Parcel Forum 2025 is coming up September 8-10 in Chicago. As they reference on their website, “The number of packages shipped in the U.S. is expected to grow to more than 100 million per day by 2026.” This is an impressive number and it bodes well for the parcel shipping industry.
Not surprisingly, these numbers are translating directly to the growth of fulfilment centers, manufacturers, 3PLs and carriers. Many of these operations have new or additional needs for automated parcel sorting systems.
At trade shows like Parcel Forum we’ve had hundreds of visitors to our booths that are interested in parcel automation. Some have had previous experience with the technology, but many have been new to it. For both groups, there are often elements of the automation process and/or equipment that they are surprised to learn about. Here are four that we see commonly:
Automated parcel sorting systems are not just for operations that manage extremely high throughput. At ID Parcel and Mail Solutions, when clients do not have the throughput requirements to justify the investment of our Packet Parcel Sorting System (PPSS), we sometimes recommend exploring the value of our Manual Package Workstation (MPW).
The MPW is a semi-automated system that automates certain steps of parcel processing. The system can scan barcodes, weigh and dimension parcels, and print a final mile label and/or commercial invoice. It can also capture processing data.
For those with relatively low throughput, but high enough numbers to justify an automated parcel sorting system, a smaller version of the PPSS is often a good fit. Our lower-volume PPSS is designed for small to mid-sized operations that typically process approximately 3,000 parcels or less per day. The smaller systems are typically built with smaller conveyors and fewer sorters. Features such as inline weighing scales, dimensioners, and automatic labeling machines are optional and don’t always need to be included.
Designing the system to be flexible and modular allows operations to scale and adapt their operations as demands change. At ID Parcel & Mail Solutions our automated parcel sorting system is designed with interchangeable and expandable components such as conveyor belts, scanners, and sorters.
When designing for flexibility, and incorporating the right components, additional features can be added, removed, or repositioned without major structural overhauling.
This modularity enables facilities to start small and expand gradually as parcel volume increases. This helps make automation more accessible to smaller operations.
When sorting higher volumes of packages, automated parcel sorting systems often deliver a faster return on investment than many companies initially expect.
By reducing labor costs, improving sorting speed, and minimizing errors, these systems quickly increase efficiency. Parcels are processed and routed more accurately and consistently, which cuts down on rework, returns, and shipping delays. As a result, companies can meet delivery deadlines more reliably, avoid penalties from carriers, and improve customer satisfaction.
Organizations can also handle higher volumes without needing to add shifts or hire additional workers. Because of these combined benefits, the upfront investment in automation often pays for itself within a year or two.
Automation helps greatly reduce errors that are commonly made by humans. Components of automated parcel sorting systems such as barcode scanners, dimensioning and weighing systems, and automatic labelers, do their jobs with a high level of accuracy.
The result is fewer misrouted or mislabeled parcels, and reduced returns, delays, and customer complaints. Accurate sorting also helps reduce costs associated with reprocessing packages, issuing refunds, or managing dissatisfied customers, ultimately leading to smoother operations and a more efficient fulfillment process.
For organizations that are considering the value of automated parcel sorting systems, trade shows like Parcel Forum can be an excellent way to learn about the technology and its many benefits. ID Parcel & Mail Solutions will be at Parcel Forum 2025 at Booth 315. We hope you’ll stop by and discuss how automation can help your organization.
