Question about Beanstalks/Space Elevators

Hi,

I need some clarification on the concept of beanstalks. If a sub-
orbital shuttle was ferrying passengers to the lower terminus of the
beanstalk, would that shuttle be able to dock, allow the passengers
to exit into a terminal, where the passengers would board a
integrated shuttle/elevator for the ride up to the center of mass
terminus or the geosyncrhronus (or far terminus?) Or would there be
too much instability in a docking procedure because the shuttle
is "sub-orbital" and can't achieve an orbit?

I'm assuming that if docking is possible that the mass of the
shuttle would be factored into the design of the beanstalk's orbit
so as not to destabilize it. I'm just not sure if the docking would
be stable or would it entail a very quick transfer of cargo before
the shuttle had to depart. I've seen some discussion of beanstalks
with a grappling hook taking a pod out of the shuttle.

Thanks for your help.