Unloading trucks docked at your warehouse can be a time-consuming project, and it is easy for products and packages to get misplaced in the process. With the right material handling products, you can help streamline the job and make everything easier on your staff. Here are some options to consider for your warehouse dock area:
Expandable Conveyor Belts
Expandable conveyor belts are a great option for many reasons. The expandable, collapsible design saves space when the belts are not in use, and the rollers help boxes glide across for sorting. If you have multiple departments or categories for packages to get sorted into, be sure to add extra lengths of belt for each area. This makes it easier for staff to sort boxes as they roll off the truck. Be sure to select belts that feature sturdy casters so they can be rolled out of the way after the shipment is completely unloaded.
Flatbed Hand Carts
Flatbed hand carts are great for stacking boxes once they've been sorted on the conveyor belts. These carts can be wheeled to the correct section of shelving in the warehouse, where the boxes can be shelved for storage. Look for carts with wide designs to accommodate boxes of various sizes, and look for sturdy metal handles that won't bend when pushing or pulling heavy loads. You'll want to have dedicated staff ready to remove the carts when they are filed so your conveyor belt line can keep working until all the boxes in the shipment have been processed.
Security Cages
If your shipments contain valuable merchandise, such as jewelry, computers, or portable electronics, consider investing in security cages. These cages can be staged near the belts so staff can place these sensitive items in secure storage. You'll want to purchase a strong lock for each cage, and assign only trusted employees to carry the key or have the combination. It's a good idea to choose cages that are transparent, so you can quickly view the inventory to determine if items are missing. Your cages should also have rolling casters for convenient mobility throughout the warehouse.
Hydraulic Pallet Jacks
For large items or pallets that shouldn't be broken down, consider investing in hydraulic pallet jacks. These jacks lift pallets off the ground without additional muscle, so you can easily remove them from the truck and transport them to pallet racks throughout the warehouse. Pallet jacks come in powered and manual options, so be sure to look at each model to find the right option for your staff. If you only use these jacks occasionally, a manual model might be the best choice. However, for busy warehouses processing lots of pallets, an electric model may work best.