The invention provides for an improved signature hopper loader for feeding signatures to a hopper on a binding line. The hopper loader includes two conveyor assemblies that work together to feed signatures to the hopper. The first conveyor assembly is connected to the second conveyor assembly such that there is an angle in the range of 110-120 degrees between the first and second conveyor assemblies. The first and second conveyor assemblies also include forming guides that serve to fan, or deblock, the signatures that are traveling along the first or second conveyor assembly. As the signatures travel over the forming guides, they are bent to give the signatures rigidity and to further facilitate deblocking. The hopper loader further includes an opposing belt that is held on top of at least a portion of one of the transporting belts. The opposing belt is hinged to the frame of the hopper loader and preferably swings down on top of the center belt in the second conveyor. The hopper loader includes a pocket that is connected to the end of the second conveyor assembly. The pocket includes a feed rack that is substantially perpendicular to the end of the second conveyor such that the individual signatures are perpendicular to the feed rack as they leave the end of the second conveyor and enter the pocket. The pocket on the hopper loader of the present invention may also be positioned such that there is a nulldropnull between the end of the second conveyor and the feed rack.