Selecting suitable pallet racks for your facility is complicated by how much you don’t know about what’s available. In addition, there are so many types to choose from, making it hard to find only the right one. And since pallet rack types offer more storage density and easier access to stored loads, finding the best for your facility takes time and research.

This article will focus on introducing you to different pallet racking types so that you can choose the best for yourself.

What is Pallet Cacking System?

Pallet Racking Systems are excellent for warehouses or other shipping and storing facilities for your products on pallets. This allows you to make the most of the space available by doubling the height of your vertical space with a dual-stack pallet system. As a result, you can maximise performance, maximize storage space, and keep products organised, accessible, and ready to ship quickly.

Different types of pallet racking systems

1. Selective racking

The most popular and versatile type of pallet racking system is selective racking, a metal shelving unit designed to fit pallets. These systems are simple and allow for easy tracking and removal of the pallets with a forklift. In addition, these racks can be stacked one on top of another and become a double-deep rack that can increase storage space up to 40%. However, this racking system still has the minimum storage density. 

2. Drive-In Racking

The drive-in rack is named for the way it operates—by the forklift operator driving into the shelving, which is a cross-beam-like structure in standard frames. The drive-in racking is more like a lane with rails on each side, and pallets rest on these rails and are pushed to the rear of the rack. So subsequent pallets are placed behind previous ones. 

This system stores palletised products in a high-density, last-in/first-out (LIFO) situation. The system helps reduce unnecessary movement of individual pieces by eliminating the need to move every pallet from front to back before moving one pallet from the back to the front. This is one of the highest density options available and works best with products such as refrigerated food items.

 

3. Cantilever Racking 

For products that need support, cantilever racking is a great option. Because it’s only a base with arms extending out, it doesn’t require any other shelving or hanging material. You can simply place your product on the shelves, and away you go. The ends of the arms will nestle into channels in the single-tier rack to support more oversized items like timber or pipes. It’s a simple form of shelving that allows items to be easily stored vertically rather than horizontally, making product organisation more efficient and eliminating wasted space underneath items. 

4. Push Back Racking

A push-back system is similar to a drive-in racking system, except that it allows you to push pallets forward into place rather than pull them from the rear. A push-back rack can be used with any pallet and loaded without needing to be put in place first. All you have to do is pack everything in the front and let gravity do its thing; this loading and unloading system works similarly to most beverage coolers in grocery stores; as you remove drinks from the cooler, more are pushed ahead into place. 

5. Pallet Flow Racking

Pallet flow racks work with gravity and rollers to push product from one side of the shelf to the other. Instead of loading these racks on your conveyor system from the front, you load them through the rear. This makes for a faster initial part-out time, especially in smaller building areas with limited space. This rack best displays products that enter your facility in a fist-in/first-out arrangement like fresh produce or deli meats. 

Advantages of pallet racking

Pallet racks generally consist of sets of shelves, and one or more posts, which may be arranged in any configuration.

Pallet racking systems increase the storage capacity of your warehouse and provide a safe working environment by saving floor space and reducing the number of employees needed to move material.

With pallet racking, you can optimise warehouse space, increase bulk storage capacity, implement different inventory control methods and customise your warehouses. The increased safety of your warehouse comes with the added benefit of increased productivity due to improved visibility of operations.

Also, if you are searching for the best pallet racking system, you can visit Speedrack for the best service.

You can read our other blog – Important Pallet Racking Problems To Keep In Mind