What Is Pallet Racking?
Pallet racking is a system of warehouse storage. It uses racks to enable pallets, on which goods and materials are stored, to be stacked vertically and horizontally for efficient use of space. Typically forklift trucks are used to move pallets on and off racking within a warehouse, with a number of systems available to meet different requirements that allow pallets to be stored and accessed for picking and processing as efficiently as possible.
Standard Wide Aisle Pallet Racking
Standard pallet racking frames and beams organised into a wide aisle configuration for Reach Trucks to deposit and retrieve pallets is the most common form of pallet racking. Other forms of pallet racking are detailed below: -
Types Of Pallet Racking
There are a number of pallet racking systems available. Each is designed to meet different usage requirements and availability of floor and vertical space within a warehouse as efficiently as possible.
With significantly narrower aisles than other racking types, along with specialist forklift trucks, this system provides high density storage with full pallet access.
With two layers of racks accessed from each aisle, this system increases storage density and is well suited to last in first out (LIFO) operations.
Drive In & Drive Through Racking
Offering multiple layers of racks without aisles, pallets are deposited and retrieved by forklifts driving into or through the row of racks, significantly increasing usable storage space.
Using wheeled carriers with inclined guide channels, this dynamic system enables pallets to be stored up to 4 rows deep and is one of the most time and space efficient options.
Using self powered shuttles to move and retrieve pallets, this system provides an incredibly high storage density and is adaptable to meet a range of uses.
Designed for the storage of items such as long rolls, this system offers increased depth over standard racking, with adaptable levels to maximise storage capacity.
A dynamic system that uses inclined gravity rollers to move pallets or cartons from the loading end to the picking face, offering high levels of efficiency and storage density.
How Does Pallet Racking Work?
There are various racking systems that work in different ways. However, the basic principle of any pallet racking system is that pallets are loaded onto the storage racks and then retrieved, or picked from, as required. Forklifts are used to move the pallets onto the racks, move the pallets to different areas of the warehouse, and remove pallets when no longer required.
A standard warehouse racking system would include racks with aisles between them for access, however there are a variety of systems that provide higher storage density by placing racks higher, closer together or in such a way that multiple pallets can be loaded and unloaded from one access point.
Some systems are designed to suit first in first out methods of processing, whereas other systems are better suited to first in last out storage. Other options include either gravity or self-powered dynamic systems in which pallets automatically move through the process allowing greater efficiency for input and output to be achieved.
Commercial Warehouse Racking Systems
Pallet racking is widely used in one form or another in almost every commercial warehouse environment where goods are stored.
Selecting the most suitable racking system for the needs of the warehouse is vital; it is one of the most important aspects in achieving and optimising efficiency, productivity and safety within a commercial environment.
Commercial warehouse racking systems are designed and built for purpose, comprising high quality and heavy duty components capable of performing as intended through continuous use.
If space is at a premium within a warehouse, pallet racking can be configured to suit the needs of the operation and to improve storage density, product throughput, accessibility and speed of pick.
Please call our Leeds Head Office for further information on 0113 384 8777
Selecting The Right Storage Racking System
Pallet racking systems need to be designed to accommodate the individual needs of each business. It is vital that a storage racking system is designed to make the most efficient use of the space available.
Our free no obligation site survey will identify racking requirements and enable our experienced team to design the most suitable solution. Areas to consider include:
- The type of goods to be stored
- Stock rotation and access requirements
- Sizes & weights of goods & pallets
- Floor space available for the racking installation
- Height available for the racking installation
- The speed of throughput required
- The type of handling equipment used
Pallet Racking From Avanta - Designed To Meet Your Storage Needs
Leeds based Avanta UK Ltd is one of the UK’s leading specialists in the design, supply and installation of pallet racking for industrial and warehouse use. All Avanta storage racking systems are competitively priced and backed by our prompt service.
Whatever the scope of the project, our team will ensure that you are able to maximise the potential of your storage space, and design a warehouse racking system that fits with the way you work.
We have a network of SEIRS qualified installation teams throughout the UK to provide a prompt installation of our pallet racking systems to ensure minimal disruption. All our storage racking installations are to SEMA standards.
Pallet Racking Installation
Please see the following Pallet Racking Installation Project Video, which highlights how pallet racking is installed. This featured project created 900 pallet positions for a company based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Extra Heavy Duty Warehouse Racking
The standard Avanta pallet racking range is available in medium (pictured) and heavy duty. However, the heavy duty racking range could be described as extra heavy duty as it offers up to 20 tonnes per level storage capacity and is ideal for larger scale operations or warehousing and storage of extra heavy items or loads. It is not only the weight loading that makes this racking system unique; it can also accommodate wide loads which can not be stored in conventional pallet racking.
Beam levels are adjustable to suit various sized pallets or products to be stored, with single sided or double sided runs available. Decks are available in timber or in steel, with custom colour finishes also available.
UK Manufactured Pallet Racking
Avanta can offer pallet racking systems that are manufactured in the UK. The advantages of this includes continuity of supply of spare racking components especially if you need to reconfigure the pallet racking as your storage needs evolve with your business.
Pallet Racking Inspections & Repairs
Insurers and Health & Safety Inspectors can insist on a racking inspection every year and within 6 months after a racking installation.
Avanta offers racking inspection and repair services. Our racking inspectors will check a range of items including:
- Are the uprights vertical and or show any signs of damage?
- Brace and Beam Integrity
- Rack Signage correctly displayed?
- Floor fixings and foot plates all correctly secured
This is only a small part of the survey.*Please note that Rack safety inspections are in accordance with SEMA guidelines and a rack inspection is chargeable.
Related Projects
- Pallet Racking Project for Alliance
- Push Back Racking for pharmaceutical company
- Turnkey Storage Solution for Leading Worldwide Supply Chain Specialist
- One Company, Two Sites = Two Storage Solutions From Avanta UK
- Multi-Storage Equipment Project For Leading Equipment Supply Company
- Pallet Racking Installation by Avanta UK in Elland West Yorkshire
- Double Deep Pallet Racking Project
- Leading 3PL Expands Service with New North West Depot
- Storage Equipment Fit Out Project For Lockwood Group
- Large Pallet Racking Project For Leading Home Delivery Company
- Warehouse Interior Fit Out Project For Award Winning Airline
- Avanta “On A Roll” With Carpet Racking Project
- Turnkey Project for leading home delivery logistics company
- Healthy Lines of Pallet Racking
- Tall VNA Racking Solution for Kammac
- 3PL Expands with Chambers of New Racking in New Premises
- Long Lane Racking Solution for AKW Global Logistics
- Avanta Create 40,000 Pallet Locations for Global Retailer of Apparel and Home Fashions