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 UroUnload. 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 ErgoLoad
