Anyone in the trucking or logistics game knows that loading and offloading can make or break your delivery schedule. Forklifts, manual labour, delays, and damaged goods all add up. But what if loading a 13.6-metre trailer could take just two minutes, safely and automatically? That’s what Joloda Hydraroll’s LoadPlate system promises, and now that the UK-based company has partnered with S4 Integration here in South Africa, we could soon see this innovation changing how our local fleets operate.
In February 2024, Joloda Hydraroll announced its partnership with S4 Integration, a South African company known for delivering advanced industrial and automation solutions. According to Joloda’s Sales Director, Wouter Satiijn, the partnership is about “revolutionising logistics operations across South Africa, making them more efficient, sustainable, and safe.” S4’s Marketing Manager, Gideon Smith, added that this marks “a new era of innovation in South African logistics.”
How the LoadPlate System Works
The Joloda LoadPlate is a container and trailer loading system designed for companies that regularly handle non-palletised or irregular freight. It works by sliding an entire load, whether it’s heavy machinery, raw materials, or palletised goods, directly into a container or trailer using a moving platform system. The LoadPlate acts as a giant loading plate that carries the load in or out in one go.
Here’s where it gets interesting: the system can handle up to 30 tonnes in under two minutes, depending on the configuration. Once the load is placed on the plate, a hydraulic drive pushes it smoothly into the container or truck, while a powered conveyor automatically retracts the plate. The result is fast, safe, and repeatable loading without the need for forklifts or manual pushing.
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The LoadPlate is particularly suited for operations that deal with:
- Long, heavy, or awkwardly shaped goods (like steel coils, timber, or paper rolls)
- High-value or fragile freight that shouldn’t be exposed to forklifts or uneven loading
- High-throughput warehouses where speed and precision are critical
It’s also compatible with standard ISO containers and trailers, so it doesn’t require any modification to your existing fleet. The system can be installed in a fixed dock or made mobile with a transfer frame, giving flexibility for different loading bays and facilities.
Real-World Results: Case Study Insight
One of Joloda’s case studies shows how a European manufacturer of aluminium extrusion products used the LoadPlate to overhaul its loading process completely. Before installing the system, it took nearly 30 minutes and multiple forklift operations to load one container. With the LoadPlate, they reduced that time to just under 3 minutes per container and eliminated load damage caused by manual handling.
They also achieved:
- 90% reduction in loading time
- Fewer workplace injuries
- Lower energy use since forklifts were no longer needed
- Better load integrity and fewer claims for damage
That’s exactly the kind of transformation that could benefit large-scale South African logistics operators, ports, and manufacturers dealing with export goods.
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Why South Africa Needs to Take Note
In our local context, long queues at factories and depots are still a daily frustration for truckers. Forklift dependency not only slows down the process but also adds risk and fuel costs. An automated loading system like the LoadPlate could be a massive time-saver, especially in industries like mining, steel, agriculture, and FMCG where containers are loaded daily for both local and export markets.
According to S4 Integration, these systems also contribute to sustainability goals, cutting energy consumption and reducing CO₂ emissions by minimising equipment use and idle times. That fits well with the growing push for greener transport and logistics solutions in South Africa.
Looking Ahead
S4 Integration confirmed that they are already engaging with local clients about implementing Joloda’s systems, though specific customer details are pending approval. Even so, international results speak for themselves. This tech could be a game-changer for how South Africa handles freight loading, improving turnaround times, reducing costs, and making logistics operations safer for workers.
For now, it’s worth keeping an eye on this development. The LoadPlate and other Joloda automated systems represent a clear step forward for our industry, and with S4’s local expertise on the ground, we might soon see South African logistics catching up with the world’s most efficient operations.
If your company has implemented or tested automated loading solutions locally, SA Trucker would love to hear from you. Share your experience, and let’s see how this technology could reshape our roads and yards.
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