GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026

Warehouse Sorting Systems

High throughput with low error rates is the core purpose of warehouse sorting systems.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 18 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.mhi.org/fundamentals/sorting-systems

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

110

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

High throughput with low error rates is the core purpose of warehouse sorting systems. They automatically identify incoming or outgoing goods via barcodes, RFID tags, or other machine-readable identifiers and route each item to a designated chute, packing station, or storage location. These systems are most prevalent in large distribution and fulfilment centres handling high order volumes with many small-quantity picks, where manual sorting quickly becomes a bottleneck. Technically, common variants include belt sorters, tilt-tray sorters, cross-belt sorters, and shoe sorters – the choice depends on item weight, package dimensions, and required throughput rates. In high-volume environments, the capital investment typically pays back through labour savings and improved order accuracy.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Partial load consolidation system

Lower freight costs per kilogram and better vehicle utilization are the tangible benefits a partial load consolidation system deli…

Learn more

Expedited Shipment Labeling Systems

Freight forwarders and parcel carriers rely on automated labeling systems to produce shipping labels for express consignments accu…

Learn more

J-Sort Automated Warehouse Sorting

J-Sort Automated Warehouse Sorting is an automated sortation system for warehouses and distribution centers. It employs a J-shaped…

Learn more

Kinetic Logistics Robotics in Warehousing

Warehouse operators and contract logistics providers increasingly deploy autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehi…

Learn more

Automated shipping handling

Unlike manual shipping operations, where staff sort, label, and load shipments one by one, automated shipping handling delegates t…

Learn more

Carton Picking System

Carton picking systems are deployed during the picking process in distribution centers to automatically retrieve and sort individu…

Learn more

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

Warehouse Sorting Systems

Next steps

Related Terms

Partial load consolidation system

Expedited Shipment Labeling Systems

J-Sort Automated Warehouse Sorting

Kinetic Logistics Robotics in Warehousing

Automated shipping handling

Carton Picking System

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers