Automatic truck loading systems

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The term automatic truck loading systems refers to the automated loading of goods onto trucks in the field of distribution logistics . The loading takes place here by a so-called "ATLS" (English: Automated Truck Loading Systems ) and thus improves the effectiveness of materials management and warehousing . They are used in the field of storage and conveyor technology , for example , to automatically load goods onto transport pallets , in containers or loose goods ( bulk goods , filling goods ).

The systems are often used together with an automated guided vehicle system (AGV) and also with internal conveyor systems.

Loading systems

Transport systems and their types of application:

  • Chain conveyor system for standard pallet formats
  • Slat conveyor system for non-palletized or mixed goods
  • Skate system for pallets with a short front side
  • Roller conveyors for air freight
  • Conveyor belt system for postal parcels

Automatic truck loading and unloading systems are also used in shuttle transport, as the importance of loading time increases with decreasing transport time.

functionality

Two systems that work together are required for automatic loading: a system in the truck semitrailer , the so-called trailer system, and a system at the loading station (dock / ramp), the dock system. When the trailer docks, the two systems are connected to one another and the available loading space or the load in the trailer is determined. The dock system now knows which loading capacity is available for loading or what and how much has to be unloaded. This makes it possible to load or unload a truck trailer fully automatically in just a few minutes.

Advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional, manual loading with forklifts

Advantages of ATLS

  • Reduction in personnel costs
  • Reduction of loading times
  • Less space required for loading
  • Reduction of damage to goods
  • Reduction of incorrect deliveries
  • Connection to warehouse management
  • Loading partly possible outside of working hours as no personnel are required
  • No waiting for a forklift
  • Savings in building technology (fewer loading points)
  • Increase in cargo handling
  • No damage from forklifts
  • The ambient temperatures can range from + 80 ° to −30 ° C

Advantages of forklifts

Disadvantages of ATLS

  • High initial investment
  • Modifications to the semi-trailer necessary
  • Modifications to the dock required
  • Loss of flexibility because the system is stationary

Disadvantages of forklifts

  • Long waiting times for the trucks
  • No even workload of staff
  • Sometimes hard physical work for the staff under unfavorable climatic conditions
  • High maintenance costs

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