a material handling device for receiving a plurality of lumber pieces is provided . each lumber piece is received on the material handling device in successive order . the material handling device comprises a supporting frame having a slide surface and a carriage assembly movable along the supporting frame . a sweep device is secured to the carriage assembly with the sweep device movable from a retracted position to an extended position along the slide surface . the sweep device contacts each lumber piece in successive order and extends to the extended position to move the contacted lumber piece from the slide surface of the supporting frame wherein each next lumber piece is received on the sweep device prior to the sweep device moving to the retracted position and falling to the slide surface upon the sweep device achieving the retracted position .