Choosing the best pallet racking system can greatly affect your end goal. When done right, pallet racks can increase your storage solution, and improve productivity, helping you adapt to the changing inventory needs. However, sometimes it can be challenging to decide which type of pallet racks are the best for your needs. This list of the different types and their specifics will help you decide.
Drive-In/Drive-Thru Rack
This is the best pallet racking type if your inventory constantly shifts or moves. Drive-in racking allows for a denser placement making use of the available space. To access some materials or products, you must use forklifts to drive into the racks and get what you need using a common entry and exit route. On the other hand, the drive-thru type has a separate entry and exit opening, limiting collisions.
Selective Racking
This is the most common pallet rack used in warehouses as it supports the First In, First Out requirements. It provides access to the counterbalance forklifts and the reach tracks to access the materials easily. On the lower levels, you can easily use hand-picking. Selective racking is the best option if you want free access to your warehouse.
Push Back Racking
This pallet racking system supports First In Last Out as pallets are pushed on low-friction carts by forklifts. This type can only handle up to four pallets deep yet maximises storage density.
Double Deep Racking
This is for warehouses with limited space but requires quick handling. It’s ideal for First In Last Out requirements. Double deep racking is similar to selective tracking, except instead of one pallet on the shelf, there are two, one confronted with the other. This type of pallet rack helps decrease the number of aisles, using all the available space.
Pallet Flow Racking
This kind uses sloping racks and First In, First Out requirement system. It involves adding new pallets at the higher end and removing them at the lower end. It can triple the capacity of your storage space, and it’s most ideal for freezer warehouses or food distribution centres.
Pallet racks are popular and essential for their versatility and ability to form desired storage solutions. You can always shape them however you want to meet your needs, and their wide availability makes it easy to pick any, depending on the style of products you are dealing with.
