How the FlowSort S15 Parcel Sorter Works
Induction, identification, diverting and sort plans — the questions engineers and operations managers ask before a site review, answered plainly.
From Mixed Parcels to Sorted Chutes in Four Steps
1. Induction
Parcels are placed on the line by operators or fed by automatic induction. Which one fits depends on your volume, staffing and sort window; many sites start manual and add automatic induction as volume grows.
2. Identification
An optical identification system reads each parcel's barcode and printed label text. Scanning covers up to five sides of the parcel, configured to how your labels are applied.
3. Diverting
Once the parcel's destination is known, an arm-type diverter moves it off the line into its assigned chute.
4. Sort plan
Chutes are mapped in software: by delivery route, by carrier, or a mix of both. The plan can change between shifts without changing the hardware.
Sort by Route, by Carrier, or Both
The same system serves two different jobs, depending on how the chutes are mapped:
- Delivery stations: packages are grouped by driver route before drivers arrive, so the morning hand-sort disappears. See last-mile delivery sorting.
- Warehouses and 3PLs: outbound parcels are split by carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS, regional carriers) for pickup. See 3PL warehouse automation.
- Mixed plans: some chutes by carrier, others by route or service level, set per site.
Configurations
Each tier or line is rated at up to 3,600 parcels per hour. Vertical systems stack up to six tiers; flat systems run lines side by side.
| Name | Layout | Rated parcels/hour |
|---|---|---|
| FlowSort S15-V1 … V6 | Vertical, 1–6 tiers | 3,600 – 21,600 |
| FlowSort S15-F# | Flat, # lines side by side | 3,600 per line |
Rated figures; actual throughput depends on parcel mix, label quality and staffing.
Watch the FlowSort S15 Sort Parcels
There is no U.S. installation open for visits yet. If you'd like to see a system running live, we can arrange a video walkthrough.
Who Builds It and Who Supports It
The equipment is manufactured in China by our production partner. SortLease designs each configuration for its site and handles delivery, installation, maintenance and upgrades in the U.S.
You can buy the system or run it on pay-per-parcel pricing from $0.10 per parcel, with no equipment to buy.
Layout drawings are site-specific
Because every system is configured for its building, we prepare layouts for your site rather than sending a generic set. To start, send us:
- Daily parcel volume and peak hour
- Typical parcel size and weight range, and share of polybags
- Number of sort destinations (routes, carriers or lanes)
- Available floor area and clear height
- Target start date
Technical Questions
Are parcels inducted manually or automatically?
Either. Parcels can be placed on the line by operators or fed by automatic induction, depending on volume, staffing and the sort window.
How does the FlowSort S15 identify each parcel?
An optical identification system reads barcodes and printed label text. Scanning covers up to five sides of the parcel, configured to the customer's requirements.
What moves the parcel into the chute?
An arm-type diverter moves each parcel off the line into its assigned chute.
Can the system sort by carrier instead of by delivery route?
Yes. Chutes are mapped in software and can be assigned by carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS, regional carriers), by delivery route, or a mix of both.
Who manufactures the FlowSort S15 and where is it made?
The equipment is manufactured in China by SortLease's production partner. SortLease designs each configuration for its site and handles delivery, installation, maintenance and upgrades in the U.S.
Can I see the system running?
A video of the system running is on this page and the SortLease homepage. There is no U.S. installation open for visits yet; SortLease can arrange a live video walkthrough.
Can you send layout drawings?
Layouts are prepared for a specific site. Send daily volume, peak hour, parcel size and weight range, number of sort destinations, floor area and clear height, and SortLease will prepare a layout for that building.
How many parcels per hour does it sort?
Each tier or line is rated at up to 3,600 parcels per hour. Vertical systems stack up to six tiers (21,600 per hour); flat systems run lines side by side. Actual throughput depends on parcel mix, label quality and staffing.