What Pallet Rack Is Right for Me?

A pallet rack is an item-handling storage aid system designed to keep materials on a skid. Despite the many types of pallet racking systems, all varieties enable the storage of pallets in horizontal rows with several levels. Lift trucks are usually needed to place the pallets onto the racks. Since World War II, pallet racks have become a necessary component of most contemporary distribution and storage facilities, such as:

• Manufacturing facilities
• Retail centers
• Warehouses

All types of pallet racking enhance the storage density of the stored items. Pallet racks enable faster access to stored goods. There are many pallet racking systems, but their design depends on facility types and applications. Some pallet racking systems allow high storage capacity, while others offer more accessible access to stored items.

Types of Pallet Racks

There are many pallet racking systems, and each has its ideal use. The most popular designs are:

• Selective
• Cantilever
• Drive In
• Pallet Flow
• Push Back
• Temperature-Controlled Storage

Selective Pallet Racking: This is the most-liked and adaptable system in the industry. These systems are simple and allow for easy racking and removal of pallets with a forklift. 

Drive In Pallet Racking: This racking system is ideal in the last-in-first-out storage scenario. It’s challenging to access pallets stored in the rear, as you have to remove every pallet in the front before you can access the back of the rack. 

Cantilever Racking: Cantilever racking is basically for long or oversized items, like pipes or timber. Instead of a railed lane or a simple shelf, cantilever racking is a base supporting row of arms that stick out.

 Push Back Racking: This system is almost identical to the drive in, save for its design to push forward pallets. In a drive in system, pallets at the back of the rack stay there. However, in a push back racking system, you move pallets forward as you remove the ones in the front.

Pallet Flow: This racking system operates the same way as push back racking: to push items. However, the pallet flow racking system works with rollers and gravity. Inclined at an angle, things placed at the rear of these racks slip forward until they get to the front of the shelf.

One of the downsides to a pallet racking system is the high cost of acquiring a new one. This is why many warehouse owners who want to buy pallet racking opt for secondhand pallet racking.

Pallet racking is one of the most popular storage systems available today due to several benefits, including: 

• Less floor space is used since the storage systems have many racks, one over the other.

• Pallet racks enable quicker and easier finding and retrieving of items. This enhances employee efficiency and productivity.

• Pallet racks are ideal for storing all kinds of goods, whether heavy or light, due to their sturdiness.

• Pallet racking systems improve organization, thereby reducing accidents in the place of work.

• Pallet racks come in different sizes. Thus, you can use them to meet different company needs. Moreover, pallet racks are re-usable; you can move them from one place to another and use them to their fullest potential.