Consignment Storage
Structured Storage for General Cargo
Consignment storage provides secure and traceable handling of loose cargo and palletised shipments within the terminal. It serves as a central link between landside acceptance, build & break, customs inspection and outbound dispatch. Whether set up as manual racks or fully automated systems, consignment storage ensures smooth cargo flows and reliable availability.
The Consignment Storage Process
After acceptance at the landside, shipments are placed on X-ray compatible inhouse pallets and registered in the warehouse management system. Depending on the setup, cargo is stored in heavy-duty racks for manual handling or in automated ASRS with stacker cranes, conveyors and storage decks for higher throughput. Consignments are retrieved on demand for build-up, customs clearance or onward transport.
In Consignment Storages, we combine four core strengths: products, software, system planning and service. Together, they ensure secure, compliant and scalable handling – from manual floor storage to advanced ASRS solutions.
Benefits of Lödige's Consignment Storage Solutions
Focused on operational workflows, our process solutions create tangible benefits by streamlining handling steps, reducing turnaround times and enabling smooth coordination across all air cargo terminal areas.
Automation Levels
From Manual Racks to Fully Automated ASRS
Consignment storage solutions can be tailored to different levels of automation – enabling terminals to align operations with cargo volumes, process complexity, and long-term investment strategies. Whether fully manual or highly automated, each setup ensures secure and efficient storage of consignment goods.
Fully automated
Fully automated consignment storage systems use ASRS (Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems) with integrated software and sensors to manage every movement. Functions include automated storage and retrieval, ideal for high-throughput terminals. These systems enable precise, reliable, and scalable cargo storage with minimal manual intervention.
| Typical Equipment | Software Components |
|---|---|
| ASRS consisting of: – Stacker crane – Placing deck – Inhouse Pallet – Multilevel racking – Roller conveyor – Chain conveyor – Right-angle conveyor – Pick-up / drop-off decks for forklift – Smart Gates (weighing, volume analysis, identification) | Cargo Professional Suite (TMS) Modules/ Functions: |
Semi-automated and mobile
Semi-automated solutions support repetitive processes and increase operator efficiency. Functions include semi-automated storage and retrieval, supported by roller or chain conveyors for horizontal movement, while stacker cranes may be used in guided mode for vertical pallet handling.
| Typical Equipment | Software Components |
|---|---|
| • Stacker Crane • Multilevel Racking • Inhouse Pallet | Cargo Professional Suite (TMS) Modules/ Functions: |
Manual & Operator-Driven Systems
Manual systems are ideal for terminals seeking flexibility in handling a wide range of consignment types. Functions include forklift-operated manual consignment storage and retrieval, often using in-house pallets placed in heavy-duty racking or marked floor positions.
| Typical Equipment | Software Components |
|---|---|
| • Heavy-duty racks | Cargo Professional Suite (TMS) Modules/ Functions: |
Discover Solutions for Consignment Handling
Explore related products that make consignment handling more efficient, compliant and scalable. Each solution contributes to secure storage, reliable processes and seamless integration into your terminal setup.
Stacker Cranes automate vertical and horizontal IHP storage in ASRS, ensuring high throughput, safety and reliable consignment management.
Chain conveyors connect IHP storage routes, offering high load capacity and modular design for efficient, automated consignment handling.
Modular roller conveyors transport inhouse pallets reliably within ASRS. Designed for speed, scalability and seamless software integration.
Right Angle Conveyors enable 90° direction changes for IHPs. Scalable modules ensure efficient routing in consignment ASRS systems.
Durable plastic pallets, X-ray compatible and barcode-ready. They ensure efficient, compliant handling of consignments in manual or automated ASRS.
From Landside to Airside – Explore the Processes
Navigate through the key steps of air cargo handling and explore how our solutions support each process.
Ready to optimise your cargo storage?
Let’s discuss the right consignment storage solution for your terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Consignment storage is the secure and traceable interim storage of loose cargo and palletised shipments inside the terminal. It connects landside acceptance, build & break, customs inspection and outbound dispatch.
Yes, consignment storage can be fully manual using heavy-duty racking systems. This option offers high flexibility and is ideal for smaller terminals or areas with diverse cargo types.
General cargo such as loose parcels, cartons and palletised shipments is stored here. Oversized or special cargo may be routed to dedicated handling areas.
Automation ranges from manual racks to fully automated ASRS with stacker cranes, conveyors, and inhouse pallet systems. Semi-automated solutions are also available for phased upgrades.
Yes, automated systems are fully integrated with warehouse and terminal management systems, ensuring transparent inventory tracking and seamless cargo flow control.
Each shipment is registered in the terminal software and assigned to a specific storage location. Automated systems allow real-time visibility and digital traceability of all cargo movements.
Automated storage improves throughput, reduces manual handling, optimises space usage, and enhances safety. It also enables 24/7 availability and better resource planning.
Yes, all systems are modular and scalable. Manual racks can be expanded, and automated components like cranes and conveyors can be added as cargo volumes grow.
The standard transfer height for IHP in consignment storage systems is typically 1,000 mm or 1,040 mm, ensuring compatibility with conveyors, stacker cranes and hoists.
Absolutely. Lödige provides planning, modernisation, and upgrade services to adapt existing storage areas to new capacity or automation requirements.