# Automated Pallet Transport Systems: A Practical Buyer's Guide

> Pallet conveyors, transfer cars, AGVs and shuttles all move pallets — but each shines in a different layout. Here's how to decide.

- Canonical URL: https://conveyor-design.com/en/blog/automated-pallet-transport-systems
- Language: en
- Category: Material Handling
- Published: 2026-04-19
- Updated: 2026-05-02
- Reading time: 8 min
- Publisher: Easy Systems (https://easy-systems.eu/nl/)
- Tags: pallet conveyor, AGV, warehouse

## Key takeaways

- Powered pallet conveyors win for short, fixed, high-frequency flows under 60 meters.
- Transfer cars are the standard cross-aisle and AS/RS interface.
- AGVs and AMRs are the right call when layouts must stay flexible.
- Empty-pallet return is the most ignored flow — design it from day one.

## Article

Moving pallets sounds simple — until you scale. Choosing the right transport system between goods-in, storage and dispatch can swing both capex and operating cost by 30% or more.

## The four main options

  
- Powered pallet conveyors — chain, roller or modular belt for fixed, high-frequency flows

  
- Transfer cars — for cross-aisle and AS/RS interfaces

  
- AGVs and AMRs — for flexible, reconfigurable transport

  
- Manual forklifts — still optimal for low volumes and large distances

## Decision matrix

  ScenarioBest fit

  
    Short, fixed, high-frequency flowPallet conveyor

    Cross-aisle / AS/RS interfaceTransfer car

    Variable routes, evolving layoutAGV / AMR

    Low volume, long distanceForklift

  

## Design tips from the field

  
- Always check pallet quality — broken pallets jam conveyors

  
- Plan for empty pallet return; it's the most ignored flow

  
- Design buffers in front of every bottleneck, especially shipping

Need help mapping your pallet flow? Easy Systems has engineered automated pallet transport for warehouses across Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

## FAQ

### What is the most cost-effective way to move pallets in a warehouse?

For fixed flows under 60 meters, a powered chain or roller pallet conveyor is usually most cost-effective. For longer, variable or low-frequency flows, AGVs and forklifts compete strongly on total cost.

### Can pallet conveyors integrate with AS/RS?

Yes. Pallet conveyors are the standard interface between AS/RS cranes or shuttles and dispatch lanes, with transfer cars handling cross-aisle movement.

## Sources

- [Easy Systems — Conveyor & warehouse automation (Benelux)](https://easy-systems.eu/nl/)

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Source: https://conveyor-design.com/en/blog/automated-pallet-transport-systems — published by Easy Systems, conveyor systems and warehouse automation (Benelux).