At Advanced Handling and Storage Ltd, we know that choosing the appropriate warehouse shelving is the most crucial aspect of arranging or setting up your business. The primary determinant of your warehouse’s efficiency is its warehouse shelving, regardless of whether you’re using it for long-term storage, overseeing daily goods flow in and out, or operating a retail business.

Several factors should be considered when selecting the ideal warehouse shelving racks system, including the size of your shelving, warehouse layout, shelving functionality, and safety issues. Continue reading to learn more about the factors you should take into account when selecting your warehouse shelving to prevent costly errors and have your business operating seamlessly.

1. Warehouse Needs  

Consider the types of goods you will be storing in your warehouse before choosing which shelving to purchase. Heavy and bulky goods will naturally require shelving that can withstand large loads, and warehouses that hold a lot of stock will benefit from pallet racking as opposed to shelving. 

If your company has a high-turnover of stock you’ll need racking that allows easy access or if you’re storing perishable items, you’ll need shelving that integrates with climate control systems. 

You should also consider the shape and layout of your warehouse, including access to fire doors and windows, your shelving should integrate perfectly into your space without compromising on safety or space. 

When it comes to budget, warehouse racking can seem like a huge investment, it’s worth however investing in high-quality goods that will last for years. At Advanced Handling and Storage Ltd, we stock shelving and pallet racking that has been inspected and thoroughly cleaned to the highest standards, to help you get the best quality without sacrificing your purse strings. 

2. Types of Warehouse Shelving 

The advantages of each style of warehouse shelving and racking should be considered when choosing a system, keeping in mind the particular needs of the storage facility.

Pallet Racking: The most common type of warehouse pallet racking is, selective pallet racking, with the advantages of; 

• Forklift truck aisle.
• A range of depths and heights to suit needs.
• Suggested for large pallet counts with a single SKU (stock keeping unit) per pallet.
• Easy assembly. 

However, this racking can take up a lot of space and may not be ideal for smaller companies. 

Pushback Pallet Racking: Similar to a selected pallet rack system, a pushback rack enables you store pallets up to six deep. It is advised for pallets that contain just one SKU.

Advantages;

• Increased Capacity 
• Fast Handling
• Improved Safety

Drive-in Drive-through Racking: A drive-in drive-through system is the ideal racking system for organisations producing a single SKU in full truckload quantities. It’s a cost-effective choice for high-density storage with few SKUs.

Advantages include;

• Maximum utilisation of space
• Easy inventory management
• Configurability 

Cantilever Racking: Cantilever racking is missing front columns, facilitating easier loading and unloading of long, heavy, or irregularly shaped loads—like timber or pipework.

Benefits include; 

• Perfect for big hauls.
• Simple to set up and adjust.
• A wide range of capacities. 
• Horizontal stacking.   

Shelving: Long-span shelving is the most widely used type of warehouse shelving. It is very simple and adaptable and is usually made out of a long, flat piece of metal or wood with a metal skeleton holding it together. Shelving is normally used in smaller businesses to store items such as school supplies or in health care settings.

Galvanised shelves for cold storage or expansion bays to increase system height are two ways to customise long-span warehouse shelving. 

3. Key Factors

Light Weights

Before choosing a shelving or racking system, ensure it can hold the objects stored on it without collapsing. Books, binders, and archive boxes are lighter objects that work well with shelving units with a maximum load capacity of 150 kg per shelf. 

Medium Loads

For somewhat heavier products, a load capacity of 170-190 kg per shelf option is a good alternative for the storage shelving system. Although these shelves are intended for warehouse settings, they can also store slightly heavier items in offices. 

Substantial Loads

Shelving for storage in more demanding settings, such as workshops and warehouses, may have to support loads of up to 700 kg per shelf. To enhance workplace safety, we recommend using racking that can be fastened to the floor for further stability while storing large items. 

4. Installation

Inadequate installation and inspection are, at the absolute least, uninsured and needlessly dangerous. Because they affect health and safety, we at Advanced Handling and Storage Ltd want to guarantee the best equipment and service. Your greatest asset is your workforce; thus, we take equal care of their health and welfare.

Therefore, as an SEMA-approved installation company, we ensure that your systems satisfy all laws and that we meet industry standards by using only SEMA-qualified and licensed installers, inspectors, and measures. Safety and compliance are always the top priorities for our SEMA-accredited workforce, from the first consultation through installation and continuing maintenance.

Here at Advanced Handling and Storage Ltd, we encourage you to consult professionals since we recognise how important it is to design your shelving solutions correctly. When you work with us, you’ll gain access to extensive industry knowledge and more than 20 years of experience. Make the best choice possible by getting in touch with us to find out more about our shelving solutions and any of our other goods and services.