Yale Route Runner direct-store-delivery solution recognized as one of 2026’s most innovative products

Yale Lift Truck Technologies announces that the Yale Route Runner^™ direct-store-delivery solution has been recognized as one of the year’s most innovative products by the Business Intelligence Group’s BIG Innovation Awards. The two-in-one solution overhauls traditional direct-store-delivery workflows by allowing drivers to haul just one piece of equipment from truck to store and removing the need to transfer inventory from a pallet truck to a smaller piece of equipment for indoor use. This workflow adjustment greatly reduces the risk of strains and injuries from manual labor throughout the course of a shift, and cuts manual materials handling by up to 50 percent.

Typically, direct-store delivery workflows require drivers to manage multiple pieces of equipment: a pallet truck for unloading trailers and a separate handcart or sled for navigating inside tight, indoor retail spaces. Yale Route Runner enables drivers to simply detach the nested sled from the larger pallet truck and take advantage of its small footprint in tight retail spaces – no need for downstacking products from one piece of equipment to another. The motorized sled provides an ergonomic power assist to reduce manual strain when navigating inclines or traversing thresholds, and can raise the load platform approximately 18 inches during restocking to reduce bending and lifting.

Avoiding the need to manually transfer product from a pallet truck to a small piece of equipment adds up to a major impact. Over a typical 9-stop route, drivers can lift 27,000 fewer pounds, take nearly 2,000 fewer steps and shorten their route by 63 minutes – possibly enabling drivers to make an additional stop.

“Direct-store delivery affects our everyday lives in ways we don’t even think about – stocking convenience stores with soda and other beverages, bringing new supplies to our offices and schools, and more,” said Kevin McWilliams, Director, Major Accounts, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “With Yale Route Runner, we focused our innovation efforts on re-engineering the process of direct-store delivery and making it easier for drivers to execute and meet the needs of retail customers.”

In addition to the two-in-one sled and pallet jack, Yale’s comprehensive approach to direct-store delivery also includes matching pallets to round out the system.