What does a Vertical Lift Module (VLM) cost?

A Vertical Lift Module typically costs $6,500 to $8,500 per linear foot of height, depending on configuration, tray capacity, and software integration.

What tray sizes are available for VLM storage?

Standard VLM trays measure 49 to 144 inches wide and up to 34 inches deep. Custom trays can be built for bins, tooling, or bulky parts.

How much weight can each VLM tray hold?

Depending on the model, trays support 500 to 2,000 pounds each.

How tall can Vertical Lift Modules be?

VLMs can reach 60 to 80 feet high while occupying roughly 100 square feet of floor space.

What types of materials can a VLM store?

Almost any small-to-medium-sized item fits: parts, tools, electronics, ingredients, medical devices, weapons, and lab supplies.

How many operators are needed to run multiple VLM units?

One trained operator can typically oversee three to five VLMs.

How do VLMs improve warehouse productivity?

Goods-to-person picking, pick-to-light, and dual-tray delivery reduce walking and increase throughput; many see >60% speed gains.

Can VLMs handle heavy or irregular inventory?

Yes—each tray can support 500 to 2,000 pounds and custom dividers handle irregular items.

How fast can a Vertical Lift Module operate?

Typical throughput ranges 125–300 picks per hour; batch and dual-tray presentation keep operators productive.

How much space does a VLM save compared to shelving?

Roughly a 4-to-1 storage capacity gain, often eliminating off-site storage or new construction.

Does a VLM support batching or kitting operations?

Yes—modern software supports batch picking, kitting, and order consolidation with pick-to-light guidance.

What power requirements do VLMs have?

Most systems run on 480V three-phase; transformers are available for 208V or 240V.

What is the typical lead time for a VLM?

Typical lead time is 14–17 weeks depending on customization and production load.

Are VLMs safe for employees to use?

Yes—light barriers and waist-height tray delivery improve safety and reduce lifting injuries.

What software options are available for VLM systems?

Built-in inventory software integrates with WMS/ERP. Features include tracking, access logs, batch picking, and alerts (e.g., Power Pick Global).

Which industries benefit most from using VLMs?

Manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, e-commerce, and energy—any operation with limited space or accuracy challenges.

Kardex Shuttle VLM QuickShip | Southwest Solutions Group

The new QuickShip program from SSG offers standard-sized Kardex Shuttle Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) with lead times of just 4 to 8 weeks and zero price increase, despite tariff uncertainty, to customers in the United States.

QuickShip Highlights

4 to 6 week lead times
0% price increase from tariffs
6 heights available

How Does QuickShip Work?

The new QuickShip program offers standard-sized Kardex Shuttle Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) with lead times of just 4 to 8 weeks and zero price increase, despite tariff uncertainty, to customers in the United States.

QuickShip VLMs are made in the United States at Kardex's production facility in West Columbia, SC. About 85% of VLM components for the US manufacturing plant are sourced domestically, and customers will not see any price increase related to the remaining 15% of parts sourced from abroad.

Standard Sizes Available for QuickShip

The Kardex Shuttle VLM HD500 2450x864 mm QuickShip model is available with multiple heights and other options available.

Height Module Kits are available to support six different unit heights:

5750 mm (18.9 ft)
6750 mm (22.1 ft)
7750 mm (25.4 ft)
8750 mm (28.7 ft)
9750 mm (32.0 ft)
10750 mm (35.3 ft)

Honest Results

“We are coming up on a year since we installed the file system here at Bill Heard Chevrolet, and we continue to be more than happy with the outcome. The barcode tracking software system tracks the documents for us and is easy to maintain and use. There is something to be said about keeping things simple.”

“We would like to extend a great big thank you to your shelving installation and file conversion team. Your team of installers are absolutely the best! They were quiet, polite and really acted as though they enjoyed their work. It was so refreshing to meet them. Everyone is very pleased with the installation and file conversion. Our file room looks great and the new file storage will give us the additional file space we need.”

“I deal with contractors and service people on a daily basis, and I have got to tell you that the crew that has been in here relocating the first two vertical storage machines for me are at the top of my list. They have been extremely professional and customer service oriented. You have some great employees and, if I were you, would value them highly. Guys like these are hard to find.”

“We are very happy with our filing system. We have more filing inches available in the vertical cabinets than we did in our old horizontal filing equipment. Everyone is very excited about the new system. The installation went very smoothly. Service has been exceptional from the first point of contact to planning to installation.”

Southwest Solutions Near You

With 7 offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado, plus teams covering Alaska, Washington, Northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, and West Virginia, Southwest Solutions Group delivers expert vertical lift module sales, design, installation, and maintenace support.

Vertical Lift Module Service Areas

Texas

Offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston & San Antonio w/ sales, design, and installation coverage statewide

Austin
Dallas
El Paso
Fort Worth
Houston
San Antonio

Oklahoma

Office in Edmond w/ sales, design, and installation coverage statewide

Broken Arrow
Edmond
Lawton
Norman
Oklahoma City
Tulsa

Colorado

Office in Englewood w/ sales, design, and installation coverage statewide

Aurora
Colorado Springs
Denver
Fort Collins
Lakewood
Boulder

Alaska