What Are the Benefits of Slipchain Systems?

The technical side of logistics has advanced in leaps and bounds in recent years. There seems to be a constant outpouring of new solutions, each promised to be better, faster and more reliable than the last, but which ones are actually worth investing in? Here, we explore the benefits of slipchain systems in particular, to hopefully clear things up a little bit.

What a slipchain system does

Essentially, a slipchain system from somewhere like Joloda Hydraroll combines a powered central chain with rise-and-fall roller tracks in the trailer and at the dock. When you raise the rollers, an entire “train” of pallets glides in or out in one controlled movement; drop them off and the load sits securely for transport. 

These kinds of systems are designed for high-volume, repeatable flows of regularly weighted and sized items, rather than one-off or oversized pieces.

Load trailers in minutes

The most important benefit is speed. Real installations regularly move a full trailer load - up to 30 pallets / about 30 tonnes in weight - in around two minutes, where a forklift process would take 25-30 minutes. Over a day, that time saving compounds into extra departures and fewer missed slots.

Safer docks

Because the last 10 metres or so of the loading process are automated, you can remove most forklift movements at the bay. That cuts near-misses at trailer mouths, reduces racking strikes, and helps to keep pedestrians away from busy interfaces. Case studies report fewer product scuffs as well, and a much more predictable and safer loading rhythm once the slipchain takes over the transfer.

Safer product handling

Loads move together, stably as a single unit, without hard braking, pivots, or last-second shunts. Automation therefore reduces product damage - a massive benefit when it comes to dealing with FMCG, packaging and pharma, where minor box damage still triggers an automatic return.

Fewer trailers

When a bay can be cleared in as little as two minutes, you don’t need as many trailers standing idle. Operators highlight better utilisation, and the ability to reclaim staging space because pallets aren’t waiting out on the floor waiting for a lift truck window. On more space-constrained city plots, freeing a couple of doors or a slice of marshalling area is often an amazing way of cutting costs.

Predictable cycle times

Manual loading times can vary substantially, depending on the skill and energy of the team, and other causes of congestion at the door. Slipchain standardises the loading process, giving repeatable two-minute cycles for the TMS/WMS to schedule against. Predictability facilitates more accurate labour rosters, cleaner carrier SLAs, and fewer missed dispatches.

When it’s the right tool

Slipchain is ideal when you ship full-pallet loads in high volumes, run short shuttle loops, and want to cut forklift exposure at the bay. If your mix is mostly loose cases, mixed picks, or irregular items, a different automated loader (or conventional MHE) may fit better.

Slipchain turns the slowest, riskiest part of pallet handling into a fast, repeatable, low-touch process. Expect two-minute trailer turns, safer docks, gentler handling, fewer trailers, and steadier planning - benefits that stack up shift after shift on high-volume routes.