Part of Authorised
Stow Distributor Network
SEMI-AUTOMATED SHUTTLE RACKING
Store More Pallets, Move Faster, With Southward’s Shuttle Racking System
Deep-lane storage paired with a motorised shuttle that loads and unloads pallets without a forklift ever entering the racking. More pallets per aisle, less structural damage, and faster goods-in/goods-out for high-volume sites.
Compare Your Racking Options
| Shuttle Racking | Drive-In Racking | Selective / Double Deep | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | High-volume, high-density storage of similar SKUs | Large quantities of the same pallets, fewer SKUs | Fast, direct access to every pallet or SKU variety |
| Forklift enters racking? | No – shuttle handles in-lane movement | Yes – forklift drives into the lane | Yes, at the aisle face |
| Stock rotation | FIFO or LIFO, depending on lane configuration | LIFO (single entry) | Last in first out LIFO (only) |
| Storage density | 95% more floor unilisation than Selective racking | High – no picking aisles | Double Deep: ~30% more than Selective |
Built for Continuous, High-Density Operation
Safety
Forklifts never travel inside the racking lane, reducing the risk of impact damage to the structure and to operators.
Structure
Frames, beams and supports are available in a powder-coated or pre-galvanised finish, in line with our standard pallet racking range.
Control
Via a remote or any HMI-enabled device.
Scalability
Add lanes or additional shuttles as storage volume grows, without redesigning the racking structure.
Pallet Shuttle Racking — How It Works
A semi-automated, deep-lane system that increases pallet capacity per aisle without adding full automation complexity or cost.
Forklift-free lane operation
the shuttle handles all pallet movement inside the lane, so forklifts stay at the lane entrance. Removes the collision and structural-damage risk that comes with forklifts driving into racking.
Increased storage density
deep-lane channels hold more pallets per aisle than single-entry Selective Racking. 95% more floor unilisation than Selective racking
FIFO or LIFO configuration
channel design supports first-in-first-out stock rotation, suited to dated or perishable goods, or last-in-first-out for high-turnover, single-SKU lanes.
Simple, operator-controlled deployment
the shuttle is positioned by forklift and controlled via remote or tablet, so no fixed automation infrastructure or WMS integration is required to get started.
Built on Southward racking components
powder-coated or pre-galvanised steel frames, beams and bracing, consistent with our standard pallet racking range. Systems can be designed to accommodate any clients requirements and configurations.
Need full pallet-level accessibility in every lane rather than a shuttle per aisle?
What automation changes on the floor
Increase in storage density vs Selective Racking
Reduction in racking damage incidents vs Drive-In
Reduction in product damage vs Drive in
Throughput increase (pallets/hour) once shuttle is in operation
Audits, Repairs & Maintenance
Everyday wear and tear can compromise the strength and structural integrity of pallet racking. Annual inspections are important for identifying damaged components early and putting the right actions and controls in place.
Guidance from WorkSafe recommends regular checks of racking systems for damage from forklifts or equipment handling machines.
Our maintenance team carries out repairs on all racking types nationwide, whether welded or bolted, keeping racking secure and safe for staff to work around. Inspections are done according to the AS4084.2:2023 standard and covers all elements of your system, always keeping your downtime in mind. Audit and maintenance scheduling is kept to a minimum to not impact operations.
Our shuttle technician carries out repairs, scheduled or emergency maintenance and services to our customers shuttle fleets across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Not Sure If Shuttle Racking Is Right for Your Site?
Every warehouse layout and stock profile is different. Book a consultation and we’ll assess your site, pallet types and throughput needs to recommend the right high-density storage solution – shuttle, drive-in or double deep – for your operation.
Request a consultation for Your Shuttle Racking System
Tell us about your warehouse, pallet profile, storage requirements and throughput targets. Our team will recommend a shuttle racking solution designed around your site and operation.