Which type of storage system is more efficient, the gravity roller rack or the shuttle cart rack?

Gravity roller rack and shuttle car rack are both common types of storage racks used in warehouses for storing goods. Their similarity lies in the dense storage of goods with a large storage capacity. They are widely used in warehouses, factories, and workshops, and are also the preferred choice for cold storage to store goods. So, which one is more efficient? Let's find out.

The gravity roller rack uses the weight of the goods to achieve "first in, first out" flow. Goods enter from the upper entrance and slide along the inclined track to the lower exit without any power. The continuous flow operation can reach about 30 pallets per hour per single channel.

The shuttle car rack uses shuttle cars running on tracks and is combined with forklifts for storage and retrieval, achieving semi-automated operation. Each shuttle car can store and retrieve about 30-50 pallets per hour, and the more shuttle cars there are, the higher the efficiency. Thus, in terms of efficiency, the shuttle car rack is higher than the gravity roller rack. Enterprises should consider factors such as the characteristics of goods (size/weight/turnover rate), warehouse conditions (height/area), budget size, and future expansion requirements. For medium-sized and large distribution centers with an average daily throughput of over 500 pallets, the efficiency advantage of the shuttle car system can fully demonstrate its economic value.