Most of the distance a pallet travels in a 3PL logistics warehouse is horizontal: from the trailer to the checking area, from checking to staging, from staging to the outbound door. Electric pallet trucks do this work faster and more cheaply than any other truck type, especially in cross-docking where goods stay only a few hours. This article explains how to choose STILL electric and hand pallet trucks by distance, load and pace in a service warehouse.
Cross-docking and horizontal transport: the heartbeat of a service warehouse
In cross-docking, inbound goods from many suppliers are re-sorted by delivery route and shipped straight out, rarely going into racking. Performance is measured in pallets across the floor per hour, not rack height. Trucks therefore need speed over long runs, the ability to enter trailers, and operators must stay comfortable all shift because they stand or walk for hours.
Pedestrian trucks suit short runs, platform trucks medium distances, seated trucks long runs. For details, see Choosing an electric pallet truck.
STILL models by distance and intensity
STILL EXH-S 20–25: platform truck for a busy dock
The EXH-S 20–25 offers up to 2,500 kg capacity and up to 14 km/h over longer distances, with easy gradient climbing. Important for loading: Smart Load Protect automatically reduces speed when the initial lift is not raised or when the truck enters a lorry. The optional foot sensor and STILL Safety Light are useful on docks with many pedestrians.
STILL EXH-SF 20–25: narrower than a Euro pallet
The EXH-SF has a folding platform, a maximum capacity of 2,500 kg and a speed of 14 km/h. Its overall width is only 720 mm, narrower than a Euro pallet, so it passes through tight lanes between staged pallets. Hydraulically damped support wheels give good grip on leveller ramps. With Li-Ion technology, according to the manufacturer, even short breaks are enough to charge, supporting 24-hour operation.
STILL FXH 20–25 N: seated truck for long distances
When receiving and dispatch sit at opposite ends of a large warehouse, the FXH 20/25 N offers a driver’s seat, up to 2,500 kg capacity, a top speed of 12 km/h and handling performance of up to 162 tonnes per hour according to STILL. A maximum battery capacity of 500 Ah covers a full shift; with Li-Ion and intermediate charging in breaks, the truck is ready around the clock.
STILL EXH 16–20 and EXH 14C: pedestrian trucks for light work
STILL describes the EXH 16–20 as suited to horizontal transport in supermarkets, production and logistics, as well as use in lorries, with up to 2,000 kg capacity and OptiSpeed adjusting speed to the tiller angle. The EXH 14C is a simple version for occasional transport, with up to 1,400 kg capacity.
STILL HPS/HPT: a hand pallet truck at every dock door
HPS and HPT hand pallet trucks handle 1,000 to 3,000 kg, and STILL names them as suitable for logistics service providers and for loading and unloading lorries. Guide rollers under the fork tips make pallet entry easier; many wheel options match the floor. Compare with electric trucks in Hand pallet truck vs electric pallet truck.
Selection table: pallet trucks by process step
| Process step | Suggested type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous lorry loading | STILL EXH-S 20–25 | Smart Load Protect slows the truck in lorries |
| Cross-docking, tight staging lanes | STILL EXH-SF 20–25 | 720 mm wide, 14 km/h, Li-Ion opportunity charging |
| Long pallet runs across the warehouse | STILL FXH 20–25 N | Driver’s seat, 12 km/h, up to 162 tonnes per hour |
| Light horizontal transport, use in lorries | STILL EXH 16–20 | Pedestrian, OptiSpeed, compact inside the trailer |
| Support at each dock door, odd jobs | STILL HPS/HPT or ECH 12C/15C | No routine charging, or charging from a socket |
Notes for a cross-dock operation
- Count pallets per hour per door: size the fleet on the peak lorry wave, not the daily average.
- Separate pedestrians and trucks: cross-dock floors are crowded with checkers; see warehouse safety solutions.
- Standardise batteries: a fleet on one Li-Ion platform makes charging easier to manage; see energy solutions.
Full ranges: electric pallet trucks and hand pallet trucks. Industry overview at solutions for 3PL logistics.
Frequently asked questions
Is a platform or seated pallet truck better for cross-docking?
Platform trucks such as the EXH-S and EXH-SF suit medium distances where the driver gets on and off often. Seated trucks such as the FXH suit long runs with few stops. Large warehouses usually combine both.
Can electric pallet trucks drive into lorries?
Yes. STILL states that the EXH-S slows down automatically when entering a lorry, and the EXH 16–20 can be used in lorries. Check the leveller and the trailer floor capacity before use.
Should we keep hand pallet trucks once we have electric ones?
Yes. HPS/HPT hand pallet trucks handle odd jobs at each dock door without tying up electric trucks, and serve as a backup while electric trucks charge.
Get advice and a quote
To choose between the STILL EXH-S 20–25, STILL EXH-SF 20–25 and STILL FXH 20–25 N, send a request via the request a quote page or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70.