Warehouses and distribution companies usually hire freight handlers to unload the inbound stock. To do the job, they usually use forklifts and pallet jacks provided by the warehouse. They are so cost effective, that they are not only used for the inbound wares, but for outbound wares as well. Freight handlers can be contracted through the warehouses and distribution centers for terms anywhere from one year to five years. These freight handlers form a third party, and they do not cost anything while in the dead time. When a carrier arrives at the warehouse he has the option of hiring a freight handler, or unloads the wares by themselves. These handlers are paid by the driver, and so they cost nothing from the point of view of the warehouse.
These unloading services are paid by the load, case or pallet, and almost never by the hour. This is great in terms of productivity because the workers are encouraged to work hard and keep productivity high as it would hurt their paycheck if they move too slowly. This is another advantage for a warehouse or a distribution facility. A good freight handling service will always provide productivity reports in order to find eventual problems and come up with solutions in order to maintain good results.
The freight staff can also be trained to do other duties around the warehouse, in order to have most of their time productive, for both your warehouse and their paychecks. It's a win-win situation for both parties. When you companies employees are starting to go into overtime hours, you can release them and use the freight staff to do the necessary work.