Pallet racks are the backbone of most warehouses, providing efficient storage for palletized goods. But with so many varieties available, choosing the right system can be overwhelming. This guide explores the most common types of pallet racking, helping you find the perfect fit for your warehouse needs:
1. Selective Pallet Racking: The All-Arounder
- Description: The most popular option, selective racking offers direct access to every pallet. Pallets rest on horizontal beams supported by vertical uprights.
- Benefits: Versatile, easy to adjust, and accommodates most pallet sizes. Great for warehouses with frequently accessed inventory.
- Drawbacks: Uses more floor space compared to high-density systems.
2. Double-Deep Pallet Racking: Maximize Capacity
- Description: Similar to selective racking, but with two pallet positions per bay. Forklifts need wider aisles to reach the rear pallets.
- Benefits: Increases storage capacity by 50% compared to selective racking. Ideal for warehouses with high-volume, slow-moving inventory.
- Drawbacks: Reduced accessibility to rear pallets. Requires specialized forklifts for narrow aisles.
3. Push-Back Pallet Racking: First-In, First-Out Storage
- Description: Inclined rails within the rack bay allow pallets to load from the back and push forward under gravity as pallets are retrieved.
- Benefits: Provides high-density storage like double-deep racking, but with improved accessibility. Ideal for warehouses with FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory flow.
- Drawbacks: Limited access to individual pallets. Not ideal for fragile items.
4. Pallet Flow Racking: Gravity Does the Work
- Description: Uses rollers on a slight incline to move pallets towards the picking aisle. Pallets are loaded at the back and roll forward for retrieval.
- Benefits: Maximizes space utilization and promotes FIFO inventory flow. Improves picking efficiency by minimizing forklift travel.
- Drawbacks: Limited pallet size and weight capacity. Best suited for warehouses with high-volume, fast-moving inventory.
5. Drive-In/Drive-Thru Racking: High Density, But Caution Needed
- Description: Pallets are loaded directly into bays without front columns. Drive-in has a closed back, while drive-thru has open entry and exit points on opposite sides.
- Benefits: Offers the highest storage density of all pallet racking systems. Ideal for warehouses with very deep inventory or seasonal products.
- Drawbacks: Lowest accessibility – requires specialized forklifts and proper safety measures. Not recommended for frequently accessed items.
6. Cantilever Racking: For Long and Bulky Items
- Description: Features horizontal arms extending from a single upright column. Ideal for storing long items like pipes, lumber, or furniture.
- Benefits: Provides easy access to individual items. No front columns maximize space utilization.
- Drawbacks: Limited weight capacity per arm. Not suitable for palletized goods.
Choosing the Right Racking System
Consider these factors when selecting your pallet racking:
- Warehouse layout and available space
- Inventory type, weight, and access requirements
- Budget and ROI
By understanding the different types of pallet racking, you can optimize your warehouse storage capacity, improve efficiency, and ensure the safety of your employees and products.
