Utilizing Pallet Rack and Shelving Storage Systems in your facility can provide a great deal of additional storage capacity, aid in organization, and increase productivity. However, there are so many different types that it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. I’ll be going through a few different options in this post to help give you an introduction to which system would work best for your warehouse, and in the posts following this one, I’ll go more in-depth for each category.
Selective Pallet Rack is the most commonly used warehouse storage system. This type of rack provides individual access to each pallet, allowing you to store multiple items with easier picking. The basic components of selective rack are the uprights and beams. Uprights are the column part of the rack, and beams go across to attach to the upright, forming the structure of the rack. Depending on the type and size of these components, you can store a lot of different pallet types in this system.
Engineered Rack Systems
Examples of engineered rack systems are Drive-In Pallet Rack, Push Back Rack, Pallet Flow Rack, and Carton Flow Rack. These are high density storage systems that have advantages and disadvantages depending on what you are storing. All of these systems are more expensive than standard selective rack, but the benefit is they save a lot of floor space.
Drive-in Pallet Rack works well with a limited number of products. It requires standardized pallets throughout the system, and is last in, first out (LIFO). This is because the drive in lane is one way, so the first products you put in would be the last you would be able to get back out. This system requires experienced forklift drivers since they actually drive the forklift into the lanes, which can be dangerous.
Push Back Rack allows greater selectivity than drive-in pallet rack. It is also a LIFO system, but multiple products can be stored because each lane and level are accessed independently. In this case, different pallets could be put in next to each other, but it would be the same pallet in a row, leaving the first pallet in to be the last one accessed again.
Pallet Flow Rack functions as first in, first out (FIFO), making it a good system for time sensitive but a limited amount of products, such as a certain types of food. It is gravity driven, and pallets are loaded from one side and gravity rollers transport them down to the picking side of the rack.
Carton Flow Rack is also FIFO, and ideal for storing multiple product SKUs. It is gravity driven, allowing the materials to glide down the lane using different types of roller tracks. The difference between pallet flow and carton flow is that carton flow is used for light, hand-stacked items rather than full-sized pallets. The tilted shelves improve visibility and picking accuracy. Less floor space can be used while transporting the products through the lanes, as well as different levels, increasing storage capability.
Carton Flow Rack
Cantilever Rack is ideal for storing long, bulky items such as pipes, lumber, and textiles. Double and single-sided units are available, allowing you to store items on one side, or both. The arms are adjustable to accommodate your changing inventory. With no front column, this rack is easier to load and unload, as well as adding space due to less structure.
Cantilever Rack
There are three main types of shelving, Rivet shelving, Industrial Steel shelving, and Wire shelving, as well as Wide Span Shelving. Similar to the different racking systems, these shelving systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Shelving systems are used for hand-loaded items.
Rivet shelving is very strong and quick to assemble. It is a great shelving choice for high density and bulk or heavy storage. Typically this system is made of a steel frame and some sort of decking, such as particle board or wire decks, to hold the load. A downside to rivet shelving is that it can be very heavy.
Industrial Steel shelving can be used in many different applications, such as warehouses, offices, or stores. It is available in open or closed style, depending on what you need stored. It is extremely customizable shelving because the shelves can clip in at 1” increments. A downside to steel shelving is that it takes a bit longer to install due to the increased ability to customize and amount of parts.
Steel Shelving
Wire shelving is the most lightweight and is easily able to go mobile, allowing you to take tools and materials on the go if needed. Because of the open construction, it doesn’t obstruct fire sprinklers. A wire shelving downside is it often cannot handle as heavy or large of a load as the other two shelving options.
Wire Shelving
Wide Span Shelving is great for heavier loads. The uprights are similar to pallet rack but lighter duty, and the beams are designed to be compatible with particle board, wire decks, or galvanized steel shelves, which can accommodate multiple product types.
Wide Span Shelving
There are many different pallet rack and shelving options out there, as I just illustrated with this list. Hopefully this gave you a little more information on what to choose for your facility. Research is definitely needed when you are considering storage systems, but ultimately they will help you get the most out of your warehouse and increase productivity.
Contact us about for a free quote on our pallet racks, storage systems and installation services
If you have any questions on longspan racking. We will give the professional answers to your questions.