In today’s high-demand distribution environments, efficiency and smart space utilisation aren’t just goals—they’re necessities. And whether your warehouse is the size of a football field or a household garage, you’re probably running into the same problem:
How do you maximise space and cost-per-pallet in your warehouse?
Enter the Man-Up Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) truck.
Whether you’re handling high volumes of palletised goods or picking orders at height, man-up VNA trucks are designed to help you store more, move more, and work smarter within the space you already have.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what VNA trucks are, including their key features and benefits, and show you how to seamlessly incorporate them into your operational setup.
What are Man-Up VNA trucks?
Put simply, VNA trucks are the answer to rising storage demands within existing footprints. They allow you to narrow your aisles and expand upwards, which can dramatically increase throughput without investing in additional real estate.
Man-up VNA trucks, such as TCM’s new VTU, lift the operator alongside the forks, which is ideal for precise order picking and inventory placement at height.
Alternatively, man-down trucks are built for the operator to remain near the ground. These can also be used in similar applications to those of a standard counterbalance machine.
For VNA trucks operating in small spaces, safe manoeuvrability is key. This is why these trucks come with a specialised guidance system that directs them where they need to go.
There are two types:
Wire guidance: a wire is buried in the centre of the aisleway of the warehouse, wherever a truck goes. The operator locks onto the wire’s signal, which then guides the truck through the narrow aisles. This enables the truck to work faster and more safely.
Rail Guidance: a set of rails are installed on the ground on each side of the truk aisle, and the VNA truck is guided like a tram.
These guidance systems are crucial to maximise safety and efficiency, especially for trucks carrying heavy loads. And with many VNA trucks handling loads ranging from 1.1 to 2 tonnes, guidance systems are all the more crucial.
In addition to manoeuvrability and load capacity, VNA trucks are built to reach towering heights—making them ideal for warehouses looking to fully exploit their vertical storage capacity.
What are the key benefits of man-up VNA trucks?
By operating in aisles as narrow as 1.6 meters and reaching lift heights far beyond standard trucks (up to 19 meters with TCM’s VTU model—one of the highest on the market), man-up VNA trucks allow you to:
- Maximise vertical storage capacity
- Reduce your cost per pallet position
- Increase picking and handling efficiency
- Get more product into the same building
This results in a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over time.
Speaking of ROI - what about the cost?
While VNA trucks do come with a higher initial investment compared to standard reach or counterbalance forklifts, long-term returns are substantial, especially for businesses dealing with high-volume inventory and space limitations.
VNA trucks reduce storage costs and improve picking efficiency, all while supporting future growth.
Who should consider man-up VNA trucks?
These trucks aren’t just a forklift for the everyday user. Man-up VNA trucks are made for:
- Operations managers looking to reduce warehouse footprint without sacrificing storage
- Logistics managers focused on throughput, TCO, and future scalability
- Distribution centres where goods move fast and every square meter matters
Which industries benefit from VNA trucks the most?
VNA trucks are built for operations where space efficiency, stock rotation, and high-volume inventory are key.
Some of the industries and sectors that typically benefit include:
- Retail and e-commerce: Businesses with high SKU counts and fast-moving inventory
- Pharmaceutical: These generally require controlled environments and high-density storage
- Food and beverage: Especially those with high-throughput distribution centres
- Manufacturing: These industries generally need to store large quantities of components and finished goods efficiently
Essentially, any operation that needs to maximise cost per pallet and/or storage space whilst maintaining precision and productivity will see strong returns from a VNA truck.
Introducing the VTU: TCM's newest man-up VNA truck
We are proud to introduce TCM’s VTU, a powerful man-up VNA truck capable of navigating aisles as narrow as 1.6 meters and reaching lift heights of up to 19 metres – far beyond standard VNA trucks.
This truck offers elevated access that allows for not only pallet handling but also accurate and efficient order picking, all from a single machine.
Customisation is another key feature of the VTU. Every truck is built to spec, tailored to the unique layout, storage needs, and flow of your facility.
From lift height to guidance systems and optional add-ons, it’s all designed to suit the location in which it will be operating, making each truck a perfect fit for your unique setup.
Find out more about the VTU and the rest of our VNA truck range.
Designed for the present, ready for the future
In a world where automation and scalability are becoming critical, TCM’s man-up VTU trucks are built with the future in mind.
Whether you’re upgrading your current fleet or planning for long-term growth, these trucks offer the adaptability that forward-thinking warehouse and logistics managers need.
A man-up VNA truck isn’t just another piece of equipment—it’s a strategy. These trucks enable you to optimise every square metre of your warehouse with a system dedicated to your needs, all while lowering costs and streamlining operations.
To learn more about the newest addition to our fleet, the TCM man-up VTU, download our free brochure.
Additionally, you can reach out to a member of our specialist sales team.
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