Warehouse storage systems are an essential part of the supply chain, responsible for holding, organizing, and protecting inventory. Warehouses, distribution centers, and retailers often use a combination of shelving and pallet racking to store various goods.
Industrial storage is typically made from heavy gauge steel, capable of supporting heavy loads and withstanding year-round wear and tear and contact with warehouse machinery.
High-quality storage equipment is well-made and often lasts for several decades. If taken care of, used pallet racks may be suitable for second-hand use. At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we supply a wide range of used pallet racks, accessories, and replacement parts, helping you make affordable upgrades to your warehouse facility. All our equipment is tested, ensuring it meets OSHA safety standards.
Warehouse pallet racking comes in various sizes, styles, and configurations. Certain types, like cantilever racking, are designed for heavy-duty storage, while others cater to general palletized stock. However, most pallet racking systems consist of the same core components:
Pallet rack uprights are plumb columns that provide vertical support for the pallet rack frames, beams, and decking. Depending on the racking types, uprights come in various heights, depths, and designs. Most uprights are manufactured from roll-formed steel. However, you can also find structural steel uprights for heavier-duty use, like outdoor storage.
The manufacturing process involves creating slots along the upright at set intervals, allowing beams to be easily installed and adjusted. Occasionally, horizontal braces are needed to create more stability between uprights. However, this may only be necessary for heavier types of warehouse storage, like machinery or building materials.
We stock a range of vertical columns, including FastRak uprights. These teardrop uprights are easy to assemble and reconfigure. Each post supports up to 7,000 lbs., ensuring they can be used for heavy-duty storage. They are compatible with teardrop beams, which can be adjusted in 1 to ½ inch increments.
Pallet rack or load beams provide horizontal support between the uprights, providing the surface area for storage. The two main types are step beams and structural channel beams. Structural channel beams typically have a rectangular shape with installation clips on either end that attach to the upright. Step beams have a kink or step along either end, helping create a secure fit.
We stock high-quality beams from leading brands, including Jaken and Unirak. Our Jaken step load beams offer exceptional strength, supporting up to 2,000 lbs. (per pair). They have a built-in safety lock, accidentally preventing the beams from separating from the pallet rack frames.
For heavier items, consider our Unirak beams. These beams have a powder-coated finish, providing additional durability and abrasion resistance. Load capacities range from 1,505 to 9,135 lbs. (per pair). They are compatible with a range of shelving options, including wire decking. Combine Unirak beams and uprights to complete an entire teardrop pallet rack.
Foot plates or base plates attach to the base of each upright, adding stability and structural integrity to the system. These plates anchor to the floor, creating a more solid pallet rack. According to the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI), all pallet racking systems should be bolted to the floor via foot plates to prevent the system from collapsing.
Our Jaken Deluxe foot plates are compatible with FastRak uprights. They are easy to install, using a bolt anchored into the concrete. You may need a concrete wedge anchor for hard warehouse floors.
We stock a variety of new and used pallet rack accessories that can help you create a more customized, efficient, and accessible system. Our assortment of accessories includes:
Pallet racking is available in a variety of popular styles. When choosing the right pallet racking system for your warehouse, there are several factors to consider. These include your inventory control method, material handling storage system, the types of products, the inventory weight, and the overall building space available. Some of the most common styles of racking we stock include:
Selective systems are the most common style of pallet racks. A selective pallet rack system typically consists of multiple racks positioned back to back, separated by aisle space for forklift access to pallets. Pallet racks can be stacked on top of one another, enabling the use of vertical space.
Selective pallet racking can improve the efficiency of warehouse operations through its seamless retrieval method. Pallets can be selected individually without the need to move any other inventory. This system is perfect for low to medium-volume warehouses, implementing first-in/first-out (FIFO) stock rotation.
This is one of the most popular types of pallet racking due to its simplicity and versatility. It is not an expensive type of racking compared with other more comprehensive varieties, like carton flow systems.
Our galvanized steel units are one of our most popular pallet rack styles. Available in multiple sizes and load capacities, they can cater to a range of pallet sizes, supporting loads of up to 30,580 lbs. Choose between a powder-coated or hot-dipped galvanized steel finish, depending on the conditions of your warehouse.
A carton flow or pallet flow rack uses gravity and inclined rails to create a semi-automated system for transporting inventory around a facility. The carton flow rack system is highly efficient, using separate bays of pallet racking for loading and retrieving goods. It reduces travel time and material handling by facility employees, contributing to labor savings and improved inventory management.
As a live racking system, carton flow storage is perfect for fast-moving product types and lightweight inventory that can be kept in cartons or boxes, like pharmaceuticals. Carton flow racking is designed for FIFO inventory management systems. While it requires a significant initial investment, this system can drastically improve warehouse efficiency and storage density, leading to long-term cost savings.
We supply various equipment suitable for use in a carton flow racking system, such as conveyors and rollers. Our chain-driven live roller conveyors are powered by a ¾ HP motor, helping keep your inventory moving through the system.
We also provide more affordable skate wheel conveyors for inclined systems. The wheels are zinc plated, ensuring they are resistant to corrosion. These wheels are designed for frequent use but are not suitable for heavy-duty palletized goods.
Drive-in and drive-through racks are compact, high-density storage racks designed to maximize floor space and improve warehouse efficiency. Despite sharing several characteristics, drive-in and drive-through (drive-thru) racks operate quite differently.
A drive-in rack system consists of parallel aisles of pallet racks with no gaps, completing a tight structure. The racks can be stacked vertically, ensuring you can make the most of your current storage space. Drive-in racking systems use a single point for entering and exiting. The forklift drives in one end, retrieves the pallet, then reverses out the same side.
With drive-thru pallet racks, two access points are required. The forklift enters one end, retrieves the pallets, then exits the opposite end. It is an excellent pallet racking option for a FIFO system with a high product turnover. This dense pallet rack storage system is perfect for distribution centers that handle perishable goods, like food and beverages.
Since this type of warehouse equipment is accessed frequently by forklifts and machinery, it’s essential to ensure it is adequately protected. We stock a wide assortment of protective equipment to safeguard your inventory and staff in case of accidental contact with forklifts.
Consider adding a column protector to protect your beams, uprights, mezzanines, and bollards that make up a drive-in or drive-through system.
Protective equipment is critical if you install used equipment. While steel storage structures can last several decades, they are vulnerable to wear and tear over time.
Safety is paramount in any working environment. Busy warehouses, storage facilities, and fulfillment centers are hubs of activity filled with workers, machines, and expensive merchandise. Creating an optimized space with high-quality equipment is essential to ensure the safety of your staff and inventory.
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we provide several additional services to ensure clients secure the equipment they need for their facility.
We inspect all the used equipment we buy, ensuring every component meets industry standards. From decks to safety clips, rest assured your equipment has been thoroughly inspected. While some parts may have superficial scratches, we ensure there is no damage to racks that could affect the unit’s structural integrity.
We are not just an equipment supplier. We also provide professional consultation services, helping you plan, design, and integrate your system. We use computer-aided design (CAD) technology to design state-of-the-art storage systems. Our in-house fabrication team can modify and manufacture equipment to meet the specific needs of your warehouse.
We not only supply and deliver used equipment to your facility, but we also offer installation services. Our fully insured, factory-trained, professional installation crews ensure your system is installed safely and correctly.
Used pallet racking is a cost-effective method of upgrading a warehouse or storage facility. Whether you need a replacement decking with a higher weight capacity or an entire pallet rack system, we stock a variety of options. Our attention to detail and thorough inspection protocols ensure you’ll receive your goods in excellent condition.
For more information on our available used storage equipment and services, call us at (800) 589-7225.