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Receiving & Loading Conveyor Overview

Receiving conveyors are typically found at the beginning of the material flow process. When goods or materials are delivered to a distribution center or warehouse, the receiving conveyor receives and transports those materials to the appropriate area in the facility.

Loading conveyors are typically found at the end of the material flow process. After packing or sorting, conveyors interact with loading systems to automate flow of product into shipping containers or trucks.

Market Types

Types of Receiving/Loading Conveyor

Gravity Flex
Power Flex
Stewart Glapat
Gravity Flex

Designed to contract and expand for easy storage and length required to reach into trucks. Gravity skate rollers allow product to effortlessly flow down the conveyor line. Casters mounted on the legs allow easy movement between dock doors.

Considerations

  • Roller or skate wheel options in multipole roller centers for a variety of product handling
  • Pitched option, when fed with power conveyor, allows product to naturally flow down decline for budget friendly loading option
  • Casters on floor allow conveyor to be moved from dock to dock, and navigate tight areas with ease.
Power Flex

Powered version of a flexible conveyor, motors drive the rollers, eliminating the need for intervention to move product down the conveyor. Available in transportation and accumulation options, suitable for high volume truck loading and unloading.

Considerations

  • 3", 4", and 5" roller center options for a variety of carton sizes.
  • 120v power allows units to "plug and play" across the facility with no hard infrastructure.
  • Variable speed drives allow operator to adjust to changing work conditions within the warehoues
Stewart Glapat

A fixed unit with retractable booms nested inside. When expanded, a telescopic slider bed conveyor extends into the truck. Best in class solution for high volume loading and unloading.

Considerations

  • Traversing units can move between doors, decreasing need for multiple units to unload from more than one door
  • Handle loads to 100#
  • Lenths up to 95‘ extended allow further set back from dock doors if required
  • Belted and capable of mixed products such as cartons, totes, and poly bags
  • Man on board and front end stackers allow further ergonomic improvements for heavy loads.

Benefits & Features

  • Increased Productivity
    Rather than manually delivering materials to the area they need to go to, receiving conveyors automate the process by conveying the material to the right spot.
  • Safety and Worker Protection
    When the need for manual lifting and stacking materials is removed, injuries and accidents are also reduced, resulting in a safer working environment.
  • Less Damage to Materials
    Automating the receiving process helps reduce the risk of damage to the incoming material, as manual labor is not used to unload and/or transport.
  • Reduced Labor Costs
    Since manual labor is not needed to unload goods, the number of workers necessary is lowered, reducing the cost of operation.
  • Efficiency
    Receiving conveyors help to streamline the receiving process, process faster, and transport materials more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What role do receiving conveyors play in supply chain and distribution center operations?

    Receiving conveyors are a critical component of supply chain and distribution center operations, as they facilitate the efficient flow of goods from incoming shipments to internal processes, ensuring timely order fulfillment.

  • Can receiving conveyors be customized to match specific facility layouts and loading requirements?

    Yes, receiving conveyors can often be customized to align with the layout of the facility and the unique loading processes, ensuring optimal material flow.

  • What is the typical speed range of receiving conveyors?

    The speed of receiving conveyors can vary depending on the specific application, but they are typically designed for controlled and steady movement rather than high-speed transport.

  • Do receiving conveyors offer options for automation and control systems?

    Yes, many receiving conveyors can be equipped with automation features and control systems that help manage the flow of materials and ensure efficient unloading processes.