Automated truck loading systems

The term Automatic truck loading systems refers to the automated loading goods on trucks in the area of ​​distribution logistics. The loading takes place here by a so-called " ATLS " ( English: Automated Truck Loading Systems ), thus improving the effectiveness of materials management and warehousing. They are used in the field of storage and handling equipment to load, for example, goods on pallets, in containers or loose cargo ( bulk, medium), automatically.

The systems are often used in conjunction with a driverless transport system (FTS ) and also with internal production techniques.

Loading systems

Transport systems and their applications:

  • Chain conveyor system for standard pallet sizes
  • Slat conveyor system for non- palletized or mixed goods
  • Skate system for pallets with narrow side forward
  • Roller conveyors for air freight
  • Conveyor system for postal packages

Automatic truck loading and unloading systems are ( commuting ) used in shuttle transport, as the meaning of the charging time increases with decreasing transport time.

Operation

For automatic loading two inter -working systems are needed: a system in truck trailers, the so-called trailer system, and a system on the charging station (dock / ramp), the dock system. When the semi-trailer docks, the two systems are connected to each other, and the available loading space, or the charge present in the trailer can be determined. The dock system will find out which hold space is available for loading or what and how much needs to be discharged. This makes it possible to use a truck trailers in just a few minutes discharged fully automatically working or.

Advantages and disadvantages compared with conventional, manual loading by forklift

Benefits of ATLS

  • Reduction in personnel costs
  • Reducing the loading times
  • Less space required for loading
  • Reducing the Gutbeschädigungen
  • Reduction of incorrect deliveries
  • Connection to warehouse management
  • Loading partially outside of work hours possible because no staff required
  • No waiting for a forklift
  • Savings in the building (less loading docks )
  • Increase in cargo handling
  • No damage by forklift
  • The ambient temperatures can range from 80 ° to -30 ° C

Advantages of forklifts

  • Flexibility
  • No modifications of the trailer or dock required
  • Relatively low initial investment

Disadvantages of ATLS

  • High initial investment
  • Modifications to the semi-trailers necessary
  • Modifications to the dock required
  • Loss of flexibility as stationary system

Disadvantages of forklifts

  • Long waiting times for trucks
  • No uniform utilization of staff
  • For the staff partially hard physical work under unfavorable climatic conditions
  • High maintenance costs
Logistic engineering Forklift truck
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