Allied Express has unveiled a new automated freight sortation system that it claims will revolutionise the industry.
The new system is the first of its kind in the world and is capable of sorting oversized freight automatically.
In developing the bespoke system, Allied Express looked to proven technology that has been around for 20 years, such as what is seen in busy airports, and recalibrated it for oversized freight.
In doing so, Allied Express has instantly increased the accuracy and traceability of its freight, reduced handling, and increased the safety of its staff as the need to handle oversized and heavy items is significantly reduced.
The sortation system has a maximum sortable dimension of 1.9m long by 900mm wide, and can handle a maximum dead weight of 50kg, which equates to a single door fridge freezer.
The technology could mark a major milestone in the logistics industry paving way to a new era in oversized freight sorting.
“This system is a game changer for the industry,” said Allied Express Managing Director, Michelle McDowell.
“It will revolutionise the way we do business and make our operations more efficient and cost effective,” she said.
“Now more than ever, Allied Express is setting the standard for efficient freight sorting solutions. We’re proud to be leading the way and providing customers with access to next-level logistics technology.”
The powered roller section of the system reduces the speed of items sliding down, which if a normal roller was used could be dangerous due to the weight.
It has two infeed lines and 85 chutes, including a reject chute close to the induction point so mislabelled items can be dealt with.
The system is reliable enough to run for over 10 hours per day.
The benefits of the system are likely numerous.
Local deliveries are only touched three times, reducing damage to the freight – put into sortation induction, loaded into the driver’s truck, and handed to the customer.
There is also one chute per driver, so no more manual sorting for the route. The chute bed is 2×2.4m.
“Our commitment to innovation means we’ll never stop pushing for better solutions. We know what matters most to our customers and we’ll continue to invest in tools that ensure their freight is delivered on time and in great condition,” said McDowell.
