What Is Drive In Shuttle Racking and How Does It Work?

Drive in shuttle racking is a popular storage solution for warehouses that want to maximize their storage capacity. It is a type of selective racking that allows for high-density storage of pallets. In this blog, we will explore what drive in shuttle racking is, how it works, and its benefits for warehouses.

What is drive in shuttle racking?

Drive in shuttle racking is a type of selective racking system that allows for high-density storage of pallets. It is designed to maximize storage space by using the depth of the warehouse. The system consists of a series of vertical upright frames, horizontal beams, and a shuttle that moves along the beams to retrieve or store pallets.

The shuttle is a motorized platform that can carry one or more pallets at a time. It moves along the beams using a guide rail system and is controlled by a remote control or a warehouse management system (WMS). The shuttle can operate in both directions, allowing for first-in, first-out (FIFO) or last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory management.

How does drive in shuttle racking work?

Drive in shuttle racking works by using a series of vertical upright frames and horizontal beams to create a series of lanes for pallet storage. The shuttle is placed at the back of the lane and can be accessed by a forklift through a drive-in aisle.

The forklift loads the pallet onto the shuttle, which then moves the pallet to the front of the lane for storage. To retrieve a pallet, the shuttle moves to the front of the lane, and the forklift can access the pallet through the drive-in aisle.

The shuttle can also be programmed to automatically retrieve pallets based on inventory levels or expiration dates. This feature is particularly useful for warehouses that have a large number of SKUs or need to manage perishable goods.

What are the benefits of drive in shuttle racking?

Drive in shuttle racking offers several benefits for warehouses, including:

1. High-density storage: Drive in shuttle racking can store up to 75% more pallets than traditional selective racking systems. This is because the system uses the depth of the warehouse to store pallets, rather than just the width. This allows for a higher number of pallets to be stored in a smaller footprint.

2. Improved efficiency: The shuttle can operate at high speeds and can be programmed to automatically retrieve pallets based on inventory levels or expiration dates. This reduces the time and labor required for pallet retrieval and storage.

3. Flexibility: Drive in shuttle racking can be configured to accommodate different pallet sizes and weights. The system can also be designed to work with different types of forklifts, making it a versatile storage solution for warehouses with varying needs.

4. Cost savings: Drive in shuttle racking can help warehouses reduce their storage costs by maximizing their storage capacity and improving their inventory management. The system can also reduce the need for manual labor, which can result in lower labor costs.

Conclusion

Drive in shuttle racking is a high-density storage solution that can help warehouses maximize their storage capacity, improve their efficiency, and reduce their storage costs. The system works by using a motorized shuttle to store and retrieve pallets in the depth of the warehouse. Drive in shuttle racking offers several benefits for warehouses, including high-density storage, improved efficiency, flexibility, and cost savings. If you are looking for a storage solution that can help you maximize your storage capacity and improve your inventory management, drive in shuttle racking may be the right choice for your warehouse.