What truck unloader is right for your operation?

ArticleSupply chain insights

If you have attended MODEX or ProMat in recent years, you have undoubtedly seen numerous organizations showcasing truck unloaders of various shapes, sizes, and speeds.

Truck unloader unloading boxes.

The unloading of trucks in parcel and warehouse settings continues to be a logistical challenge for many operations. Tight delivery schedules, unpredictable freight configurations, and labor-intensive processes often create bottlenecks that slow down the entire supply chain. Workers experience physical strain from manually handling and lifting parcels, while businesses contend with inconsistent unloading times that affect productivity. Without the appropriate equipment and strategies, truck unloading can result in increased labor costs, workflow disruptions, and dissatisfied customers.

In this Körber blog, we will explore the different types of truck unloaders and which one is right for your operations. From heavily manual to highly automated, choosing the right truck unloader can streamline your intake and bulk parcel flow.

Truck unloader types

Gravity Roller Conveyors – These are inclined conveyors typically connected to an intake conveyor. They come in many different versions and styles, including expanding, roller and wheel. While cost-effective, this is a high-manual process as the worker must bend, twist, and lift packages, while also orienting them for downstream sortation.

Telescopic Conveyors - Telescopic conveyors provide an advanced solution for unloading trucks of various trailer lengths. They extend and retract as needed, reducing movement for workers while ensuring a smooth unloading process. These systems are especially beneficial in large-scale logistics operations with frequent deliveries.

Extendable Belt Conveyor - Extendable belt conveyors are commonly utilized in parcel hubs and distribution centers. These conveyors extend into trailers, enabling workers to unload goods rapidly. They improve efficiency, speed, and support high-throughput environments. 

A recent advancement in extendable belt conveyors is the Körber ErgoUnload. This semi-automated solution enables one person to effectively pull loose-loaded packages onto an adjustable flap that leads to an incline belt, which connects to the extendable belt conveyor. The flap adjusts to the height of the packages, reducing much of the physical strain often associated with truck unloading.

Benefits of the Körber ErgoUnload

  • Up to 3,000 parcels per hour 
  • 50% reduction in unloading time with one operator 
  • Fast integration 

Ergonomic trailer unloading with ErgoUnload

Ergonomic trailer unloading with ErgoUnload

We care about your privacy.

We require your consent. This video is hosted by YouTube, provided by Google LLC (US). If you proceed to access the video, YouTube will receive your IP address, may place cookies on your device and may link this activity with your user account. For further information, please refer to our privacy policy. Your consent will be stored for all YouTube-videos. You may withdraw your consent at any time via the cookie settings link in our footer.

Automated Truck Unloaders: These solutions effectively remove manual labor from the equation by automating the entire process. Similar to the various unloader types mentioned above, they come in many different forms; however, there are two main types: Automated Sweeping and Robotics.

  • Automated Sweeping – This style of automation uses a combination of belt conveyors and a sweeper arm that fits under the packages on the trailer floor, sweeping the packages onto the conveyors. These conveyors then transfer the packages into the system.  
  • Robotic Unloading – This type of automation typically employs a robotic arm at the end of a conveyor. Gripper and vacuum end-of-arm tooling is utilized to either grasp or secure single and multiple packages, which are then pulled onto the conveyors. 

While being able to reduce labor costs and provide a solution that can operate three shifts without fatigue, there is a significant upfront investment, and new skill sets will need to be added to the team for maintenance, troubleshooting, and operations.

 

Körber makes the world’s supply chains move 

Selecting the right truck unloader is critical and can significantly impact warehouse efficiency, labor costs, and overall operational performance. Whether depending on manual processes, semi-automated solutions like the Körber ErgoUnload, or fully automated systems such as automated unloaders, businesses must evaluate the trade-offs between investment, productivity, and workforce considerations.

By partnering with Körber Supply Chain, we can assist you in selecting and integrating the right truck unloading solution for your operation, both now and in the future. 

You may also be interested in:

Körber employee smiling

Connect with us

Let’s talk about future-ready solutions for your business.

Contact