An apparatus and a method for sorting workpieces (204) includes multiple conveyors (201, 202), a
scanner (208), an offloading device (216), a workpiece processor (218), and a computer (210). The computer has instructions for carrying out a method for sorting that includes obtaining the physical parameters of the workpiece by scanning the workpiece, obtaining an updated distribution of a physical parameter of a
population of workpieces, obtaining an updated loading on each conveyor, obtaining the workpiece processor's capacity, obtaining a
processing parameter indicating the required amount of workpiece
processing to be performed, and obtaining each conveyor's speed. This information is used to place the workpiece on a conveyor in a manner that is calculated to utilize the optimum amount of workpiece processor capacity, while at the same time maintaining an even belt loading. The computer is in communication with conveyor speed drivers (250, 252) and the offloader to adjust
retention time and / or conveyor loading.