What Is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor?
Tell us what you need to move, how much it weighs, and how far it needs to travel. CIP will recommend the right VRC configuration and prepare a quote for your facility.
Key Benefits of VRCs
Eliminates Manual Labor
No more hand-carrying heavy loads between floors — VRCs do the heavy lifting automatically, every time.
Dramatically Reduces Injury Risk
Enclosed design and push-button operation keeps workers away from moving loads and eliminates manual lifting hazards.
Increases Throughput
Move more material, faster. VRCs operate continuously without fatigue, break time, or operator downtime.
ANSI/ASME B20.1 Compliant
Every CIP lift is engineered to meet the primary safety standard governing VRC design, installation, and operation.
Fully Customizable
Configured to fit nearly any facility layout, ceiling height, floor opening, or load type. No two CIP lifts are the same.
Minimal Maintenance
Simple mechanical design with few moving parts means low maintenance costs and exceptional long-term reliability.
Massive Load Capacity Range
From 500 lbs to 30,000+ lbs — CIP offers a model for virtually every application and load requirement.
Indoor & Outdoor Capable
Select configurations are fully enclosed and weather-protected for exterior or harsh-environment installations.
Automation-Ready
Integrates seamlessly with conveyor systems, pallet flow racks, and warehouse automation for end-to-end material handling.
Fast Installation
Installed in days, not weeks. CIP VRCs arrive pre-engineered and ready to fit, minimizing facility downtime.
Built in Melbourne, Florida
Every lift is designed, fabricated, and tested at CIP’s Melbourne, Florida facility.
Request a Quote
Share the basics of your project and CIP will recommend the right VRC configuration. A team member will follow up to discuss load, travel, access, and facility requirements.
VRC vs. Forklift — True Cost of Ownership
Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor
Forklift
| Purchase Cost | One-time capital investment | High upfront + ongoing fleet costs |
| Annual Maintenance | Minimal — few moving parts | $3,000–$8,000+ per unit/year |
| Operator Required? | No — push-button operation | Yes — licensed operator required |
| Injury Risk | Very low — enclosed system | High — #1 cause of warehouse fatalities |
| Fuel / Power | Electrical draw | Propane, diesel, or battery (costly) |
| Floor Space Used | Compact vertical footprint | Requires wide aisles + staging areas |
| Works Between Levels? | Yes — purpose-built for it | Limited — ramps or not possible |
| Lifespan | 20+ years with minimal upkeep | 8–12 years typical |
Viable Materials for VRCs
VRCs are engineered to transport a wide variety of materials safely and efficiently. Here are common material types that can be moved through Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors.
Packaged Goods
Boxes, pallets, and general cargo
Automotive Parts & Vehicles
Engines, components, assemblies, and entire cars
Machinery & Equipment
Industrial equipment and motors
Beverages & Cases
Bulk prepackaged beverages and cases
Codes & Standards
ANSI/ASME B20.1
Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment
ANSI/ASME B20.1 is the primary governing standard for all Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors in the United States. It covers the design, construction, installation, maintenance, inspection, and operation of VRCs and related conveying equipment.
Real-World Installations
CIP VRCs are installed across warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and more.
Top Industries Using VRCs
Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors are trusted across diverse industries for safe, efficient multi-level material handling.
Logistics & Warehousing
Automotive
Airport & Travel
Defense & Military
Product Lineup
PM Series
Modular Pallet Lifting
The Pallet Master (PM Series) from CIP Lifts is the industry standard for getting up to 5,000 pounds of material up multiple levels. With a total travel height of 32 feet and a carriage size large enough to accommodate loaded pallets, this modular and easy-to-install VRC is the ideal solution for growing warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.
Common Applications
Key Highlights
Quick Installation
This modular lift can be installed in as few as 2-3 days.
Optimizes Floor Space
With a travel height of up to 32 feet and multiple stops, you can fully maximize all your unused vertical space.
Improves Safety
VRCs eliminate the need to carry heavy and bulky items upstairs and reduce clutter to reduce workplace hazards.
Exceptional Reliability
Rugged cyclo-gear motor and helical gearbox are built to last.
Specifications
| Lift Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Carriage Size | 4′, 5′, 6′ width or depth |
| Travel Height | 32 ft (max) |
| Travel Speed | 21 FPM (standard) |
| Load Configuration | C, Z, or Pass Through |
| Electrical | 230V/3P, 460V/3P, or 230V/1P |
| Doors | Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1) |
Benefits
✓
Illuminated Operator Stations
Simplified Installation
Quiet and Efficient Operation
Exceptional Safety Standards (ANSI/ASME B20.1)
Fully Enclosed
Full-Height Carriage Enclosures
Factory Pre-Wire Feature
Soft Start/Soft Stop operation (VFD)
FP Series
Heavy Duty
The FP VRC (Four Post) is our powerhouse lift, able to lift oversized and heavy loads. Although listed with a lift capacity of 30,000 pounds, these can be customized to accommodate even heavier if necessary. Our four-post design can be customized for even heavier items. If you need to move cars in your automotive dealership, this is the lift for you. Carriage size is a minimum of 7′ x 7′.
Common Applications
Key Highlights
Strong and Versatile
Min 7′ x 7′ carriage size, with C, Z, 90 degree and pass-through configuration. Standard lift capacity up to 30,000 pounds.
Optimizes Floor Space
With a variable travel height and multiple stops, you can fully maximize all your unused vertical space.
Improves Safety
Material Lifts eliminate the need to carry heavy and bulky items up stairs and reduce clutter to reduce workplace hazards.
Exceptional Reliability
Rugged cyclo-gear motor and helical gearbox are built to last.
Specifications
| Lift Capacity | Up to 30,000 lbs |
| Carriage Size | Min. 7′ x 7′ |
| Travel Height | Variable |
| Travel Speed | 19–21 FPM (standard) |
| Load Configuration | C, Z, Pass Through, or 90° |
| Electrical | 230V/3P or 460V/3P |
| Doors | Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1) |
Benefits
C Series
Low Overhead Space
The C-Series (Cantilever Lift) is perfect for a variety of load sizes and weights in environments with limited overhead space. This one-sided lifting design with a side-mounted motor, delivers the strength and stability to effortlessly move your items between levels. It is versatile, with 3 types of load and unloading configurations and can lift up to 5,000 pounds with a travel height up to 30 feet.
Common Applications
Key Highlights
Side-Mounted, Cantilever Design
Ideal for warehouses, distribution centers or factories where there is limited overhead space between stops.
Optimizes Floor Space
With a travel height of up to 30 feet and multiple stops, you can fully maximize all your unused vertical space.
Improves Safety
Material Lifts eliminate the need to carry heavy and bulky items up stairs and reduce clutter to reduce workplace hazards.
Exceptional Reliability
Rugged cyclo-gear motor and helical gearbox are built to last.
Specifications
| Lift Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Carriage Size | Up to 8’W x 7’D |
| Travel Height | 30 ft (max) |
| Travel Speed | 19–21 FPM (standard) |
| Load Configuration | C, Z, Pass Through, or 90° |
| Electrical | 230V/3P, 460V/3P, or 230V/1P |
| Doors | Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1) |
Benefits
S / SH Series
Most Versatile
The S-Series (Straddle Lift) is our most versatile lift across a wide variety of industries and applications. The straddle design is robust, reliable, and affordable. It features a carriage size of up to 12’W x 10’D, can travel up to 32 feet, and lifts up to 5,000 pounds (S Series) or 7,000 pounds (SH Series).
Common Applications
Key Highlights
Cost Efficient
The minimal enclosure delivers increased cost efficiency with a low lift-to-dollar investment.
Easily Handles Any Material Load Sizes
Loading and unloading and carriage size accommodates a wide variety of load sizes.
Optimizes Floor Space
With a travel height of up to 32 feet and multiple stops, you can fully maximize all your unused vertical space.
Exceptional Reliability
Rugged cyclo-gear motor and helical gearbox are built to last.
Specifications
| S Series Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| SH Series Capacity | Up to 7,000 lbs |
| Carriage Size | Up to 12’W x 10’D |
| Travel Height | 32 ft (max) |
| Travel Speed | 19–21 FPM (standard) |
| Load Configuration | C, Z, or Pass Through |
| Electrical | 230V/3P, 230V/1P, 460V/3P, or 380V/3PH |
| Doors | Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1) |
Benefits
About CIP
For over 30 years, Custom Industrial Products, Inc. has been engineering and manufacturing Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors that set the standard for quality and reliability. Founded on the principle that every facility deserves safe, efficient material handling, CIP remains the trusted choice for American-made VRCs.
Based in Melbourne, Florida — the heart of the Space Coast — we operate out of our purpose-built manufacturing facility where we design, fabricate, and test every lift in-house. All CIP VRCs are proudly American-made, ensuring the precision and craftsmanship our customers depend on. From concept to commissioning, our team of engineers and technicians is with you every step of the way.
Every CIP lift is built to ANSI/ASME B20.1 standards and backed by our commitment to long-term support, fast lead times, and unmatched customization — because no two facilities are exactly alike.