There are more than 17.4 billion square feet of warehouse space in the United States. All of this open space needs to be organized to make the most of it. Unfortunately, the biggest mistake new businesses make is not taking enough time to set up their warehouse racking system.
There are many types of pallet racks, and each has an ideal use for the amount of space you have, the products you need storage for, and the type of business you have.
This guide will help you find the best pallet racks for your warehouse.
Selective Racking
This type of pallet racking system makes it possible to easily access all of your palleted products. However, this also makes it the most inefficient to maximize your warehouse space.
Compact Pallet Racks
Also known as motorized or mobile racks, this type is the most effective at maximizing your warehouse space. The pallet racks mount onto your pallet rack frames and use motorized tracks to move them forward and back. This minimizes the space between the rows when not in use and then opens them up when you need access.
Push Back Racking
This type of racking system is popular in the warehousing industry because it increases the speed of operation. There are large springs at the back of the rack and rollers that line the base. The pallets or boxed products sit on the rollers and get pushed forward by the spring to always be in the front.
The logistics industry will modify the system to suit the number of pallets needing storage. This could be two, three, or four pallets deep.
Pallet Flow Racking
Like push-back racks, gravity flow racks ensure that the next pallet is readily reachable. However, they function slightly differently. You need access to the backside of the rack to load the products. Then gravity helps them slide forward as products or pallets are pulled from the front side of the rack.
The shipping industry heavily uses these for warehousing shipped products. They streamline the pull and pack process by separating it from the loading process.
Drive-In Racking
If you need to warehouse large pallets of building materials, drive-in warehouse pallet racks are ideal. These racks are large, often several levels high, with heavy-duty rails. Forklifts can easily drive in and out to move the pallets to and from each level.
Cantilever Racking
Unlike the other racks on this list, these racks don’t require a front vertical post. There are long adjustable arms that get adjusted to accommodate the length of your items. This type of racking system is best for long items like lumber, tubes, or pipes.
If you have a unique product that you need a racking system for, it helps to work with a company specializing in pallet rack manufacturing. They can help you develop a system that’s ideal for your warehouse.
Choose From These Types of Pallet Racks
If you have a warehouse space that’s starting to feel cramped or disorganized, you may think you need to rent more space. However, this isn’t always the case. You may just need to consider other types of pallet racks.
Check out our other business articles for more helpful articles on improving your logistics and supply chain systems.
Nicole Ann Pore is a writer, an events host and a voice over artist. Travel, health, shopping, lifestyle and business are among the many subjects she writes about. Through quality and well-researched writing, she informs and even entertains readers about things that matter. She is also interested in film critiquing and filmmaking. Giving all the glory to God, Nicole graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts.
