Shuttle Pallet Racking FAQs
We’ve answered some of the most popular questions about shuttle pallet racking below.
For any other queries or to get a quote for shuttle pallet racking, please call us on 0845 689 1300.
What Is Shuttle Pallet Racking?
Shuttle pallet racking is a semi-automated high-density storage system in which a motorised shuttle cart runs along rails inside the racking lanes to transport pallets to and from the loading face. Rather than a forklift driving into the racking structure, the shuttle does the work of moving pallets deep into the lane, which reduces equipment wear, improves safety and allows for much deeper and more compact storage configurations than traditional drive-in systems.
How Does Shuttle Pallet Racking Work?
The shuttle is a battery-powered cart that sits on the rails within each racking lane. The operator uses a forklift to place a pallet at the front of the lane and then uses a remote control to send the shuttle into the lane to collect and position the pallet in the correct location. For retrieval, the process is reversed. The shuttle brings the pallet to the front of the lane where the forklift can collect it, eliminating the need for the forklift to enter the racking structure at all.
What Is The Difference Between Shuttle Racking And Drive-In Racking?
Both systems are designed for high-density storage of single SKUs in deep lanes, but the key difference is how pallets are moved within the lane. In drive-in racking, the forklift physically enters the structure to place and retrieve pallets. However, in shuttle racking, the forklift stays outside the structure and the motorised shuttle handles all internal movement, resulting in a safer, more efficient and lower-maintenance system.
How Many Pallets Can A Shuttle Racking System Store?
The storage capacity of a shuttle racking system depends on the dimensions of your warehouse, the height of the racking structure, the number of lanes and the depth of each lane. Because shuttle racking eliminates the need for internal access aisles, it makes use of significantly more floor space than selective racking, with storage density increases of 30 to 50 percent commonly achievable compared to conventional systems.
Individual shuttle carts are typically rated to handle pallet loads of up to 1,500 kg, though this varies by manufacturer and specification.
During your consultation, our team will calculate the optimal configuration for your space and stock profile to give you a clear picture of the capacity you can expect.
What Are The Main Advantages Of Shuttle Pallet Racking?
Shuttle racking offers several significant advantages over conventional storage systems. It delivers exceptional storage density by eliminating the need for internal access aisles, reduces the risk of racking damage since forklifts never enter the structure, improves operator safety and increases throughput speeds compared to manual drive-in systems. The ability to handle both FIFO and LIFO rotation also makes it a versatile option across a wide range of industries and product types.
Is Shuttle Racking Suitable For Cold Store And Freezer Warehouses?
Yes. Shuttle racking is one of the most practical high-density storage solutions for cold store and freezer environments. Because the forklift never enters the racking structure, operators spend significantly less time in low-temperature areas, which improves both safety and efficiency. The motorised shuttle carts used in these systems are designed to operate reliably in sub-zero conditions, making shuttle racking a popular choice for food and beverage distribution, pharmaceutical cold chain storage and frozen goods warehouses. If your operation involves temperature-controlled storage, shuttle racking is well worth considering as part of your warehouse design.
Do You Supply And Install Shuttle Racking Across The UK?
Yes. Logical Storage Solutions supply and install shuttle pallet racking systems across the whole of the UK. We work with warehouses and distribution centres in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Birmingham, Wolverhampton and well beyond, covering projects of all sizes from single-site installations to multi-site rollouts.
Every installation is completed in full compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, with detailed risk assessments and method statements provided as standard.
If you are based outside our usual operating areas, get in touch and we will be happy to discuss your project.
What Products Are Best Suited To Shuttle Pallet Racking?
Shuttle racking is best suited to operations that store large quantities of a small number of SKUs. It is widely used in the food and beverage sector, cold store and freezer warehouses, manufacturing facilities and distribution centres handling high volumes of uniform palletised goods. If your operation involves a large variety of product lines with different rotation requirements, a different racking solution, such as selective or mobile racking, may be more appropriate.
Can Shuttle Pallet Racking Integrate With A Warehouse Management System (WMS)?
Absolutely. Shuttle pallet racking can be integrated with a warehouse management system to give operators real-time visibility and control over stock movements, lane occupancy and pallet counts. The shuttle cart communicates wirelessly with the operator via a remote control or tablet interface, and this data can feed directly into a WMS to support inventory tracking, FIFO or LIFO rotation and operational reporting. For warehouses handling high volumes of palletised goods, WMS integration alongside shuttle racking can significantly improve accuracy, reduce picking errors and streamline the overall flow of goods in and out of the facility.
How Long Does Shuttle Pallet Racking Installation Take?
Installation timescales vary depending on the scale of the project, the complexity of the racking configuration and any site-specific requirements such as groundwork, existing racking removal or phased installation to keep parts of the warehouse operational during the works.
A straightforward shuttle racking installation in a single warehouse area may be completed within a few days, while larger or more complex projects can take several weeks.
We work closely with each client to plan the installation around their operational schedule, minimising disruption wherever possible. Contact our team to discuss your project and we will provide a realistic programme as part of your quote.
