Warehouse Shuttle Systems

Warehouse shuttle systems have long been popular in Europe and the UK is starting to catch up as the benefits can show a pay back in under 24 months.

With warehouse shuttle systems the handling of goods is carried out by using a remote controlled pallet shuttle. Often called ‘shuttle rockets’,  these shuttles contain diagnosis software for troubleshooting issues and run on rechargeable batteries. There are a number of different types of shuttle systems available, from single or double deep storage, to roaming shuttles and dedicated shuttles. 

Shuttle systems works on either a FIFO (first-in-last-out) or LIFO (last-in-first-out) basis.  The system automates the placement of pallets in the storage lane therefore reducing loading and unloading cycle times. The operator controls all the processes for storing and extracting pallets simply by using a remote control or Wi-Fi enabled tablet

Racking can be set up against a wall of the warehouse which allows for more space.  This system allows for loading to be done from one side with a forklift truck and the unloading on the opposite side with another.

This system is essentially a drive in or drive through pallet racking system with shuttle carts responsible for positioning the pallets in the system rather than a fork lift truck depositing the pallets on the rails of a drive in or drive through pallet racking installation.

The system therefor negates the need for forklift trucks to enter the pallet racking installation. This means that there is no impact damage from the forklift trucks saying on forklift trucks and drivers with no need for the block to have any lighting again giving further savings.

The pallets are simply loaded and unloaded from the front of the shuttle block making it ideal for warehouses with a low number of SKU’s or pallet types.

 Advantages of Warehouse Shuttle Systems

• Unique high-density functionality
• Larger number of product types can be stored
• Time required to store and extract pallets reduced
• Reduces operating costs
  • The number of specialist fork lift trucks and operators required is reduced, no need for lighting about racking, less damage to goods including racking repair & maintenance, running costs of temperature/humidity controlled systems and reducing the storage cube required with the associated rent/overheads
• Damage reduction
  • Forklifts never enter into the aisles like they do in drive-in racking therefore reducing damage.
• Higher product flow produces increased productivity
• Maximised productivity
  • can be combined with other racking systems
• Ideal for cold storage warehouses
• Maximise a warehouses storage capacity.
• Provides fast and efficient loading and unloading of palletised product.
• It also reduces the risk and stress levels of warehouse staff.

The shuttles or carts are battery powdered in a similar way top electric fork lift trucks and are operated by the warehouse staff remotely so they never need to enter the racking. This allows the type of truck that’s loads and unloads the shuttle system to be selected from a less specialised range of forklift trucks again a further saving.

Shuttle systems works on either a FIFO (first-in-last-out) or LIFO (last-in-first-out) basis. The system automates the placement of pallets in the storage lane reducing loading and unloading cycle times. The shuttles contain diagnosis software for troubleshooting issues and run on rechargeable batteries. The operator controls all the processes for storing and extracting pallets simply by using a remote control or Wi-Fi enabled tablet.

The system is being adopted by a wide range of companies from varying industries but is popular with cold storage environments and the food industry. It is mainly selected as an alternative to drive in pallet racking systems.

2h Storage Solutions offer a free site survey and would be happy to advice you on warehouse shuttle systems for your warehouse operation. With years of experience 2hssl can offer industry-wide insights in the pros and cons of the various shuttle systems available.  

For further information on warehouse shuttle racking systems call our design team on 01937 585 057.