Structural Racking
Pallet racking systems are used in warehouses and distribution centers worldwide as an efficient means to store inventory. High-quality pallet racks are typically made from heavy-gauge steel, giving them lasting durability and structural integrity. Heavy-duty racks can support tens of thousands of pounds of inventory, including building materials and large machinery.
Steel racks are usually made from roll-formed or structural steel. While roll-formed units are common for fulfillment centers or small storage facilities, structural racks are often needed for heavy pallet loads and industrial items like metal sheets or lumber.
Structural pallet racks are made from thicker, heavier steel and can withstand more weight per square inch than a roll-formed pallet rack.
Structural steel racking is engineered using hot-rolled raw iron. The manufacturing process results in durable, heavy-duty, and high-quality steel storage components. These parts display exemplary impact resistance.
A structural pallet rack system can support a wide variety of heavy palletized goods and can withstand everyday damage from forklifts.
The strength and durability of structural rack systems make them elite storage solutions for various applications, from warehouse storage to distribution centers. Structural storage equipment is available in a variety of sizes and styles, allowing you to configure it specifically for your storage operation.
Although structural steel storage may be more expensive than a standard roll form rack, the quality and durability are incomparable, making it a cost-effective solution in the long-term. Structural steel racking is strong, impact-resistant, safe, and versatile. It is typically coated with a protective finish, minimizing maintenance requirements.
Opting for cheaper steel can quickly become a safety issue. Pallet racking must have the necessary load capacity to support your inventory.
Overloading can be a concern if a pallet rack storage system is designed for lighter loads. This is where racking is stacked beyond its recommended weight capacity, putting a strain on the structural components. This can diminish the system’s structural integrity, increasing the chances of a rack collapse.
Structural pallet racking is used daily in a variety of industries. It has many high-density applications and is used frequently in warehouses and facilities with high product turnover and heavy forklift traffic. This type of high-grade steel is essential for any facility that handles heavier loads.
The steel fabrication process also makes this type of storage equipment highly resistant to temperature fluctuations. It may be used for indoor or outdoor storage. It is a popular storage solution for freezer storage or a cold environment warehouse.
Structural steel pallet racking systems are available in a wide range of configurations and designs. At SRS, we stock multiple types of steel pallet racking systems for a variety of applications. Some of the most popular structural steel pallet rack configurations include:
Selective racking is a popular style of storage system in virtually all industries. Selective racking is much more affordable than several other product storage systems, like cantilever racks.
The most common configuration is a single-deep selective rack system. This type of structure enables seamless load selectivity. Machine handling equipment has direct access to individual units without interfering with other inventory.
Selective racking is an ideal storage option for high-traffic warehouses. Its design helps reduce the number of forklift impacts, keeping your inventory and staff safe.
Cantilever racking is designed to store large, bulky, and awkward-shaped inventory, like lumber and steel. This type of pallet rack system is characterized by its unique cantilever arms and lack of a front support beam. The extra space at the front of the rack allows warehouse operators to load and retrieve large goods easily.
The arms can be adjusted at vertical increments, allowing you to make the most of your storage space. The vertical potential of cantilever racks also contributes to warehouse safety, creating additional floor space for workers and forklifts.
Structural steel is a popular option for pallet flow racks. This type of pallet racking system has a unique design that uses inclined rails and rollers to transport cartons or pallets through a warehouse facility. While pallet flow racking can be expensive to install, it is highly efficient for high-volume distribution centers and warehouses that process fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs).
Pallet flow applications include pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, food and beverage storage facilities, and warehouses that handle many SKUs. These systems have separate loading and retrieval bays, reducing travel time by warehouse operators. As a semi-automated system, pallet flow racks can help you save on annual labor costs.
Drive-in and drive-through racks allow forklifts to drive directly into the bays to load and retrieve pallets. It must be manufactured from heavy-gauge steel to prevent severe damage from forklift abuse.
A drive-in system has a single exit and entry point for forklifts. It is designed for last-in-first-out (LIFO) inventory management.
A drive-through system has separate entry and exit points, allowing forklift operators to move through the bay when depositing or retrieving goods. Drive-through racks work best for first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory management systems.
Structural steel racking is one of the safest and most secure storage options for warehouses and storage facilities. At SRS, we stock an extensive range of pallet racking and shelving in a variety of materials, including galvanized and heavy-gauge steel.
We also supply new and used replacement equipment if your system needs an upgrade. If you’re rebuilding your warehouse from scratch, our design team can help you plan and manage the project. Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, we can ensure you find the right equipment for your inventory and facility layout.
Our factory-trained, professional installation crews are available to assemble and install your new equipment safely and correctly. Browse our online catalog for our complete inventory list. For more information on our additional services, call us at (800) 589-7225.
