Streamlining Beverage Logistics with SMB's Truck Shuttle for Half Pallets

12/12/2025 News

SMB International has developed an innovative pallet shuttle system designed to streamline food and beverage logistics for grocery retailers with store operations. The solution addresses a key challenge in the industry by automating the picking of plastic half pallets directly in central warehouses.

The pallet shuttle system is specifically tailored to meet the needs of retailers who use half pallets for both display and transport. By automating the assembly of beverage pallets for multiple stores and preparing them for transport, SMB's solution enables retailers to optimize their central warehouse processes, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.

This new technology allows grocery retailers to leverage the flexibility of half pallets while benefiting from the speed and accuracy of automated picking processes.

Efficient Euro and Half Pallet Handling

The plastic half pallet, with its lightweight design, durability, and compatibility with digital intralogistics systems, has become the preferred load carrier in the beverage sector. However, its standard 800 × 600 mm size can still pose logistical challenges for food retailers seeking to efficiently store and pick various pallet types in their central warehouses.

SMB International's Truck Shuttle Half Pallet system addresses this challenge by handling both Euro and half pallets, enabling mixed pallet formation while continuously monitoring cargo and pallet quality. The system's gentle handling and efficient error management minimize the risk of breakage or damage to sensitive beverage products.

By automating warehouse processes with SMB's solution, retailers can optimize storage and picking, maintain product protection, and achieve maximum flexibility for all common retail formats. The Truck Shuttle Half Pallet system sets a new standard for efficient and versatile pallet handling in the beverage industry.

Optimizing Accuracy in Beverage Logistics

Half pallets, commonly used for stacked containers and fast-moving items in retail displays, require stability and precise handling. The need for flexibility in store-specific picking can lead to unbalanced loads and tipping risks. Furthermore, the sensitivity of transported goods, such as glass and pressurized PET containers, makes them vulnerable to shocks and damage.

Even minor process errors can result in costly consequences, including breakage, product damage, and delays, consuming valuable time and budget.

Beverage logistics demands a solution that enhances both efficiency and accuracy to overcome these challenges.

Half Pallets: Compact Size, Significant Responsibility

Half pallets, with dimensions of 800 × 600 mm, are widely used in retail for product presentation and store deliveries. In beverage transport, half pallets are highly sought after for their flexibility in handling smaller quantities and enhancing in-store product displays.

However, half pallets require careful handling and robust stability. Beverages in glass bottles or PET containers are fragile, demanding both load-bearing capacity and protection from the pallets. Even minor errors, such as uneven loading or damaged pallets, can lead to breakage or product loss. Transport must be both sturdy and gentle on the goods – a challenge that becomes more pronounced in automated warehouse and transport processes.

The Solution: SMB International’s Truck Shuttle Half Pallet

SMB's Truck Shuttle Half Pallet is purpose-built to address the unique demands of beverage logistics. With its robust construction, high load capacity, and well-designed safety features, this two-component system is ideal for transporting palletized beverage products.

The system comprises a carrier vehicle (truck) and a pallet shuttle. The integrated turntable enables half pallets to be paired directly on the handling device, while the pallet shuttle ensures precise picking, rotation, and storage of various pallet types.

By preparing store-ready pallets in the goods dispatch area, the entire logistics process is optimized. The compact system allows storage weights of up to 1,200 kg per storage position. Each store receives exactly the pallets they ordered, minimizing misdeliveries and significantly reducing returns. Simultaneously, truck loading becomes more efficient, as pallets are pre-assembled according to orders.

This integrated system enables storage, retrieval, and store-specific picking within a matter of hours, ensuring an efficient and reliable supply chain.

At SMB, we've taken on the challenge of half pallet transport head-on with our Truck Shuttle Half-Pallet system. It's a complete, end-to-end solution – designed, engineered, and delivered entirely by our team. When it comes to efficient half pallet handling, we've got you covered from start to finish.

Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Heckel, Managing Director SMB International

Game-Changing Solution for Beverage Transport

SMB's Truck Shuttle Half Pallet is a smart automated storage system that can handle both Euro and half pallets side by side within the same storage layout. It's got an integrated turntable and a pallet shuttle that work together to make sure different pallet formats are picked up, lined up, and stored with precision – even when you're running a mix of both types.

Product presentation

Benefits

SMB's Truck Shuttle Half Pallet delivers clear advantages for the retail sector: it seamlessly handles all common pallet formats, ensures the safe transport of goods, and optimizes processes through efficient handling.

Multi-Pallet Solution

Designed for Retail: The system seamlessly handles pallet formats commonly used in retail, providing full support for your store's needs.

Gentle Beverage Transport

Programmed for Stability: The handling units (trucks/shuttles) are programmed to accelerate and decelerate pallets gently, ensuring that goods remain stable and secure, minimizing the risk of tipping.

Efficient Error Handling

Automated Rework Process: When errors, such as contour defects or damaged runners, are detected, the pallet is automatically transported to a processing station for efficient rework, minimizing disruptions.

Low Fire Load through Battery-Free Design

Enhanced Safety: The Truck Shuttle Half Pallet eliminates battery systems, reducing fire load and minimizing risks, ultimately increasing operational safety for the automated system.

Ready to Learn More?

At SMB International, we're all about customized system technology. Our team plans, develops, and produces tailor-made solutions to fit your unique needs. We pride ourselves on reliably bringing your requirements to life with personalized system designs.

Got questions about your specific intralogistics challenges? Our technical sales team is here to help. They're the go-to experts for all your queries and concerns.

Don't hesitate to reach out and chat with us about your particular needs. We're always excited to dive into the details and find the perfect solution for you.

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