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Types of Warehouse Racking

Pallet racking comes in different configurations to accommodate a variety of load sizes. Choosing the best warehouse racking system for your business is key to its efficiency.

The storage density, selectivity, and capacity you need will all play a role in your decision. Before shopping for warehouse racking for sale, think about the amount of space you have and how to best optimize it. Consider how frequently you need to be able to access each SKU in your inventory.

Remember, the warehouse racking system you choose should make your life easier.

1. Selective Pallet Racking

Selective pallet racking is the most common type of racking system. Its name comes from its high level of selectivity. Selective pallet racking allows users to retrieve a pallet at any time without having to move others out of the way.

This pallet racking is great for operations that need instant accessibility. For instance, it is ideal for companies whose inventory has a quick turnover. Selective pallet racking is typically used in “big-box” distribution, wholesale industries, cold storage, and retail inventory rooms. It is also usually the least expensive option.

2. Drive-In Racking

Drive-in racking offers greater storage depth than the previous option. Users enter the racking from one side with a forklift. They then load pallets onto a rail. The load slides back on the rail, allowing for more storage depth. Drive-in racking also creates more open warehouse space.

Single entry racks only have forklift entry on one side, while double entry racks can be accessed on both sides of the structure. This type of warehouse racking is ideal for maximizing space. However, the selectivity is low. The newest product will replace older products at the front of the racking row. Older items will be inaccessible without moving other items out of the way.

Consider drive-in racking if you plan to store cold/frozen items or if you have large amounts of similar products. These systems are also ideal for facilities with limited space or for loads that are fragile and cannot be stacked.

3. Cantilever Racking

Cantilever racking is designed to store long or bulky materials. These systems have virtually no vertical obstructions. Instead, they offer open, linear storage space. Cantilever racking has arms that extend perpendicularly from upright beams. The angle and height of these arms are adjustable. This makes them ideal for non-palletized loads.

Most industries use cantilever racking to store lumber, piping, plasterboard, steel trusses, and other longer building materials. If you work with these loads, consider this type of warehouse racking for your operation.

4. Push Back Racking

Push back racking is a warehouse storage solution that uses a rail and cart system. Pallets are loaded onto nested carts or frames that can be pushed backward. Most push back racking systems can store anywhere from 2 to 6 pallets deep.

These warehouse racking systems have inclined rails so that gravity pulls the most recent load to the front of the rack. This allows these systems to operate in a LIFO (last in, first out) rotation. When a pallet is added, all other loads move back and the new pallet takes its spot at the front.

Push back racking is a great option for medium to high-density storage spaces. Some common industries that use this type of racking include manufacturing, food distribution, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and more.

5. Carton Flow Racking

Carton flow racking, also known as gravity flow racking, is useful for smaller non-palletized items like boxes or individual products. Like push back racking, these systems have angled rails. In this case, the newly loaded item will slide down to the back of the racking, also known as the picking station. Here, users can retrieve the item.

Carton flow racking operates in a FIFO (first in first out) rotation. This warehouse racking is ideal for storing materials that vary in size, have expiration dates, or are frozen/cold.

Find the Best Deal on Warehouse Racking for Sale

If you’re searching for warehouse racking for sale, look no further than Forklift Inventory. Forklift Inventory is a free online tool designed to help you compare each of your options before you buy.

We carry the largest inventory of pallet racking nationwide. We offer both full racking systems and individual pallet racks. Simply select the type of warehousing storage solution you need from the top of the page and we’ll match you with warehouse racking for sale in your area.

You’ll receive pricing on each match. Compare options to find the best deal on pallet racking for sale today.