Container unloading

The problem

Manual container unloading is one of the most physically demanding jobs in inbound logistics. Boxes, sacks, drums and other non-palletised goods often have to be carried out of the container one by one, with no way to use a conventional forklift or other machinery.

The worker operates in a confined space, often bending, lifting loads from the floor or above shoulder height and carrying them towards the container door. Weight, dimensions and shape can vary from piece to piece, and working conditions are made harder still by high temperatures in the warmer months.

With larger volumes of goods, this way of working quickly leads to fatigue, a slower pace and increased ergonomic risk. Unloading takes several workers, its speed depends on their physical fitness, and a delay in unloading can hold up the receiving, inspection and storage of goods further down the line.

How we solve it

We adapt the solution to the type of load, the way the goods are stacked in the container and the process that follows unloading.

For boxes and sacks we use vacuum lifter systems that take the weight of the load. The operator picks up, lifts and moves the load with minimal physical effort and guides it towards a conveyor, a pallet or another set-down point.

The system can be moved deep into the container and follow the operator as unloading progresses towards the back. This reduces the need to carry loads by hand along the full length of the container.

For non-palletised drums we use specialised equipment that allows the drum to be safely gripped, lifted, moved and, where needed, tilted or positioned. In this way even heavy or awkward loads can be taken out of the container without conventional manual lifting.

The goal is the same whatever the load: the equipment takes the weight while the operator controls the movement. A physically demanding job becomes an easier and safer process.