The Case for Very Narrow Aisle Forklifts in Tight Warehouses

October 08, 2025

Rising warehouse rents and limited footprints mean operators must do more with less.

MHS Lift offers Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) forklifts so companies can increase storage density, improve pick efficiency and delay or avoid costly warehouse expansions.

Why are VNA forklifts gaining traction in today’s warehouses?

Warehouse space is at a premium – industrial rents continue to climb while vacancy rates remain low. For companies that can’t justify – or simply can’t find – new space, maximizing existing square footage is critical.

VNA forklifts are designed to operate in aisles as narrow as 5-6 feet, compared to the 10-12 feet required by standard lift trucks. This means facilities can pack more racking into the same footprint, potentially boosting pallet positions by 25-50% without a building expansion.

How do VNA forklifts improve warehouse efficiency?

Beyond storage density, VNA trucks deliver measurable workflow improvements:

  • Faster picks: Turret trucks can rotate forks 180° without turning the truck, reducing operator travel.
  • Reduced travel time: Denser storage means less distance between picks.
  • Optimized inventory management: Paired with warehouse management systems, VNA forklifts support high-throughput operations like e-commerce fulfillment.

MHS Lift’s integrated warehouse design team often recommends VNA layouts alongside double-deep racking or mezzanines to further expand cubic capacity.

What industries benefit most from VNA forklifts?

While almost any warehouse can benefit, certain sectors stand out:

  • E-commerce & 3PLs: Seasonal order spikes demand dense storage and fast picking.
  • Pharmaceutical & cold-chain: High-value inventory makes cubic efficiency critical.
  • Food & beverage distribution: Peak harvest and holiday seasons strain warehouse capacity.

Regional insights show strong demand for narrow-aisle equipment across the Mid-Atlantic.

What VNA solutions does MHS Lift offer?

MHS Lift provides a range of Crown TSP Series Very Narrow Aisle Trucks – engineered for stability, operator comfort and precise pallet handling. These can be paired with MHS Lift’s broader optimization services, including racking re-design, fleet management and automation add-ons.

By combining specialized equipment with expert facility design, MHS Lift helps clients increase throughput while controlling long-term costs.

FAQ

Q1: How narrow can VNA aisles be?
A1: Most VNA forklifts operate efficiently in aisles as narrow as 66 inches, compared to 120 inches or more for traditional forklifts.

Q2: Do VNA trucks require special operators?
A2: Yes – while the fundamentals are the same, VNA trucks often require additional training. MHS Lift provides OSHA-compliant operator training across NJ, PA, DE and MD.

Q3: Can I retrofit my current warehouse for VNA use?
A3: Often, yes. MHS Lift’s integrated solutions team can re-configure racking and advise on equipment selection.

Q4: Are VNA forklifts more expensive than standard models?
A4: They are a premium investment, but the storage gains and efficiency often offset the higher upfront cost by delaying expansion.

Q5: What industries see the fastest ROI from VNA adoption?
A5: E-commerce fulfillment and 3PLs usually see ROI fastest due to high SKU counts and rapid order cycles.

Ready to unlock more space without expanding your building?

Request a warehouse workflow assessment today to see if VNA forklifts could be a solution for you. Call MHS Lift at (877) 647-9320.