Palletizing apparatus and method for stacking packages

A palletizing apparatus for stacking packages on a load carrier, the palletizing apparatus comprising:

• a stacking location for palletizing the packages and
• at least two supply stations in conveying connection with said stacking location, each of said at least two supply stations having an intermediate carrier configured to receive the packages;
• said intermediate carriers being vertically adjustable by a motor drive at least in sections, independently of one another, between a low-level position and a high-level position;
• said intermediate carriers being horizontally adjustable by the motor drive independently of one another, between a starting position and an end position;
• and
• said intermediate carriers being arranged at said at least two supply stations for collision-free adjustment of said intermediate carriers, with opposed movement directions between a receiving position and a transfer position;
• each of said supply stations including a receiving device which is:
• configured to provide a movable arrangement of said intermediate carriers horizontally between the starting position and the end position;
• and
• arranged at a guide unit to be vertically movable between the low-level position and the high-level position of said intermediate carrier, and wherein said guide unit includes two separate column devices, each assigned to a respective receiving device and including at least one carrying column.