Pallet Racking is a material handling storage aid system designed to store materials on Pallet or Skids typically using a forklift or stacker. Over the years a number or different versions, designs and systems have been developed making it somewhat confusing for a person starting out.

what is pallet racking

So, before you read below about the different racking systems let me ask you to ponder the question….What are you Storing? Because, what we have found is no system of racking is really better than any other rather what is more important is you have the right racking for the job.

Types of pallet racking systems

The diversity of pallet racking systems is key to their effectiveness, with each type tailored to meet specific storage requirements and operational strategies.

Our Unirack team has gathered the most important types of pallet racking in the table below.

Racking System Use Cases Advantages Real-World Examples
Selective Racking Versatile storage needs across various industries. Ideal for warehouses where inventory access frequency is high. Provides easy access to all pallets, adaptable to any pallet size and weight. Retail, Manufacturing and E-commerce fulfilment centres
Cantilever Rack Storing long, bulky items such as lumber, pipes, and oversized furniture. Eliminates front columns to increase storage space and accessibility for bulky items. Construction materials suppliers, Furniture warehouses
Drive-in / Drive-through Racking Best for storing large quantities of similar products. Suitable for cold storage and seasonal items. Maximises storage space by reducing aisles. Drive-in offers LIFO, while Drive-through provides FIFO. Food distribution centres, Wholesale retailers
Push-back Racking Bulk storage of similar items, reducing aisle space requirements. Ideal for medium to high-turnover products. Increases storage density and allows for storing different SKUs on each level. Beverage industry, Automotive parts
Pallet Flow Racking Managing perishable goods and high-volume consumer goods. Perfect for FIFO inventory management. Automated stock rotation is excellent for high-throughput warehouses. Food and beverage industry, Pharmaceutical storage

Selective Racking:

Selective racking is the most common type of pallet racking system. It provides direct access to every pallet stored, making it easy to load and unload goods quickly. This system is ideal for warehouses with a wide variety of products and high turnover rates. Selective racking is versatile and can accommodate different pallet sizes and weights, making it a popular choice for many businesses.

Drive-in Racking:

Drive-in racking is designed for high-density storage, allowing you to store a large number of pallets in a small space. Pallets are stored in lanes, and the forklift drives into the rack to retrieve or store pallets. This system uses the Last In, First Out (LIFO) method of inventory management, making it suitable for goods that have a low turnover rate. Drive-in racking is an efficient solution for storing large quantities of similar products.

Cantilever Racking:

Cantilever racking is specifically designed for storing long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items. The open-front design allows for easy access to stored items, and the arms can be adjusted to accommodate different load sizes. This system is commonly used in lumber yards, furniture warehouses, and retail environments for storing items like pipes, lumber, or furniture. Cantilever racking maximizes storage space and provides a cost-effective solution for storing oversized items.

Mezzanine Racking:

Mezzanine racking utilizes the vertical space above the warehouse floor to create an additional level for storage or work areas. This system is ideal for businesses looking to expand their storage capacity without relocating to a larger facility. Mezzanine racking is customizable to fit specific needs and can be used to store items that don’t require immediate access. It’s a cost-effective solution for creating additional storage space or work areas within the warehouse.

 

types of pallet racking systems

pallet racking types

 

Pallet Racking With Unirack

We’re an Australian-owned and operated company specialising in providing high-quality, safe, affordable storage solutions for businesses and individuals. We offer many products, including pallet racking, shelving, lockers, and more.

Not only that, but we design our pallet racking systems to meet the needs of each customer. Businesses can use them in many industries, including warehousing, manufacturing, and retail. Unirack’s pallet racking systems are known for their durability, strength, and ease of use. They also comply with Australian safety standards, so you can ensure your products are stored safely and securely.

Here are some of the key benefits of using Unirack’s pallet racking systems:

  • Increased storage capacity: Unirack’s pallet racking systems can help you maximise your storage space, allowing you to store more products in less space.
  • Improved organisation: Unirack’s pallet racking systems can help you keep your products organised and easy to find, which can save you time and money.
  • Enhanced safety: Unirack proactively builds security into our pallet racking systems, adhering to strict Australian standards that ensure your products rest securely, giving you peace of mind.
  • Reduced costs: Unirack’s affordable pallet racking solutions maximise your budget while optimising your warehouse space.
  • If you are looking for a high-quality, safe, and affordable pallet racking system for your business, Unirack is a great option.

Pallet Racking as a Storage System for Materials

Pallet racking is a foundational element in the world of warehouse management. The system is designed to store materials efficiently on pallets. It uses vertical space to its fullest, enabling businesses to increase storage capacity without expanding their physical footprint.

Pallet racking streamlines inventory access and management by arranging materials in easy-to-access horizontal rows and levels. Its adaptability across various industries, from manufacturing to retail, underscores its significance in enhancing operational workflows and inventory oversight.

Through the strategic implementation of pallet racking, warehouses can find a balance between maximising storage space and facilitating swift goods retrieval, thus elevating both productivity and safety within the storage environment.

benefits of pallet racking

why use pallet racking

What are the Pallet Racking Benefits?

Businesses use pallet racking to tackle the challenge of maximising warehouse storage space while ensuring smooth inventory management. Pallet racking systems transform warehouses by elevating goods for easy access and boosting efficiency. It minimises clutter, creating a safer environment with fewer accidents. Their adaptability allows them to fit any inventory size, weight, or access need, making them an essential tool for businesses to optimise warehouse operations and maintain high productivity and safety levels.

To Maximise Storage Space in Warehouses

Pallet racking plays an important role in maximising warehouse storage by enabling the efficient use of vertical space. Studies have shown that implementing pallet racking can increase storage capacity by up to 40% compared to traditional storage methods. This approach significantly increases storage potential, eliminating the necessity for physical expansion of the warehouse area.

To Organise Inventory for Easy Access and Management

Through the strategic arrangement of goods on pallets, pallet racking ensures that inventory remains well-organised and readily accessible. A case study of an e-commerce fulfilment centre revealed that after transitioning to a selective pallet racking system, they experienced a 25% reduction in picking times and improved inventory accuracy by 30%. This level of Organisation is essential for streamlining the processes of picking and restocking, thereby facilitating smoother operational flows.

To Improve Warehouse Safety by Reducing Clutter

The adoption of pallet racking contributes to a substantial reduction in clutter within the warehouse environment. Data from a manufacturing facility showed a 50% decrease in workplace accidents following the implementation of a pallet racking system, attributed to better organisation and reduced clutter. By creating a more orderly space, the risk of accidents and potential hazards is markedly decreased, leading to a safer workplace for all.

 

Choosing the Right Pallet Racking System

Picking the right pallet racking system is key to improving your warehouse and storing more stuff. Think about what you’re storing (size, weight, how much you need to grab it) and how much space you have (floor, ceiling). Also, consider how often you need to access things – some systems pack in more stuff but make it harder to grab specific items. By thinking about all this, you can find a racking system that holds more and makes your warehouse run smoother!

Consideration Scenario Influence on Choice Example
Type and Size of Inventory Heavy machinery parts require robust systems with high weight capacity, whereas perishable goods need systems that support FIFO for freshness. Determines the structural requirements and the inventory management approach (e.g., FIFO, LIFO). A food distributor selects Pallet Flow Racking for perishable goods to ensure FIFO, while an equipment manufacturer opts for Selective Racking for heavy parts due to its strength and accessibility.
Warehouse’s Floor Space and Ceiling Height A warehouse with limited floor space but high ceilings can benefit from systems that maximise vertical space. Influences the racking system’s design and layout to optimise available space. A retail warehouse with a small footprint but high ceilings uses Drive-in racks to maximise storage density vertically, accommodating more stock within a limited area.
Frequency of Inventory Access High-turnover retail environments require systems that allow quick and easy pallet access, whereas long-term storage might prioritise density over access. Guides the selection between systems that offer direct access to every pallet versus those that optimise space. An e-commerce fulfilment centre employs Selective Racking for fast-moving consumer goods to expedite picking and shipping, while a seasonal goods storage facility uses Drive-in Racking to maximise space during off-peak months.

pallet racks safety considerations

safety considerations for pallet racking

Safety Considerations for Pallet Racking

Warehouse safety, especially with pallet racking systems, must be a top priority. Regular inspections are key to catching any damage or wear before it causes problems. Making sure things are evenly stacked on the racks is also crucial, as uneven weight distribution can lead to tipping and harm both materials and workers.

Adding safety extras like rack guards and backstops further minimises accident risks by securing pallets and materials. By taking these steps, you can create a safer warehouse environment and reduce the chance of injuries and property damage.

Conduct Regular Inspections for Damage or Wear

It’s important to conduct regular inspections of pallet racking systems to spot any damage or wear early on. It will ensure that the racking maintains its structural integrity, safeguarding against potential safety hazards.

Inspection Checklist Item Description Frequency
Structural Integrity Check for any visible signs of damage, deformation, or corrosion on uprights, beams, and braces. Monthly
Load Distribution Ensure loads are evenly distributed and do not exceed the specified weight limits. Before loading
Connection Points Verify that all connections between beams and uprights are secure and not loosened. Quarterly
Floor Anchoring Confirm that all racks are properly anchored to the floor without any loose or missing anchors. Annually
Safety Accessories Inspect rack guards, backstops, and other safety accessories for damage or displacement. Bi-annually

Ensure Proper Load Distribution to Avoid Tipping

Ensuring proper load distribution across the racks prevents instability and the risk of tipping. This practice not only protects the stored goods but also significantly increases the safety of warehouse personnel.

Proper Load Distribution Improper Load Distribution
Evenly spread across the rack’s surface. Concentrated in one area, causing imbalance.
Heavier items are placed at the lower levels. Heavier items are placed on higher levels, increasing the risk of tipping.
Pallets are squarely placed on beams. Pallets hanging off the edge, creating uneven weight distribution.

Install Safety Accessories Like Rack Guards to Prevent Accidents

Installing safety accessories, such as rack guards, is important to prevent accidents. These accessories help to secure pallets and materials firmly and offer safety within the warehouse environment.

Safety Accessory Function Impact
Rack Guards Protect the base of uprights from forklift impact. Prevent structural damage and potential rack collapse.
Backstops Prevent pallets from being pushed too far and falling from the back. Enhance worker safety by preventing falling objects.
Safety Netting Catch falling items from elevated levels. Reduce the risk of injury from dropped goods.
Column Protectors Shield rack columns from impacts. Minimise damage from vehicle collisions, preserving rack integrity.

By implementing these safety measures and regularly reviewing and updating safety protocols, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the warehouse and ensure a safer working environment for all employees.

Ready to install your pallet racking system? Contact us today .

FAQs About Pallet Racking

How do you install a pallet racking system?

The installation process for pallet racking systems requires careful planning and precision. It starts with designing a layout plan that takes into account the warehouse’s workflow and spatial constraints, aiming for maximum efficiency and storage optimisation. Following this, the assembly of upright frames and horizontal beams is undertaken, ensuring these components are securely interconnected to form a robust structure. The final, critical step involves anchoring the racks to the floor, a measure that stabilises the system and safeguards against tipping. Adhering to these steps facilitates the creation of a safe, orderly, and efficient storage environment, using the full potential of the warehouse space. Need a guide? F ollow ours here .

Can pallet racking systems be customised for different warehouse needs?

Yes, pallet racking systems can be tailored to meet specific storage requirements, accommodating various pallet sizes, weights, and warehouse layouts.

What safety considerations should be taken into account with pallet racking?

Key safety considerations include ensuring proper installation, regularly inspecting for damage or wear, and adhering to weight limits to prevent collapses or accidents.