A nifty invention by an Australian businessman could spell the end of the tedious process of off-loading docks.

Ian Boon has teamed up with Bermudian Jim Goldring to bring the Vers-a-sled to Bermuda.

The Vers-a-sled is a flat object that slides in and out of containers easily. It means that businesses can load and secure their merchandise to the sled before a container arrives.

They can then easily load the sled into a container within minutes. Unloading the container is just as easy, with the sled sliding out of the container.

Its brochure claims it "revolutionises container handling by making it possible to load or unload a container in just a few minutes".

Mr. Goldring said that unloading a container in Bermuda can take anywhere from a half hour to an hour and a half.

Mr. Boon said the Vers-a-sled is perfect for Bermuda because it imports most of its goods. It allows goods to be quickly unloaded without containers ever leaving the dock. He said it also makes Customs inspection easier because the Customs officer can easily see the contents of a container.

Mr. Boon said the invention works in all 20-foot containers and has safety devices to ensure that the sled does not move during shipment and that it does not hurt anyone when it is being pulled out of the container.

Anyone interested in finding out more information about the sled can visit www.globalbizresource.com.