How Gravity Rollers from FlexMation Accelerate Truck Loading in Your Warehouse  

From parts bins to pallets and everything in between, materials need efficient ways to get from place to place within your production environment. For many warehouses, that process begins at the loading dock. Loading docks are essential to the smooth operation of warehouses. The efficiency with which products are restocked, or orders are fulfilled largely depends on a seamless flow of inventory between the warehouse and the trucks that are either delivering or picking up goods. The quicker teams can load and unload, the more streamlined the entire process becomes.

However, without the right lean manufacturing systems and equipment in place, loading docks can turn into major bottlenecks, significantly slowing down the movement of inventory in and out of the warehouse. This can lead to high labor costs, increased product damage, and various inefficiencies that can affect a range of different industries.

The good news? Effective solutions to improve loading dock processes don’t have to be expensive. Gravity conveyors create organized, efficient routes for product flow in your most common order-picking zones. Let’s take a closer look at how UNEX gravity conveyors from FlexMation can accelerate the time it takes your workers to load and unload trucks.

What Are Gravity Conveyors?

Gravity conveyors are simple, sloped tracks that rely on the force of gravity to move items instead of using electric motors. These conveyors are mounted on supports and positioned at a slight angle, allowing items to glide smoothly along their surface. The tracks can be equipped with either skate wheels or rollers, which come in various sizes and materials, chosen based on the specific weight, size, and shape of the items being handled.

Depending on your material flow needs, you can choose from a variety of conveyor options offered by FlexMation:

• Workstation-mounted conveyor tools to move products from station to station within a workcell.
• Flow-rack mounted conveyor fixtures to speed picking and handling processes.
• Portable gravity conveyors for use in warehouse loading and unloading.
• Rollers, skate wheels, Span-Track, ball rollers. You name it, we can deliver the best options in gravity conveyor systems.
• Customizable options for any width, even irregularly shaped objects.

One of the best parts about gravity conveyors is that they are highly versatile and can be installed either permanently or non-permanently.

Top 3 Ways That Gravity Conveyors Help with Loading and Unloading at Your Warehouse

1. Cost-Effective and Easy to Install

Gravity conveyors offer a practical and cost-effective solution, relying on basic moving parts without the need for motors or electrical components. Their robust frames, made from aluminum or steel, along with reliable wheels, ensure minimal maintenance while keeping energy costs at bay. Gravity conveyors are also relatively easy to install, allowing you to boost loading dock efficiency and organization quickly and with little effort.

2. Optimized Efficiency and Throughput

Gravity conveyor rollers can help you cut back on worker movement and product handling drastically. Instead of struggling with heavy boxes while moving between the truck and the loading area, dock workers can now utilize gravity conveyors to send cartons effortlessly from one place to another without having to move around.

This innovation can significantly improve your throughput and efficiency and help reduce damage to your goods during the loading and unloading process. Such improvements in efficiency are game-changers in today’s fast-paced omnichannel fulfillment centers and 3PL warehouses. That’s especially true when streamlined operations are “must-haves” to meet tight deadlines, satisfy unique customer demands, and remain competitive in your market.

3. Improved Safety and Ergonomics for Warehouse Workers

Aside from boosting the efficiency of your loading dock, gravity conveyors can also help enhance safety as workers load and unload products. By eliminating the need for dock workers to carry heavy packages back and forth, you reduce the risk of injury. Moreover, the adjustable supports on gravity conveyors from FlexMation let you find an ideal height quickly, which minimizes the need for bending and reaching – further improving ergonomics and safety for workers.

Some common challenges that gravity conveyors can help solve when loading and unloading trucks at your warehouse include:

• Reduced Labor Costs
• Easy Storage and Space Efficiency
• High-Quality Steel & Aluminum = Long-Term Use

Find UNEX Gravity Conveyors for Loading Docks at FlexMation

At FlexMation, we aim to be trusted partners who advance your lean manufacturing performance. Simply put: We’ll help you make things better, safer, faster, and smarter. If you’re interested in learning more about how conveyor rollers can increase productivity and improve flow, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.