In the era of e-commerce and global business, logistics plays a crucial role in ensuring timely delivery of goods. Shipping sorters are an essential part of the warehousing and transportation process. They efficiently sort through thousands of packages, envelopes, and parcels, making sure they reach their intended destinations. If you’re not familiar with what a shipping sorter is, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll dive into what a shipping sorter is and how it works.
Understanding the Shipping Sorter
A shipping sorter is a machine used in warehouses, distribution centers and shipping facilities to sort packages based on their destinations. The machine utilizes a conveyor belt, which helps move packages evenly in a single file. As the packages move through the conveyor belt, sensors in the system read barcodes and other information needed to sort them. Then, small diverters, pushers, or chutes re-direct the packages based on their destinations as identified by the read information. Sorters can sort through different types of packages, from small envelopes to large boxes, and move hundreds of packages every minute.
Types of Shipping Sorters
There are different types of shipping sorters for different environments, package sizes, and operational goals. One type of shipping sorter is the loop sorter, which operates using a continuous loop of conveyor belt and sends packages to specific de-staging points. Another type is the tilt tray sorter, which uses perpendicular trays that tilt upward and drop packages onto destination chutes. Cross-belt sorters use small conveyor belts moving across independently driven belting to sort packages based on their destinations.
Advantages of Using a Shipping Sorter
Using a shipping sorter comes with various advantages. One of the most significant advantages is the increased accuracy in sorting packages. Unlike human sorting, which can lead to errors or damages, the shipping sorter ensures each package goes to the right place. Shipping sorters also operate on a high speed, meaning that warehouses can handle more packages in a shorter period, which means faster delivery times. Additionally, because they are machines, they do not get fatigued or take long rest breaks. This means they can continually operate for a more extended period, reducing the time required for operations.
What to Consider When Acquiring a Shipping Sorter
An essential consideration when acquiring a shipping sorter depends on the type of goods you want to sort. Different types of sorting machines can sort specific packages with improved accuracy, making them better for different environments. Additionally, the sorter size is critical, as larger sorters require larger spaces and more power. It’s also essential to consider the cost of acquiring and operating the machine as well as the integration with other complimentary systems like Warehouse Management Systems.
Shipping sorters are critical components of the growing e-commerce and logistics industry. They help sort through thousands of packages and parcels faster, accurately, and with unmatched efficiency. Understanding the types and application of shipping sorters can be a game-changer for any business dealing with constantly growing logistics volumes. Consider your business’ sorting needs, and get in touch with a reliable manufacturer or supplier to get started on sorting your packages and boosting your business’s supply chain.