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. Langer installs restraints across Western PA — call 724-898-2000.

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). We recommend the right type for your trailer fleet.

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. We can advise on a layered approach for your facility.

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.

Yes — restraints are commonly retrofitted to existing dock positions and wired into new or existing dock controls. We assess the dock face, trailer types, and power, then install and integrate the restraint with your leveler and lights. Call 724-898-2000 to upgrade your docks.

Yes — we service and repair all major restraint brands, and because a failed restraint is a safety hazard we cover dock equipment with a guaranteed 5-hour emergency response across Western PA. We also stock common parts and lights for fast turnaround.