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6th June 2025

Is Industrial Pallet Racking Right for Your Business?

Is Industrial Pallet Racking Right for Your Business?

Warehouse space is expensive. Whether you’re running a growing eCommerce operation, a manufacturing site, or a wholesale distribution centre, how you use your available square footage can make or break your bottom line. That’s where industrial pallet racking comes into play.

What is Industrial Pallet Racking?

Pallet racking is a material handling system designed to store palletised goods in horizontal rows on multiple levels. These systems are commonly used in warehouses, factories, and storage facilities to maximise vertical space and streamline operations.

Why pallet racking matters in warehouse optimisation:

  • Maximises vertical space without expanding your footprint
  • Improves stock visibility and inventory management
  • Increases safety through better organisation and structural integrity
  • Enhances operational efficiency by reducing time spent locating and handling goods
  • Scalable and flexible for future expansion or layout changes

Narrow aisle pallet racking system in a high-density warehouse with labelled bays and forklift access for efficient inventory management.

Do I Need Pallet Racking for My Business?

People also ask:

How do I know if my business needs pallet racking?

Start by asking:

  • Are you running out of floor space?
  • Are products currently stacked in a way that’s unsafe or inefficient?
  • Do your operations involve handling palletised goods?
  • Do you need to speed up picking and loading times?

If you answered yes to one or more, a racking solution could significantly improve your workflow.

Different Types of Pallet Racking Systems

Not all industrial pallet racking is created equal. The right system depends on your inventory, throughput, and available space.

Most popular types include:

Adjustable Pallet Racking (APR)
Great for businesses with varied stock types and frequent picking.

Drive-In/Drive-Through Racking
Ideal for bulk storage of similar items, using a Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) or First-In-First-Out (FIFO) approach.

Cantilever Racking
Best for long, awkward items like pipes or timber.

Push-Back Racking
Stores multiple pallets deep while still allowing access from a single aisle.

Mobile Racking
Mounted on motorised bases to maximise space by eliminating unnecessary aisles.

Empty selective pallet racking system with blue uprights and orange beams in a large warehouse, ready for high-capacity pallet storage installation.

FAQs: Common Questions from Business Owners

How much does pallet racking cost?

The cost can vary widely depending on size, type, weight capacity, and whether you’re buying new or used. As a rough guide, a basic used system can start from around £80 per bay, while high-density or specialist systems can be significantly more. Installation, layout design, and accessories like mesh decking also affect the final price.

Is used pallet racking safe?

Yes, when sourced from a reputable supplier like Advanced Handling & Storage, all used racking is safety checked and refurbished to meet current industry standards. It’s a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to buying new.

What size racking do I need?

This depends on:

  • The size of your pallets (standard UK: 1200 x 1000 mm)
  • Weight per pallet
  • Ceiling height and building layout
  • Type of forklift or material handling equipment you use

A site visit and custom design layout can help you determine the exact requirements. Get in touch if this is something you require.

The Benefits of Choosing the Right Supplier

Why it matters:

  • Tailored design: Avoids wasted space and ensures safe load distribution
  • Installation expertise: Ensures compliance with SEMA guidelines
  • Aftercare and support: Ongoing inspections, repairs, and maintenance
  • Finance options: Spread the cost of investment

At Advanced Handling & Storage, all installations are carried out by our qualified professionals, and each project includes a free site survey and expert layout advice.

Red Flags: Signs Your Current Storage Isn’t Working

  • Overstocked or inaccessible products
  • Frequent stock damage or shrinkage
  • Slow loading and unloading times
  • Manual handling risks due to poor organisation

If any of these sound familiar, upgrading to a racking system can immediately improve warehouse safety and performance.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. If your goal is to create a more organised, efficient, and scalable warehouse. Pallet racking is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase capacity without the expense of relocation or expansion. With options for new and used systems, it can suit a wide range of budgets.

Ready to Optimise Your Storage?

Get in touch with the team at Advanced Handling & Storage and we’ll help you choose the right system and layout to match your operation’s needs, now and in the future.

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