While it may seem like a straightforward task, the hidden costs of manual loading and unloading trailers can add up quickly, potentially hurting a company’s bottom line.
One of the main costs to consider is labor. Loading and unloading semi-trailers manually or with forklifts can lead to employee injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the warehousing and storage industry had one of the highest rates of non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work in 2019. Injuries not only lead to lost productivity and potentially high medical bills, but they can also lead to worker’s compensation claims, further adding to a company’s costs.
Another cost to consider is the time it takes to manually load and unload semi-trailers. The average time it takes to load or unload a trailer is around 2-3 hours. Multiply that by the number of trailers a company handles in a day, and the time adds up quickly. This not only eats into a company’s labor budget, but it also ties up valuable resources such as the trailer itself, potentially leading to delays in the supply chain.
There are also costs associated with the potential for damage to both the products being loaded and the equipment being used. Forklifts can constantly damage trailers, dock doors, dock levelers and other equipment. The cost of maintenance of equipment and the cost of product damage can significantly reduce margin for businesses.
Investing in industrial automation solutions such as automated loading and unloading systems can help alleviate these hidden costs. Automation can improve efficiency, reduce the risk of injury, and decrease the potential for damage to both products and equipment.
To learn more about the Slip Robotics Trailer Loading/Unloading Solution contact Slip Robotics.