What Type of Pallet Racking Do I Need?
When considering which type of pallet racking you will need for your operation, there are various questions you need to answer. It also helps to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the types of pallet rack available to determine what will work best for you.
There is no 'best' type of racking; it really is subjective and dependent on a number of factors.
Pallet Racking – What To Consider
What is the floor space at your facility?
The floor space is one of the main factors that dictates the scale of the project and how much storage you will have. However, height also contributes to the available storage, along with the density (i.e. space between rows).
What is the ceiling height of your warehouse?
The ceiling height, along with the type of items you wish to store, dictates how tall your racking can be built. Sufficient ceiling height also opens up options such installing as mezzanine levels for additional or specialist storage, or office areas.
What type and size of pallets do you use?
The kind of pallets used in your warehouse will influence the type of racking system that is most suitable. For example, larger pallets will require more space between racks for access.
How many SKUs will you be storing in your racks?
If you have a large range of different items, your racking system will need to be designed to enable efficient picking, packing and distribution.
How frequently do you need to access
your pallets?
If pallets are stored for a very short period, care needs to be taken to ensure goods can be processed efficiently. If your pallets are stored for longer periods, you may want to prioritise storage density.
Do your products have a shelf life?
The shelf life of your goods is an important factor when determining the most suitable solution for your needs. For example, a first in last out is unlikely to be suitable. You may also require a flow racking system to help move items through various stages of your operation.
How many pallets will you be storing?
The more pallets you need to store at any one time, the more racking you will require. This needs to be accounted for when determining the most suitable density of storage in your space.
What type of forklift truck or equipment will you be using?
Certain types of pallet racking may require specialist equipment and this is something that should be considered prior to installing a system. Likewise, other types of racking may not be compatible with your existing equipment.
What is your budget for a racking solution?
As a general rule of thumb, larger pallet racking projects will require larger budgets. Other factors that can impact budget are the storage density required (not just the available floor space of the warehouse), site access and building requirements and additional features such as office areas, mezzanines and secure storage.
Types of Pallet Racking To Consider
Drive-In Pallet Racking
This is a storage system that enables forklift trucks to be driven directly into a bay. Pallets are supported by side rails, leaving the face of each bay open. The uprights are usually tied to one another at the top to add rigidity. These pallet racking systems are usually 6-8 pallets deep in every bay, with forklift trucks loading at the back of the system first. This is ideal for storing large quantities of the same product.
Pros
Low cost
High storage density
Cons
Limited accessibility to pallets
Rack is susceptible to damage from fork trucks
Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking
This is a solution for anyone needing to add extra storage space without moving to larger premises. By eliminating unnecessary aisle space you optimise the storage space, making better use of the floor area and ceiling height. There are forklifts that can move in smaller spaces, and you will have access to every single pallet. Additionally, less floor space means less room for empty pallets and debris being left lying around.
Pros
Fast order-picking
Efficient use of space
High level of throughput
Cons
Limits forklift types
Not ideal for storing large quantities of the same item
Cantilever Racking
This is a storage system that is ideal for the storage of long, awkward or bulky products and materials. Cantilever racking offers no vertical obstructions to the storage area, and it is made up of a number of components. The bases anchor the entire system to the ground and connect to the uprights to stabilise the whole system. The upright columns are connected to the base and feature holes that the cantilever arms are inserted through to create the storage levels. Braces are used to stabilise the columns, offering both horizontal and diagonal support, and decking is an option to offer solid shelving to the storage arms.
Pros
Can be configured to virtually any length
Open linear storage with minimal vertical uprights
High maximum load capacities
Cons
Potential to waste warehouse floor space
Can be quite an expensive solution
Push Back Racking
With a push back racking system, pallets are loaded onto wheeled carriers and and pushed back as new pallets are loaded.
When the front pallet is removed from the rack, the pallet behind moved forwards to fill the space.
This can provide a highly efficient system for adding and removing pallets as only the front pallet needs to be moved.
Pros
Low cost
High storage density
Cons
Limited accessibility to pallets
Rack is susceptible to damage from fork trucks
Types of Pallet Racking To Consider
You know best what your needs are in terms of warehouse floor space, storage amounts and the types of items you need to store. Discussing your requirements with a professional installation partner means a pallet racking system can be designed to meet your specific needs.
Here at Avanta we provide a complete turnkey solution including free site survey, pallet rack design and installation. Whether you require a simple storage solution or a multi-faceted project combining elements such as warehouse storage, mezzanine levels, secure areas or even clean rooms then we can help. We can even handle all regulations and paperwork as part of the project.
Get in touch with our professional team to discuss your next pallet racking project.