Pallet racking is one of the most popular storage solutions for warehouses. Because there are several styles of pallet racks, they can be useful in just about every storage scenario.
Before deciding which style of pallet racking system is the best choice for your business, you need to consider how much square footage is available in your warehouse.
Key Considerations
Pallet Racking Materials
At Shelving +Rack Systems, Inc. we carry pallet racking systems from a range of trusted brands including Unirak, Tri-Boro, and Meco. Our products are made from robust heavy-duty structural steel, and we also stock systems made from lightweight roll form steel.
Structural steel is the best option for facilities that require a heavy-duty load capacity. However, if you are working to a budget, then roll-formed steel is a more affordable alternative. It is an excellent choice that is easy to install and can bear significant loads, however, it does not have the same weight-bearing capacity as structural steel rack.
Product Dimensions
In addition to considering the load capacity, you also need to assess the dimensions of your inventory to find a pallet racking that makes the most efficient use of space. Depending on your materials handling system and whether you need a high turnover rate, you can store inventory more than one pallet deep to save space. However, the height, depth and beam capacity of your pallet racking system should reflect the number, height and width of the pallets to be stored to avoid exceeding the perimeter of the frame or the load capacity.
Accessibility
An efficient warehouse operation relies on ease of accessibility when loading and picking. When choosing a racking system, consider whether you can maximize your space by limiting aisle width and number, what type of picking equipment you use and whether you use LIFO, FIFO, or FILO inventory flow.
Types of Pallet Racking Systems
Cantilever Racking
Warehouse racking that holds very long, bulky or non-uniform shaped objects needs to be strong and adaptable. Cantilever racking allows you to place materials such as timber on arms that come out from the upright beams. These arms tilt slightly back toward the uprights, so the goods remain safely in place.
Selective Pallet Racking
This style of pallet racking system gives access to each pallet on the rack. There is no need to move other pallets to reach the one you need, making it the ideal choice if you have a high turnover.
Inventory management is straightforward as you can see when stock runs low, and you can improve dispatch times because you can quickly reach the required pallet.
One drawback is that selective pallet racking requires more aisle space than other systems.
Push Back Racking
If you work with non-perishable goods, such as plastic products, furniture, or business equipment, then push back racking may be a good choice. Your forklift operator sets a pallet on a nested cart, and then the next pallet they load pushes the former one toward the back of the rack. Push back racking usually allows pallets to be stored 2-6 units deep, and is known as a high-density storage system.
Pallet Flow Racking
Pallet flow racking is a first-in-first-out (FIFO) system. The forklift operator loads the pallets in at the back, setting them on carts which sit on rails. Gravity moves the pallets to the front of the rack for unloading.
This system is ideal when working with goods that have a short shelf life. Pharmaceuticals and food products usually require fast dispatch, and pallet flow racking is an excellent solution to manage quality control and facilitate timely inventory turnover.
Drive-In Racking
Drive-in racking is one of the best high-density storage systems. Instead of setting pallets on shelves, the forklift operator drives their lift truck into the lanes between the upright frames. The support rails that connect to the uprights then hold the pallets in place.
If you work with pallets that hold the same merchandise, then you can store them both deeply and vertically, maximizing your available storage space.
Choose the Right Pallet Racking System with Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc.
Efficient pallet racking systems are essential to cost-effective material handling. Since there are various types of pallet racking, it is vital you choose the best styles for your business. Whether you want to increase your warehouse storage density, or improve access to your goods, there is a storage solution that meets your requirements.
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we can help you find the right storage solution for your facility and create a customized design that optimizes your warehouse layout for better productivity and efficiency. Our project managers can guide you every step of the way from design to installation and inspection to give you a safe and efficient storage system.
Contact us at (800) 589-7225 or fill out our online form to request a call back to discuss your storage needs and to receive a free quote.
