Pallet Shuttle vs Drive-In : lequel rembourse plus vite ?

Drive-in and shuttle racking look similar on a brochure — both store pallets several deep. In the warehouse they behave very differently.

How they work

Drive-in lets the forklift drive physically into the lane. Shuttle uses a radio-controlled trolley that the operator loads at the aisle face; the forklift never enters the lane.

Damage and safety

Drive-in lanes see frequent upright and pallet damage from truck contact. Shuttle removes the forklift from the lane entirely, cutting damage and insurance claims.

Throughput

Shuttle fills and empties lanes roughly twice as fast because the truck waits at the face. For cold stores this also means less warm air in the room.

Cost and payback

Drive-in is cheaper upfront; shuttle costs more per position but pays back through lower damage, faster turns and labour savings — typically within 18–30 months at volume.

Verdict: choose drive-in for low-turn bulk; choose shuttle when throughput, damage or cold-store energy matter.