Not every 3PL logistics warehouse is a distribution centre with tens of thousands of pallet positions. Many satellite, city or sublet warehouses are medium-sized, with a few rack levels and steady throughput. There, the stacker is a compact, easy-to-operate and economical answer. This article looks at the process steps where STILL stackers make a difference in 3PL operations.
Where stackers fit in the 3PL operating chain
Stackers have front support legs, so they cannot drive close to racking with low beams like a reach truck, nor work in the outdoor yard like a counterbalance truck. But in the following three places, a stacker is often the most sensible choice:
- Staging area in front of the dock: consolidating pallets by delivery route, temporary stacking, moving them to the outbound door.
- Mid-height racking in small warehouses: city warehouses and mid-sized e-commerce warehouses where aisles are tight and racking is not too high.
- Loading lorries two pallets at a time: fewer trips over the dock leveller when lorries make distribution deliveries.
For the basics and variants, see What is a stacker truck.
STILL stacker ranges for logistics service warehouses
STILL EXD 18C–20C: double-deck, twice per trip
According to STILL, the EXD 18C–20C carries up to 1,000 kg on the wheel arms plus a further 800 to 1,000 kg on the forks, meaning two pallets per trip when loading lorries. The slim chassis and small turning radius help it manoeuvre in a crowded staging area. The IFOY award-winning tiller can be operated with one hand, left or right, with the OptiSpeed function.
STILL EXV 14–20: mid-height racking, pedestrian operation
The EXV 14–20 has a maximum capacity of 2,000 kg and lift heights up to 6,066 mm on the 14 and 16 versions. The long tiller with OptiSpeed keeps a safe distance between the operator’s feet and the truck, adjusting speed to the tiller angle. The display on the tiller head shows how much of the maximum capacity is on the forks; Dynamic Load Control and the optional load display indicate the corresponding maximum lift height, useful when pallet weights vary from shipper to shipper.
STILL EXV-SF 14–20 and FXV 14–16: longer distances
When the staging area is far from the racking, a platform or seat reduces operator fatigue. The EXV-SF has an extended platform with side arm guards and reaches 10 km/h. The FXV 14–16 has a driver’s seat, speeds up to 12 km/h, lift heights of more than 6.2 m and battery capacity up to 625 Ah for long shifts.
STILL EXV-CB 06–16: special load carriers
3PL warehouses often encounter shippers’ cage pallets, plastic bins or non-standard pallets. The EXV-CB uses cantilever forks to lift pallets and containers of all kinds, with up to 1,600 kg capacity and lift heights up to 4.2 m. The optional web-based FleetManager shows who may use which truck, how it is utilised and when impacts occurred.
Selection table: stackers by process step
| Process step | Suggested type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Loading distribution lorries | STILL EXD 18C–20C | Two pallets per trip, small turning radius |
| Mid-height racking, small warehouse | STILL EXV 14–20 | Lifts to 6,066 mm, OptiSpeed, load display |
| Remote staging area, longer travel | STILL EXV-SF or FXV | Platform or seat, higher speed |
| Cages, bins, non-standard pallets | STILL EXV-CB 06–16 | Cantilever forks, no legs needed under the load |
| Satellite store with occasional use | STILL ECV 10 | Compact, charges from a standard socket |
Notes when bringing stackers into a leased warehouse
- Pallets and support legs: check whether each shipper’s pallets allow the legs to pass under; if not, consider the counterbalanced EXV-CB.
- Dock levellers: pedestrian stackers working at the dock should be assessed for gradient and gaps before entering the trailer.
- Training: seasonal operators need proper instruction; see operator training.
See the stackers category and the industry overview at solutions for 3PL logistics.
Frequently asked questions
Can the EXD double stacker be used on lorry dock levellers?
STILL presents the EXD 18C–20C as a truck that supports loading and unloading lorries. Even so, check the leveller gradient and the actual weight of two pallets before applying it.
Should a small 3PL warehouse choose a stacker or a reach truck?
Low racking and moderate throughput usually suit a stacker. When racking is higher and putaways and retrievals rise sharply, a reach truck as described in reach trucks for 3PL logistics is the better fit.
Can we control who uses a stacker?
The EXV-CB offers an optional web-based FleetManager for access control and monitoring. For the whole warehouse, see fleet management.
Get advice and a quote
To choose between the STILL EXD 18C–20C, STILL EXV 14–20 or STILL EXV-CB 06–16 for your warehouse, send a request via the request a quote page or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70.