Pallet Shuttle Systems for the United States
Free-roaming pallet shuttle AS/RS with Moffett Automation Taxi
In the United States, “pallet shuttle” often refers to a lane-based 1D radio shuttle. Moffett Automation takes the concept further with free-roaming pallet shuttle AS/RS designed for higher selectivity, scalable throughput and continuous warehouse operations.
The Moffett Automation Taxi moves beyond fixed-lane shuttle systems by enabling pallets to move horizontally, vertically and in depth through an automated storage system. This gives warehouse operators greater flexibility, faster access to more SKUs and a system architecture that can scale as demand grows.
What “Pallet Shuttle” Means
In the US, a pallet shuttle is often understood as a 1D radio shuttle: a powered cart that moves pallets back and forth inside a deep storage lane.
Moffett Automation does not supply traditional 1D or 2D shuttle systems. We specialise in free-roaming pallet shuttle AS/RS designed to deliver higher selectivity, stronger throughput and more flexible pallet access for facilities with multiple SKUs, tighter service levels and continuous operations.
Why Free-Roaming Shuttles
Access any pallet, any time
Shuttles can travel horizontally, transfer vertically via Moffett Automation VTUs™ and position pallets into storage locations without being restricted to fixed deep lanes.
Throughput that scales
Additional shuttles and transfer points can be added to increase parallel movement during peak periods without re-engineering the full system.
High service levels
Fast access to multiple SKUs makes the system suitable for 3PL, e-commerce, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, healthcare and manufacturing buffer applications.
Safety and resilience
Automated pallet movement reduces forklift entry into racking and cold aisles, while distributed shuttle fleets help reduce single points of failure.
Smarter operations
Moffett Automation WCS™ orchestrates traffic, routing, energy management and diagnostics to support uptime, control and operational visibility.
Moffett Automation Taxi
Pallet Shuttle Specifications
Weight Capacity: 3,300 lb
Operating Temperature: −13°F to 122°F
Top Speed: 5.9 ft/s
Charging: Automatic opportunity charging
Battery: 100Ah lithium battery
Communication: Mesh Wi-Fi network
When 1D is Mentioned vs When Free Roaming Shuttle Wins
| Criterion | 1D Radio Shuttle | Free-Roaming Pallet Shuttle AS/RS |
| Typical fit | Few SKUs, deep lanes, batch moves | Multiple SKUs, higher service levels, 24/7 operations |
| Selectivity | Low to medium due to lane constraints | High, with location-independent pallet access |
| Throughput ceiling | Limited by forklift staging and lane access | Scales through parallel shuttles, VTUs and WCS control |
| Scalability | Add carts, but remains lane-bound | Add shuttles, VTUs and system phases modularly |
| Best use cases | Batch cold storage, seasonal SKUs, deep-lane storage | 3PL, e-commerce, FMCG, pharma, healthcare and manufacturing buffers |
| Future-proofing | Step change often requires redesign | Capacity can be increased without full system redesign |
If your research began with “1D pallet shuttle,” the next question is whether your SKU variety, throughput target, service level or peak demand already points toward a free-roaming pallet shuttle AS/RS.
How Free Roaming Works
How Free-Roaming Pallet Shuttle AS/RS Works
Shuttles
Moffett Automation Taxi pallet shuttles move horizontally through the storage system and into pallet locations.
Vertical Transfer Units
Moffett Automation VTUs move shuttles and pallets between storage levels, allowing the system to use vertical warehouse space efficiently.
Warehouse Control System
Moffett Automation WCS manages routes, shuttle traffic, energy use, diagnostics and system activity in real time.
Integration
The system can integrate with WMS, ERP and manufacturing systems through tailored software interfaces.
Result
High throughput, high selectivity and resilient automated pallet storage performance.
Specs snapshot:
- Pallet types: GMA, CHEP, Euro and specialty pallets
- Pallet weight: up to 3,300 lb per position
- Temperature: standard operation from −13°F to 122°F, with cold-store options available subject to project configuration
- Safety and compliance: designed with UL-listed components where required
- Software: Moffett Automation WCS for traffic, diagnostics and system control
US Applications
Cold and frozen storage
High-density pallet storage with fast, selective access and reduced forklift movement in temperature-controlled environments.
Food and beverage
Support for promotion changeovers, mixed SKU profiles, batch control and high-volume pallet movement.
3PL and e-commerce
Improved service-level performance during peak demand, with scalable buffering and faster access to multiple SKUs.
Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
Traceable, controlled pallet movement with system monitoring, diagnostics and integration options.
Manufacturing buffers
Finished goods and raw material buffers close to production, with automated replenishment and better pallet flow.
Automating a Warehouse in the United States or Canada?
Speak with Gary Chapman, Moffett Automation’s North American sales contact, to discuss pallet shuttle AS/RS, cold storage automation, 3PL applications, manufacturing buffers or WMS integration requirements.
Gary Chapman
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 416 574 5273
Gary Chapman
