Container-based material handling for automatic parcel sacking system

A process performed by a parcel sorting system, comprising:

• assigning a first sorting destination to a first output of a plurality of outputs of the parcel sorting system, wherein a first container is positioned to receive parcels sorted to the first output;
• sorting parcels corresponding to the first sorting destination to the first output and depositing the parcels into the first container;
• when the first container has reached a target capacity, removing the full first container using a first shuttle, wherein the first shuttle is one of a plurality of shuttles configured to travel on shuttle tracks to positions proximate to each of the outputs;
• and
• positioning a third container to receive parcels sorted to the first output using a second shuttle of the plurality of shuttles;
• and
• when the first container has reached the target capacity, assigning the first sorting destination to a second output of the plurality of outputs, wherein a second container is positioned to receive parcels sorted to the second output.

A non-transitory machine readable medium storing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a control system of a parcel sorting system to:

• assign a first sorting destination to a first output of a plurality of outputs of the parcel sorting system, wherein a first container is positioned to receive parcels sorted to the first output;
• sort parcels corresponding to the first sorting destination to the first output and deposit the parcels into the first container;
• when the first container has reached a target capacity, remove the full first container using a first shuttle, wherein the first shuttle is one of a plurality of shuttles configured to travel on shuttle tracks to positions proximate to each of the outputs;
• position a third container to receive parcels sorted to the first output using a second shuttle of the plurality of shuttles;
• when the first container has reached the target capacity, assign the first sorting destination to a second output of the plurality of outputs, wherein a second container is positioned to receive parcels sorted to the second output.