An automated truck loading system (ATLS) transfers a full trailer load into or out of a truck in one mechanized motion, without forklifts or manual handling. Goods are staged on a conveyor at the dock, and when the trailer docks, the entire load shifts in at the push of a button. A full trailer loads in 2 to 3 minutes versus 20 to 30 manually.

Key facts

•   Loads or unloads a full trailer in 2 to 3 minutes

•   Cuts manual load time of 20 to 30 minutes to one motion

•   Raises trailer loading capacity 200% to 300% with no wheeled containers

•   Removes forklifts and operators from the trailer

•   Loading methods: conveyor, slip-chain/slat, powered skate, AGV/robotic

•   Works with palletized, cartoned, or mixed freight

How does an automated truck loading system work?

An automated truck loading system pre-positions the full load on a stationary conveyor beside the dock while the previous trailer is still in transit. When the next trailer docks, a chain, slat, skate, or belt mechanism transfers the entire load into the trailer in a single coordinated movement, then the trailer departs. Most systems load palletized or floor-loaded freight without anyone entering the trailer. Some pair with pallet conveyor or AGVs upstream to feed the staging conveyor automatically, creating a hands-free path from production or pick line to outbound truck.

Automated truck loading methods

 

Where are automated truck loading systems used?

•   High-volume palletized shipping lanes

•   Food, beverage, and bottling distribution

•   Manufacturing with shuttle runs between sites

•   Paper, building products, and bagged goods

•   Parcel and case-level e-commerce fulfillment

•   Cross-dock and end-of-line outbound operations

Why use an automated truck loading system?

Manual trailer loading is the highest-turnover, highest-injury job on most docks, and it caps how fast a facility can ship. An automated truck loading system removes forklifts and people from the trailer, loads in a fraction of the time, and increases payload density per shipment, which lowers freight cost per load. It also frees dock doors, since each trailer occupies a door for minutes rather than half an hour.

Plan an automated truck loading system

HOJ engineers and integrates automated truck loading systems as an independent integrator, matching the loading method to your freight, trailer type, and upstream conveyor or AGV flow rather than to a single platform. Talk to a loading systems specialist.