How To Select The Right Fit For Your Warehouse Pallet Storage

When building a new warehouse, the right pallet racking system is essential for efficient workflow.

No one plaster fits all wounds. Each racking has its due place. Selecting the right solution requires understanding each type’s specific attributes and assessing how well it aligns with your warehouse needs.

Factors to Consider for Choosing the Right Pallet Racking System

Before delving into the types of racking, consider these key factors for an effective pallet storage system:

• Customization: A flexible system with options for reconfiguration
• Structural Safety: Reliable materials that withstand heavy loads over time are critical to a durable racking system.
• Accessibility: Easy access to products minimizes retrieval time and enhances working efficiency.
• Space Optimization: The layout must maximize warehouse space, balancing aisle width and storage density.
• Cost-effectiveness: Weighing the cost of the system and its long-term durability is essential for financial feasibility.

Types of Pallet Racking Systems and Their Applications

Selective Pallet Racking

Selective racking is one of the most popular warehouse racking systems due to its simplicity and flexibility. This racking type allows direct access to each pallet, eliminating the need to move other pallets to retrieve a specific one. Its easy adjustability and high visibility make it ideal for industries requiring frequent access to a broad range of products.

• Advantages: Offers direct access to all pallets, has high adjustability, and is easy to install.
• Best Used For Retail, food and beverage, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and other industries with diverse inventory and frequent access needs.

Drive-In and Drive-Thru Racking

Drive-in and drive-thru systems offer a high-density storage solution, particularly suitable for products with low rotation. These racks are designed for deep storage, where forklifts drive into the racking lanes to load or retrieve pallets. Drive-in operates on a Last In, First Out (LIFO) basis, whereas drive-thru racks allow both LIFO and First In, First Out (FIFO) systems.

• Advantages: Saves space by reducing aisle requirements, is ideal for heavy-duty use, and durable against forklift impacts.
• Best Used For: Warehousing, food storage, cold storage, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries.

Push-Back Racking

Push-back racking provides easy access to stored items by allowing pallets to move forward when one is removed, thus bringing the next pallet into position. This system does not require forklifts to enter the racking structure, which reduces aisle congestion and minimizes the risk of rack damage.

• Advantages: Enhances space utilization, reduces labor requirements, and increases selectivity.
• Best Used For: Third-party logistics (3PL), automotive, pharmaceuticals, and food distribution sectors.

Pallet Flow Racking

Pallet flow racks, also known as gravity flow racks, are ideal for high-rotation storage. These racks use inclined shelves and rollers, allowing pallets to move from the loading end to the picking side via gravity. This FIFO system maximizes storage density and boosts picking efficiency, especially beneficial for high-demand items and fast turnarounds.

• Advantages: Increases picking speed, reduces handling time, and promotes high-density storage.
• Best Used For: Food and beverage, e-commerce, retail, manufacturing, and frozen storage facilities.

Cantilever Racking

Cantilever racks are designed for long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items like lumber, pipes, or steel bars. This racking system features arms extending from a central column, allowing for the open storage of items that do not fit conventional pallet racking dimensions. Its versatility in storing horizontal or vertical items makes it ideal for specialized applications.

• Advantages: Customizable and reconfigurable, with the capacity for oversized or irregular items.
• Best Used For: Furniture, lumber, steel, conduits, appliances, and large industrial equipment.

Pallet Mole (Shuttle) Systems

The pallet mole or shuttle racking system leverages automated technology to move pallets within deep storage racks, which significantly increases storage efficiency for facilities handling high-volume, low-SKU inventories. Radio-controlled shuttles navigate the rails, picking or storing pallets without the need for forklift entry. This semi-automated system improves storage density and reduces labor.

• Advantages: Increases productivity, maximizes space usage, and offers semi-automated storage solutions.
• Best Used For: Beverage, food processing, cold storage, and high-volume warehousing applications.

Carton Flow Racking

Carton flow racking is specifically designed for box and bin storage, using inclined roller shelves to move products from loading to picking positions, supported by FIFO operations. This system is ideal for small goods and cases, expediting picking processes while allowing different storage configurations. Adjustable frame heights accommodate fast- and slow-moving items alike.

• Advantages: Improves order accuracy and picking efficiency, ideal for managing small parts or high-SKU environments.
• Best Used For: Consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and cosmetic industries.

Comparing Racking Types for Optimal Storage Solutions

Selecting the right racking system ultimately depends on the specific needs of your facility and the type of products stored. Below is a comparative breakdown to guide your selection:

Key Considerations for Your Warehouse Layout and Safety

To make the most out of your pallet racking investment, ensure it integrates seamlessly into your warehouse layout and meets operational requirements.

When selecting a system, consider safety protocols, especially when handling heavy-duty or hazardous products. A well-designed layout minimizes congestion and optimizes workflow, thus mitigating the risk of accidents.

Conclusion

With a wide range of systems, from selective and push-back racking to automated pallet shuttles, each storage solution has advantages tailored to different warehousing needs.

If you would like to customize your warehouse racking system, don't hesitate to contact us now, our team of experts is ready to find the best fit for your warehouse.