Difference between Drive in Rack And Radio Shuttle Rack

Drive in racks and radio shuttle racks are both common types of racks on the market today. Now let’s explore their main features and differences.

Drive in pallet racking system

Drive in pallet racking system is a high-density storage system for warehouses based on First-In, Last-Out (FILO) & First-In, First-Out (FILO) storage pallets. Pallets are loaded and retrieved from the front side of the racking, and forklifts drive directly into the racking pallets to reach the stored product. The last pallet loaded becomes the first pallet accessible, thus producing a denser and more uniform load in a limited storage area.

Advantages of driven-in racking

●Maximize square footage in your facility

●More efficient use of space in limited aisles

●Unlimited storage depth

●Utilize density rather than selectivity

●Cost-effective

Shuttle racking system

Shuttle racking is based on the through racking in terms of shape and working principle. Shuttle shelving does not require a special operating channel for forklifts when working. Shuttle shelving uses shuttle carts to reach goods in and out of the shelves.

Advantages of shuttle racking

Convenient storage and retrieval

Stocking: Cargo is placed by forklift at the forefront of the racking aisle rail, and a shuttle operated by radio remote control can carry pallet cargo on the rail.

Pick-up: The shuttle moves the pallets from the depths of the racks to the front end of the racks, and the pallets are removed from the racks by a forklift.

High density storage warehouse with high utilization

The complete warehouse solution consists of shuttle pallet racking with a certain number of group shelves and a system for pallet entry, transport and storage by shuttle. The space utilization rate is more than 80%.

Reduce accidents and costs

Using automatic shuttles instead of forklifts in the storage process not only reduces the risk of accidents, but also reduces maintenance costs due to damage to the shelves.

Flexible and versatile

The system works as both a FIFO and a LIFO, even in freezers with temperatures up to -30°C.

Differences and similarities

Shuttle racking systems are a form of ultra-high density storage. As with drive-in racking, such a system can reach several pallets high, but unlike the latter, it can also go 30 to 60 meters deep (instead of only 20 meters). Since operators can load and unload pallets without having to travel inside the rack, the aisle space requirements are significantly reduced and the overall installation is more stable.

Both shuttle shelving and drive-in shelving do not require dedicated forklift aisle space, so the warehouse space utilization is high, but both have low picking rates and are suitable for storing small varieties and large quantities of goods. In addition, both can achieve FIFO and FIFO operations. However, the forklift of shuttle racks does not need to enter the inside of the racks, and the goods on the rails are accessed by moving the shuttle by remote control, so the shuttle racks are safer than driven – on the racks.