Most Common Pallet Racking Systems
Pallet racking systems are essential for businesses that deal with large quantities of goods and need effective and efficient storage solutions. There are various types of pallet racking systems available on the market which can make choosing the right one a challenge. In this article, we will discuss three popular pallet racking systems so that you can make the right decision for your specific business needs. This includes selective pallet racking, double deep pallet racking, and drive-in pallet racking.
Selective Pallet Racking
Selective pallet racking is the most commonly used pallet racking system in warehouses and distribution centres. It is a versatile system that allows easy access to all pallets stored in the rack. Selective pallet racking is designed with vertical frames and horizontal beams that create bays where pallets are stored. The beams are adjustable, which makes it easy to accommodate pallets of different sizes.
Selective pallet racking is ideal for businesses that have a large variety of products and need to access them quickly. With this system, every pallet is accessible from the aisle, which makes it easy to retrieve or place a pallet. Additionally, selective pallet racking allows for efficient use of space since the vertical frames can be extended to accommodate the height of the warehouse.
Double Deep Pallet Racking
Double deep pallet racking is a system that allows two pallets to be stored deep in the rack, which doubles the storage capacity of the warehouse. It is designed with two rows of pallets, one behind the other, and a single aisle for access. Double deep pallet racking requires specialised handling equipment, such as a reach truck, to retrieve pallets from the second row.
Double deep pallet racking is ideal for businesses that have a limited storage space and want to maximise it. It is also suitable for businesses that store products with a long shelf life since it allows for better product rotation. However, it is important to note that double deep pallet racking reduces accessibility to the pallets stored in the second row, which means that businesses need to plan their inventory management carefully.
Drive-In Pallet Racking
Drive-in pallet racking is a system that allows forklifts to enter the rack and retrieve pallets from the rear of the system. It is designed with vertical frames, horizontal beams, and rails that guide the forklifts into the rack. Drive-in pallet racking is ideal for businesses that have a large quantity of the same product since it allows for high-density storage.
Drive-in pallet racking is also suitable for businesses that do not store products that are time-sensitive or have a short shelf life. This is because the system follows the Last In, First Out (LIFO) inventory management principle, which means that the last pallet placed in the rack is the first one to be retrieved. However, businesses need to ensure that they have adequate aisle space for the forklifts to enter the rack, and they need to plan their inventory management carefully to prevent product damage.
Choosing the right pallet racking system ultimately depends on the specific needs of your business. Selective pallet racking is ideal for businesses that need to access their products quickly and have a large variety of products. Double deep pallet racking is suitable for businesses that want to maximise their storage space and have products with a long shelf life. Drive-in pallet racking is ideal for businesses that have a large quantity of the same product and need high-density storage. However, businesses need to plan their inventory management carefully and ensure that they have adequate space for their handling equipment to operate.
If you are unsure as to what best fits your specific business requirements, feel free to contact our friendly team as we are happy to assist you in the decision making process.
For further details, read our blog discussing 6 Unique Storage Racking Solutions
