What pallet racking system will be best for my business?
The short answer is: It depends. The type of pallet storage that best fits your needs is determined by a number of factors. A few of these factors include:
Now that you better understand your requirements, let’s take a quick look at the common types of pallet storage and the advantages/disadvantages of each.
Floor stacking is the most basic method of pallet storage in which pallets are placed on the floor in rows. Depending on accessibility requirements, the rows can be as deep as available floor space allows. Pallets can also be stacked if the pallet is capable of supporting a load. This is typically a LIFO (last in, first out) system.
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Did you know that selective pallet racking is the most common type of pallet storage used today. Selective rack uses uprights and a pair of cross beams to create a “shelf” for storing a pallet. Depending on the height of your pallet and ceiling, selective rack systems typically have multiple levels (shelves) per bay. A bay is typically only one pallet deep, although two-deep systems are also a possibility.
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This type of racking uses uprights and cross beams to support a gravity roller conveyor within the rack. The rollers are pitched slightly, so pallets will naturally flow toward the front of the system. When a pallet is unloaded from the front of the system, the next pallet in line moves forward to the exit position. Similar to drive-in racks, this type of system is best suited for storing a large quantity of pallets of the same product. Pallet flow rack systems are FIFO.
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Drive-in racking is a type of storage system that allows fork trucks to drive directly into a bay. Pallets rest on side rails rather than cross beams, which leaves the face of the bay open. The uprights are typically tied together at the top of the upright to add rigidity to the system. The only difference between drive-in and drive-through racks is whether there is an entrance at only one end (drive-in) or both ends (drive-through).
This style of rack is commonly 6-8 pallets deep per bay. Fork trucks elevate a load to the proper level and load it in the back of the system first. The second pallet will be placed in the second position from the back and continue until a lane is full. Drive-in racks are LIFO, while drive-through racks are typically FIFO. This type of system is best suited for storing a large quantity of pallets of the same product.
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Push back racks are similar to flow rack, except the pallets are loaded and unloaded from the front of the system. The pallets can rest on either nested carts or gravity rollers. Pallets are loaded into the system by placing the inbound pallet against the pallet in the exit position and pushing it back into the lane.
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If you find yourself in need of additional floor space, I hope these pallet storage options give you some guidance, but don’t hesitate to consult a local pallet rack distributor. They can also help you determine what style of racking best fits your needs.
If you want to maximise your warehouse space through the use of second hand or new pallet racking, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 0800 345 7088 or send an email to [email protected]
