Methods for preparing parcels for final sorting. The methods include dividing a mass flow of parcels into individual streams, separating and singulating the parcels in each stream, delivering each stream at a steady rate to a human operator that faces and culls the parcels, reading identifying indicia on the parcels, delivering the scanned parcels to a presorter in parallel lanes, and selectively discharging parcels from the lane closest to a side of the presorter off the side at multiple discharge points.