Pallet racks are an integral part of any business that deals with storing or transporting goods. Pallet racks can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it can be confusing to know which style of warehouse equipment is right for your needs.
We’ll talk about the different types and configurations of pallet racking and the benefits of using pallet racks in your warehouse or business. Let’s dive into our pallet rack identification guide!
How Do You Identify Pallet Racking?
When looking for storage in a warehouse, you will see many racks. But how can you identify which one is pallet racking? Pallet racking is one of the two common types of racks used in warehouses. It is a structural rack made up of frames that support horizontal beams. The beams are where you place your pallets. The distance between the beams can be adjustable, depending on the size of the pallet being stored. Because of this, you can store various types and sizes of products on a pallet rack.
To identify a pallet rack, look for these key features: frames, cross beams, and adjustable beam spacing. Most pallet rack manufacturers are very similar in the structure of their products, so they should be easy to spot.
What are the Different Styles of Pallet Racking?
Pallet rack styles vary, and each has its benefits. When choosing the perfect pallet rack system, it’s essential to know the features and benefits of each pallet racking system. See below for a list of popular racking systems.
Cantilever Rack
Cantilever racks are heavy-duty storage racks designed to hold long, bulky items such as lumber, pipe, or plywood. Unlike traditional storage racks, cantilever racks have arms that extend out from the main frame, making them ideal for storing items that are too long or too heavy for conventional racks.
Cantilever racks are also great for storing irregularly shaped items because the arms adjust to accommodate odd-sized loads. Because of their versatility and durability, cantilever racks are popular for warehouses, factories, and other commercial storage applications.
Drive-In Rack
A drive-in rack is a warehouse storage system that allows forklifts to drive directly into the side of the rack. This system typically stores large quantities of similar items, such as pallets or boxes. Drive-in racks are often used with other storage racks, such as selective racks or gravity pallet flow racks.
One benefit of this system is that it can help to save space by eliminating the need for aisles and can help to improve the efficiency of picking operations. For example, if all the pallets in a drive-in rack contain the same SKU, then the picker only needs to go to one location to find the product they are looking for.
However, drive-in racks can have some disadvantages. For instance, this system generally requires specialized equipment, such as forklifts with extended forks. Drive-in racks can be more challenging to load and unload than other storage rack styles.
Push-Back Rack
A push-back rack is a warehouse storage system that allows businesses to store products more efficiently. Companies can store products on pallets in multiple rows with push-back racks. When one row of products is removed, the other rows move forward, making it easier to access the products.
They are used to store products of different sizes, making them more versatile than other storage systems. A push-back rack can help businesses improve their efficiency and reduce their costs.
Selective Pallet Rack
The selective pallet rack is the most popular storage rack used today. It offers an excellent combination of accessibility, flexibility, and economy. When properly designed and installed, selective pallet racks provide safe and efficient storage of products weighing up to several thousand pounds each.
Selective pallet racks are available in various sizes and configurations to meet the specific needs of any storage application. They can be configured for single or double-deep storage and high-density storage using drive-in or push-back rack systems. Selective pallet racks are typically made from steel, although aluminum and other materials are sometimes used.
What are Three Different Types of Pallet Racking Configurations?
There are three main types of pallet racking configurations: drive-in, drive-through, and live storage. This list is not all-inclusive but commonly used.
- Drive-In Rack Systems: Drive-in racks are the most space-efficient, allowing pallets to be stored close together. This makes them ideal for warehouses with many SKUs (Stock Keeping Units).
- Drive Through Systems: Drive-through racks provide better access to individual pallets, making them a good choice for facilities that need to rotate stock regularly.
- Live Storage Systems: Live storage racks are a type of dynamic system that allows pallets to be stored in a First In, First Out (FIFO) configuration. This is often used when a business must manage product expiration dates carefully.
Each of these configurations has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the one that best fits the needs of your warehouse.
Is Pallet Racking Universal?
When it comes to storage solutions, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the type of business, the size of the facility, and the types of products being stored, different companies will have different storage needs.
- Pallet racking is not suitable for every type of business. If a business stores very small or delicate items, pallet racking may not be the best option.
- Even within the category of businesses that could use pallet racking, there is a wide range of sizes and shapes of facilities. A business with a large warehouse will have different storage needs than a business with a small storefront.
- The types of products being stored will also impact storage needs. A business that sells perishable goods will need to be able to access its inventory quickly, which may not be possible with traditional pallet racking.
So, is pallet racking universal? Not exactly. But pallet rack systems can be a great storage solution for businesses that have the correct type of facility and store the right type of product.
Need help picking the right type of pallet racking for your warehouse? Give our team at Warehouse Solutions a call and see what we can do to maximize your space. We can ensure your area is organized, safe, and efficient with various services, including warehouse space layout and design services and pallet rack brands and products such as wire decking and pallet flow racks.