vehicle reverses, making them a simple solution for operations working with a standardised fleet of vehicles.

However, because most foam pad shelters have fixed dimensions, they lack the flexibility required to adapt to varying trailer sizes and therefore cannot consistently achieve high sealing performance across mixed fleet applications.

An exception to this is the TI-Series Cushion Shelter from Stertil which includes an inflatable top cushion to suit different height vehicles.

Generally speaking, cushion shelters are used in in more selective, specialised installations rather than across large multi-user distribution centres.

Still unsure?

If you need help selecting the right dock shelter for your facility, our specialists can assess your site requirements, vehicle fleet, and operational needs to recommend the ideal solution.

Contact us today to discuss your project or request a site visit.

Contact Stertil on 08707 700471, or email info@stertil.co.uk.