Which Pallet Racking Types Work for My Business Needs?

Pallet racking, a variety of shelving system utilized in the warehousing and distribution industry, functions to store pallets by means of upright frames, beams, and connectors that are interconnected to generate rows of shelves.

This type of shelving system is specifically designed to optimize the utilization of vertical space in a warehouse whilst enabling straightforward accessibility to the pallets using forklifts or other material handling equipment.

There exist multiple pallet racking systems, namely selective racking, drive-in racking, push-back racking, and pallet flow racking, to choose from and each system has its own exclusive design and function.

Below we explore each of these pallet racking types and the businesses that are best suited for them.

——————————————————————————-

#1 Selective Pallet Racks

Selective pallet racking represents a form of pallet racking structure in which the horizontal beams carrying the pallets are supported by vertical frames. The application of such a structure is commonplace in warehouses and distribution centers.

The pros of selective pallet racks include:

Accessibility: Each pallet is individually accessible, allowing for easy and efficient loading and unloading of products.
Flexibility: Selective pallet racks can be easily adjusted and reconfigured to accommodate changes in inventory, making them a versatile and adaptable storage solution.
Cost-effective: Selective pallet racks are generally less expensive than other types of racking systems, making them a cost-effective option for many businesses.

The cons of selective pallet racks include:

Lower storage density: Compared to other types of pallet racking, selective pallet racks have a lower storage density, as they require more aisle space between racks.
Limited height: Selective pallet racks are typically limited in height due to their design, which can limit the amount of vertical space available for storage.
Less suitable for high-volume storage: For businesses that need to store a high volume of products, selective pallet racks may not be the most efficient option.

Countless industries rely heavily on the use of selective pallet racking. These include, but are not limited to, retail, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution. Any business necessitating large product storage and requiring straightforward access to each pallet may benefit from the application of selective pallet racking.

#2 Drive-in Pallet Racks

Drive-in pallet racking is a type of pallet racking system where pallets are stored on rails that extend deep into the racking system. The rails are supported by upright frames that are placed close together, creating a high-density storage solution. Drive-in racking allows forklifts to drive into the racking system to load and unload pallets.

The pros of drive-in pallet racking include:

High-density storage: Drive-in warehouse racking for pallet storing offers high-density storage, maximizing the use of available floor space and reducing the need for additional warehouse space.
Cost-effective: Because drive-in racking allows for a greater storage density, it can be a more cost-effective option for businesses that need to store large quantities of the same product.
Easy to load and unload: With drive-in racking, forklifts can drive directly into the racking system, making it easy to load and unload pallets.

The cons of drive-in pallet racking include:

Limited accessibility: Drive-in racking typically requires the use of a specific type of forklift, and pallets are stored deep in the system, making individual pallet access more difficult.
Limited flexibility: Because drive-in racking is designed for specific types of products, it can be less flexible and adaptable to changing inventory needs.
Longer load and unload times: While drive-in racking allows for high-density storage, it can take longer to load and unload pallets due to the need for forklifts to drive into the racking system.

Industries that can benefit from drive-in pallet racking include food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts. Any business that needs to store large quantities of the same product and has limited space may benefit from using drive-in pallet racking.

#3 Push-back Pallet Racks

Push-back pallet racking is a type of pallet racking system that allows for multiple pallets to be stored on a single lane, with each pallet being pushed back as a new pallet is added. The pallets are stored on carts that move on inclined rails, allowing for easy loading and unloading of pallets.

The pros of push-back pallet racks include:

High-density storage: Push-back racking offers high-density storage, maximizing the use of available floor space and reducing the need for additional warehouse space.
Better accessibility: Push-back racking allows for each lane to be independently accessible, making it easier to pick and restock inventory.
Easy to load and unload: With push-back racking, forklifts can simply push pallets onto the next cart in the lane, making it easy to load and unload pallets.

The cons of push-back pallet racks include:

Limited flexibility: Because push-back racking is designed for specific types of products, it can be less flexible and adaptable to changing inventory needs.
Lower weight capacity: Push-back racking may have a lower weight capacity compared to other types of pallet racking systems.
Higher cost: Push-back racking can be more expensive than other types of pallet racking systems due to the specialized design and equipment.

Industries that can benefit from push-back pallet racking include food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and retail. Any business that needs to store a high volume of the same product and requires high-density storage may benefit from using push-back pallet racking.

#4 Pallet Flow Racks

Pallet flow racks, also known as gravity flow racks, are a type of pallet racking system that utilizes gravity to move pallets along rollers or wheels from the back of the rack to the front. This allows for first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management, as the oldest pallets are automatically pushed to the front for easy access.

The pros of pallet flow racks include:

FIFO inventory management: Pallet flow racks allow for automatic FIFO inventory management, which is particularly useful for businesses that deal with perishable or time-sensitive products.
High-density storage: Pallet flow racks offer high-density storage, maximizing the use of available floor space and reducing the need for additional warehouse space.
Better accessibility: Pallet flow racks allow for each lane to be independently accessible, making it easier to pick and restock inventory.

The cons of pallet flow racks include:

Limited flexibility: Pallet flow racks are designed for specific types of products, and may not be suitable for businesses with a wide range of inventory needs.
Limited weight capacity: Pallet flow racks may have a lower weight capacity compared to other types of pallet racking systems.
Higher cost: Pallet flow racks can be more expensive than other types of pallet racking systems due to the specialized design and equipment.

Industries that can benefit from pallet flow racks include food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Any business that needs to store a high volume of the same product and requires high-density storage with FIFO inventory management may benefit from using pallet flow racks.

Have Pallet Racking Questions? We Have Answers!

If you have any specific questions about one or more of the pallet shelving systems discussed above, please feel free to reach out to our team directly. We are available via email or phone during normal business hours.