The present invention relates to pneumatic tube systems generally. More specifically, it relates to an automated system for the storage and distribution of empty carriers for a pneumatic tube system. The system comprises an easy to use one-touch process and includes the following apparatus: storage cabinets and pneumatic tube system comprising a blower, controller, retrieval cabinets, and main station. According to the invention there is provided an automated storage and distribution system comprising a pneumatic tube system; a first diverter with blower, and a storage cabinet with a second diverter. The system comprises several methods which are currently in the market place, and is useful in many places, such as hospitals, where the automated processing of pharmaceutical products via robot devices is used. Such a system is disclosed in co-pending application Parenteral Products Automation System (PPAS), application Ser. No. 08/513,569.