Description
Pallet Racking | Pallet Racking System for Warehouse
Pallet racking is a storage system that holds palletized inventory, packaged products, or large and bulky materials. It is a staple in the warehousing, storage, and distribution industries, providing businesses with a space-efficient, organized, and safe method for housing items.
Pallet racking is available in several materials, styles, and configurations, catering to various product types, sizes, and load capacities.
A standard racking system consists of several racks or shelves arranged in a specific pattern. Each rack is joined by upright frames and beams and has several levels, or tiers, where the pallets can be stored.
Pallet racking systems allow forklifts and other lifting devices to access the pallets easily. Many racks are modular, meaning they can be customized or rearranged.
Several specialized racking systems are also carefully designed to optimize storage efficiency and warehouse space for specific types of products. Although some types of racking are versatile in terms of the products they can store, not all are universal. It’s important to consider product types, pallet load weight and size, and your preferred inventory management system before deciding on a suitable system.
Different pallet racking systems are available on the market today. Most racks are made from durable steel and can provide up to two decades of reliable use with careful maintenance. However, the load capacity of each unit depends on the configuration, size, and type of steel. Some pallet racks are designed for high-load volumes and dense storage, while others are more expansive and facilitate easy product access.
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we carry a broad selection of warehouse storage equipment, including pallet storage racks. We also stock accessories and replacement parts so you can build a pallet racking system that fits the specific storage needs of your facility.
Selective pallet racking is one of the most popular storage systems in the United States. It is versatile, reliable, and easy to use. With selective pallet racking, each pallet is stored on its own individual shelf. This allows quick and easy access to any pallet without moving other pallets out of the way.
Selective pallet racking is also scalable and uses vertical space. It can be easily expanded as your business grows. The main drawback of selective racks is storage density, especially compared to push-back or drive-in racking. It is not designed to accommodate high volumes of goods and typically has a lower load capacity than several other varieties, like cantilever racks.
However, it is one of the most affordable storage solutions for distribution centers or warehouse businesses. Selective racking should be a serious consideration if you’re looking for a low-density, accessible solution.
Our selective tear drop pallet racks from Space Plus USA are an affordable and reliable option for building a custom selective racking system. They come in various sizes, and the sturdy frames can support up to 22,000 lbs. The tear drop design means these units are easy to reconfigure if you handle different-sized products. The racks are coated in a bright green coat for visibility, helping prevent forklifts from accidentally colliding with them.
Cantilever pallet racking is a heavy-duty storage solution designed for housing materials that are difficult to support with traditional warehouse shelving. They are used predominantly for large, heavy, or bulky goods, like lumber, steel piping, sheet metal, and building supplies.
These racks provide more storage space and allow easier access to stored materials using forklifts or material handling equipment. A key difference between cantilever racks and traditional systems is that cantilevers don’t have a front, aisle-side upright. This helps prevent collisions with forklifts when accessing inventory.
Standard cantilevers consist of a series of uprights, or posts, that are connected by horizontal beams. The posts are spaced at intervals that correspond to the size of the inventory being stored. The beams are cantilevered or extended out from the posts, where the goods are positioned.
Cantilever racks are typically used for non-palletized inventory. However, they are very versatile and can be reconfigured with solid or wire decking to accommodate pallets or changes in the size or shape of the items being stored.
Our Series 2000 medium-heavy duty cantilever racks are a perfect example of a traditional cantilever system. They are designed for quick and easy installation. Each pallet racking upright connects seamlessly with arms between 12 and 48 inches. The arms adjust easily on 3-inch centers, using a pin system, which allows you to configure the racks however you need them.
These racks are sturdy, stable, and built to withstand years of rough use. The heavy gauge steel arms can support up to 36,200 lbs. in single or double-sided configurations. Additional base plates can help stabilize these units under high stress. However, these are sold separately.
A pallet flow racking system is a storage rack that stores small cartons or pallets loaded with products. The pallets are placed on the racks and are gravity fed through the system along inclined rails to designated picking areas. This can speed up operations significantly in distribution centers or 3PLs with urgent turnaround times.
Pallet flow racks, also known as carton or gravity flow systems, typically form part of a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management system. They are used to store various products, including boxes, totes, containers, and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs).
Pallet flow racking systems are available in multiple sizes and configurations to meet the needs of any storage application. However, due to the complexity of these units, they are often more expensive than other pallet racks.
We provide all the necessary equipment to create an efficient pallet flow racking system. In addition to rack frames, uprights, and support braces, we stock conveyors, rollers, and wheels.
Among our most popular product rotation systems are our PVC rollers. They are made from 0.78-inch PVC and contain spring-loaded axles, eliminating metal-to-metal contact and keeping them in prime working condition for longer. The 12-gauge galvanized steel frame is double punched for high or low roller configurations.
Drive-in racking is a storage system that allows forklifts to drive directly into the rack, eliminating the need for aisles. To load or unload a pallet, the forklift drives into the rack and pushes the pallet onto rails that are mounted on the back of the uprights. The pallets can be stored several units deep, and one row of racks can be positioned directly in front of another for maximum storage density.
This racking type stores large quantities of homogenous or similar-sized products. It is effective in a last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory management system that handles non-perishable goods.
Safety is an essential consideration with drive-in racks. Since inventory is accessed with forklifts, the uprights are vulnerable to collisions, which could cause a rack collapse. Even subtle damage can hamper the unit’s structural integrity, reducing its load capacity.
Base plates can help root these systems to the floor, adding stability. Our deluxe foot plates from Jaken help secure the uprights, even if they experience contact with machinery. They are bolted directly to each upright, anchoring it to the concrete floor.
In contrast to a traditional aisle pallet rack configuration, push back racks are installed on a sloped shelf. This allows you to store two or more pallets side-by-side, which improves storage density by reducing the amount of aisle space needed.
Push back racks can be configured at multiple levels, enabling vertical integration. This further increases storage capacity.
Because push back racks maximize the use of available space, they are an ideal solution for businesses that need to increase their storage capacity without expanding their facility. While they can be expensive compared to other racking styles, they are a cost-effective alternative to building on your space.
Due to its durability, galvanized steel is a popular material for push back racking systems. Galvanized steel is rust and corrosion resistant so that it can support the heavy use of rollers or shuttles for many years.
Our galvanized red steel racks can be configured for various uses and pallet sizes. They can be stacked vertically on multiple levels, allowing you to use the full scope of your warehouse. The maximum frame capacity is 30,580 lbs., facilitating high-volume or heavy-duty storage.
Pallet racking systems can be enhanced or optimized with accessory products and safety equipment. For example, OSHA-compliant safety netting acts as a safeguard, protecting your goods if they come loose or fall from a rack.
We stock a wide range of pallet rack accessories, enabling you to complete your system precisely how you wish. Some useful accessories for your storage facility include:
Selecting the right storage equipment is a critical decision for any storage-based business. At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we provide high-quality pallet racks and offer planning, design, and consultation services. Our experienced team can guide you through the entire process, ensuring you find the perfect solution for your space.
Our fully-trained professional installation crews are available to assemble and install your new equipment safely. This can save you a lot of transition time and help ensure all units are configured and integrated correctly.
Start your warehouse upgrade today by contacting us at (589) 589-7225. For a closer look at our pallet racking options, browse our online catalog.
Pallet Racking | Pallet Racking System for Warehouse
