Automated mail tray loading system and method

A method, comprising:

• filling an output pocket of a mail stacker with mail product received at the mail stacker, wherein the output pocket comprises a bottom that supports the mail product received from the mail stacker thereon;
• positioning an automated mail tray on a shelf under the output pocket, wherein the automated mail tray comprises a bottom plate that is moveable between an elevated position and a lowered position;
• aligning the automated mail tray with the output pocket when positioning the automated mail tray on the shelf under the output pocket such that the bottom plate of the automated mail tray in the elevated position is flush against the output pocket;
• raising the bottom plate of the automated mail tray to a position directly beneath the bottom of the output pocket;
• upon filling the output pocket, horizontally sliding the bottom of the output pocket relative to side walls of the output pocket to remove the bottom of the output pocket from a position supporting the mail product thereon;
• supporting the mail product within the output pocket via the bottom plate of the automated mail tray positioned in the elevated position;
• and
• automatically transferring the mail product from the output pocket into the automated mail tray by lowering the movable bottom plate of the automated mail tray from the elevated position to the lowered position while the mail product is supported on the bottom plate.

A mail sortation and transportation system, comprising:

• a mail stacker comprising an output pocket, wherein the mail stacker is configured to receive mail product and to stack at least a portion of the mail product into the output pocket, wherein the output pocket comprises side walls, wherein the output pocket comprises an opening at a bottom of the output pocket between the side walls;
• a shelf disposed under the output pocket of the mail stacker;
• and
• an automated mail tray comprising a bottom plate that is moveable between an elevated position and a lowered position, wherein the automated mail tray is removably disposed on the shelf for receiving mail product transferred from the output pocket, wherein the automated mail tray is aligned with the output pocket when positioned on the shelf under the output pocket such that the bottom plate of the automated mail tray in the elevated position covers the opening between the side walls of the output pocket, and wherein the bottom plate of the automated mail tray is configured to support the mail product disposed thereon in the output pocket when the bottom plate is in the elevated position, wherein the bottom plate of the automated mail tray acts as a bottom of the output pocket during stacking of the mail product.