What is Pallet Racking? A Simple Guide to Pallet Racking

Pallet racking is a storage system used to store items on pallets. Pallets are platforms that goods are placed on and secured by strapping or shrink-wrapping. The racking consists of a series of upright frames with multiple horizontal beams extending across the frames, typically in steel or aluminum. Goods are stored on the beams, usually in single or double rows. Depending on the capacity required, the height of each frame and beam can be customized.

There are many different types of pallet racking, which can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the terminology. This article will provide a simple guide to understanding pallet racking and its various terms.

What is pallet racking?

Pallet racking is a material handling storage system that stores products and materials on pallets (or “skids”). Pallet racking systems are warehouses and distribution centers' most common storage systems. They are used in various other settings, such as manufacturing plants and retail stores.

There are many different types of pallet racking, but all systems share some essential elements:

• Pallets: The products or materials to be stored are placed on pallets, then placed on the racks.

• Racks: The pallets are placed on racks, which are the structural framework of the system. Racks can be made of various materials, including steel, aluminum, or wood.

• Beams: Beams are the horizontal supports that connect the racks and provide support for the pallets.

• Uprights: Uprights are the vertical supports that connect the beams and provide stability for the system.

Now that you know the basic elements of a warehouse racking system let’s take a closer look at the different pallet racks.

1. Selective Pallet Racks

The selective pallet rack is the most common type, which is also the simplest and most economical option. Selective racks can be configured to store pallets in a variety of ways, such as single-deep (one pallet deep), double-deep (two pallets deep), or triple-deep (three pallets deep).

2. Double-Deep Pallet Racks

As the name suggests, double-deep pallet racks are designed to store pallets two deep. This type of warehouse shelving is often used in conjunction with a drive-in/drive-thru system, allowing forklifts to enter the racks from one side and exit from the other.

3. Push-Back Pallet Racks

Push-back pallet racks are similar to double-deep racks but offer a higher density storage solution. In a push-back system, each pallet is stored behind another on a series of rails. When a forklift removes a pallet from the front of the rack, the pallets behind it are pushed forward, making the next pallet easy to access.

4. Drive-In Pallet Racks

Drive-in pallet racks are similar to push-back racks but offer a first-in/last-out (FILO) storage option. In a drive-in system, pallets are stored on rails that run the rack length. When a forklift removes a pallet from the rack, the pallets behind it are pushed forward, making the next pallet easy to access.

5. Gravity Flow Pallet Racks

Gravity flow pallet racks are a type of drive-in rack, but they offer a first-in/first-out (FIFO) storage option. In a gravity-flow system, pallets are stored on sloped rails that run the rack length. When a forklift removes a pallet from the front of the rack, the pallets behind it are pushed forward by gravity, making the next pallet easy to access.

6. Cantilever Pallet Racks

Cantilever pallet racks store long, bulky, or awkward items that cannot be stored on conventional pallet racks. Cantilever racks consist of uprights with horizontal arms that protrude from the uprights. The arms can be adjusted to accommodate different-sized loads, and the racks can be configured for single- or double-sided storage.

7. Carton Flow Pallet Racks

Carton flow pallet racks are similar to gravity flow racks but are designed to store smaller items, such as boxes or containers. In a carton flow system, pallets are stored on sloped rails that run the rack length. When a box is removed from the front of the rack, the boxes behind it are pushed forward by gravity, making the next box easy to access.

8. Mobile Pallet Racks

Mobile pallet racks are designed to increase storage density and improve efficiency in warehouse operations. Mobile racks consist of pallet racks mounted on carts or carriages that can be moved along rails by a push button or remote control. This type of rack is often used in conjunction with an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS).

Now that you know the different pallet racks, you can choose the best option for your warehouse.

Factors to consider while choosing the best type of pallet racks

1. The type of products to be stored:

Depending on the type of products you want to store, you will need to choose a pallet rack designed for that specific product. For example, if you want to store heavy-duty products, you will need to choose a rack that is designed for heavy-duty products.

2. The weight of the products:

The weight of the products is an important factor to consider while choosing a pallet rack. If you are storing heavy-duty products, you will need to choose a rack that can hold the weight of the products.

3. The size of the products:

The size of the products is another important factor to consider while choosing a warehouse racking. If you are storing large products, you will need to choose a rack designed for large products.

4. The space available:

The space available is another important factor to consider while choosing a pallet rack. If you have a large space, you can choose a larger rack. However, if you have a small space, you will need to choose a rack that is smaller in size.

5. The budget:

The budget is the last factor to consider while choosing a pallet rack. Different types of racks are available in the market, and they come in different price ranges. Therefore, you will need to choose a rack within your budget.

Conclusion

Pallet racking is a material handling storage aid used to store goods on pallets. Pallets are platforms that are made of wood or plastic, which goods are placed on and then lifted by a forklift. Forklifts can only lift pallets if they have forks attached to the front.

Pallet racks provide the structure to hold the pallets off the ground so that all sides can access them. There are many different pallet racks, but all serve the same purpose- to store pallets of goods. You need to choose the best option for your warehouse.