Future Ford Delivery Vehicles Could Get Automated Loading System

Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for an automated loading system that may be used in future Ford delivery vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.

The patent was filed on September 1^st, 2023, published on March 6^th, 2025, and assigned serial number 0074286.

The Ford Authority Take

Given the success of Ford Pro – the automaker’s commercial-focused side of the business – it’s no surprise that The Blue Oval has published a handful of patents exploring ways future Ford delivery vehicles may one day be much more efficient in terms of doling out packages and other goods. That list includes ideas for a vehicle-based package delivery system, a modular container system, and delivery vehicle drones. Now, this newly published patent adds to that list with an idea for an automated loading system that may be used in future Ford delivery vehicles, too.

The concept behind this new patent is to come up with a more automated system capable of loading and unloading delivery vehicles, which would save drivers from having to perform that physical task, as well as potentially save them some time along a route. The system would accomplish that by using a series of motorized tiles and an elevator system designed to hold a series of bins containing packages or other items.

When the driver arrives at a delivery location, the system would be capable of locating the package heading to that address automatically, after which it would move the tiles around and select the item, then present it for drop off. It’s a rather interesting idea that could certainly prove to be useful in future Ford delivery vehicles, that is, if it does wind up making it to production one day.

“Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property,” Ford said in a statement. “The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.”