What Is Drive In Pallet Racking?

Drive in racking is a highly space efficient system for the storage of pallets. A forklift is used to load and retrieve pallets by driving into the storage space from one end, reducing the number of access aisles required and increasing storage capacity by 60-80% over traditional pallet racking.

How Does Drive In Racking Work?

Drive in racking is designed to provide a high density storage solution by enabling pallets to be stored in a several deep configuration on a rack. Pallets are stored on guide rails which span the depth of the racking, and forklift trucks enter these storage lanes to deposit or retrieve loads.

Due to the way in which pallets are loaded, stored and retrieved, there is no requirement for access aisles between each row of pallets, and therefore the floor space traditionally used for these aisles can instead be used for pallet storage. This means that within a warehouse, a significantly higher proportion (up to 80% more) of the available space can be used for storage.

Racking heights up to 11 metres allow the full height and floor area of the building to be used to provide maximum cubic storage space.  Higher drive in racking systems are available if required.

Drive in racking systems apply the LIFO (last in, first out) principle for loading and unloading; racks are filled starting at the furthest point from the entrance, with the forklift travelling less far into the system as it is filled so that the last pallets deposited are closest to the access aisle and will be removed first.

Drive in Pallet Racking Installation in Liverpool
Drive in Racking

Drive In or Drive-Through Racking Systems

A variation of drive in racking systems, drive through pallet racking allows access to the pallets from both ends. This is preferred where a first in first out (FIFO) configuration is required, as pallets are loaded from one end and retrieved from the other side of the rack. Some systems of drive through racking will require a greater amount of access aisles than drive in racking, however the storage benefits offered remain significant when compared to standard racking systems.

Where Is Drive In Racking Used?

Drive in racking is used in a wide range of commercial warehousing and storage facilities, particularly those wishing to achieve maximum storage efficiency. It is a good solution for businesses requiring additional storage without acquiring extra floor space, and  is the ideal solution for optimum space utilisation without requiring specialist handling equipment.

Drive in racking is perfect for businesses who need to store and distribute batch deliveries and the storage of heavy pallets. Due to the nature of the system, drive in racking is best suited to first in last out processing, whereas drive through racking may be more suitable for organisations requiring goods or items to be retrieved in order of drop off.

Drive in racking guide
Block of Drive in Pallet Racking Installed in West Yorkshire

Benefits Of Drive In Pallet Racking

Drive in pallet racking offers a range of benefits including:

  • Very high density storage for maximum efficiency
  • Can be configured to maximise the use of available ceiling height
  • No specialist handling equipment is required as standard forklifts can be utilised
  • Guide rails in the system provide safe and efficient usage and avoid damage to goods
  • Configurable as a drive through system to meet various operational requirements

Drive In Racking From Avanta

Leeds based Avanta design, supply and install drive in and drive through racking systems for a range of companies throughout the UK. We offer a free, no obligation site survey service in order to identify and assess your specific requirements. This enables us to design a system tailored to the needs of your business and the space available within your warehouse or commercial building.

As one of the UK’s leading pallet racking suppliers, we offer a comprehensive range of commercial warehouse and workplace storage solutions. Our professional team delivers a full turnkey service, meaning your installation project will be completed efficiently and to a high standard, ready for immediate use upon handover.

To complement your new racking system we can also fit a comprehensive range of pallet racking accessories including safety barriers, upright protectors and rack nets.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for a drive in racking system and the options available, or to find out more about the full range of pallet racking solutions available from Avanta.