The invention relates to a loading dock fender unit (12) which is adapted for attachment adjacent a dock leveller (11) of a loading dock (10), the fender unit comprising a mounting plate (13), an elongate track (19) fixed to and projecting from the front face of the mounting plate (13) centrally thereof, a solid rubber or rubber like fender (15) guided for vertical sliding movement along the track (19), and a spring loaded fender restraining mechanism (16) which supports the fender in a normal at rest position and is arranged to resist movement of the fender (15) when displaced downwards from the normal at rest position by an externally applied force. In use, when a vehicle trailer is backed up against the dock with its rear end making contact with the fender (15), any up or down movement of the trailer rear end will cause simultaneous up or down movement of the fender (15). Desirably, the fender (15) can slide upwards unrestrained by the spring loaded restraining mechanism from its normal at rest position, and return to such position under its own weight (with the external lifting force having been removed).