Pallet-racking storage systems have become an indispensable part of warehouses or logistics. This guide covers various types of pallet racking, their benefits, application areas, etc., helping you choose the most suitable pallet racking.
What Is Pallet Racking
pallet racking is a system designed for storing cargo, where various items are placed on trays at different heights, allowing for easy retrieval using forklifts. This system aims to efficiently utilize storage space, facilitate the flexible retrieval of cargo, and enhance overall warehouse safety when using pallet racking.
How Does Pallet Racking Work
The working principle of pallet racking involves loading goods onto the racks and employing a first-in-first-out or last-in-first-out operation. Forklifts are used to extract cargos from one location and place them in another, enabling the convenient, rapid, and safe transfer of goods.
Types of Pallet Racking
Here is an introduction to different pallet racking systems:
Selective Pallet Racking
If you want quick access to each load unit, then a selective pallet racking system is your ideal choice. This pallet racking system is a simple storage solution that supports a first-in-first-out operation to accommodate various storage unit loads. It offers high selectivity, significantly improving warehouse space utilization. It is widely welcomed by major enterprises.
Narrow Aisle and Very Narrow Aisle Racking
Although narrow aisle racking systems reduce the width of aisles between racks, they significantly increase the overall lateral storage space, fully utilizing the entire warehouse space.
With high space utilization, similar to selective pallet racking, this system employs a first-in-first-out management approach. Access to cargo in narrow aisles requires the use of specific forklifts. It is generally suitable for enterprises aiming to maximize warehouse space utilization.
Double deep Pallet Racking
The double-deep pallet racking system is an optimized version of the selective pallet racking system. It also employs a first-in-first-out management approach for accessing cargo. The difference lies in its addition of two adjacent load units to carry cargo, maximizing storage density.
However, it lacks high selectivity, making it more challenging to quickly access any given load unit, especially for those in the rear. This system is generally suitable for enterprises with specific storage requirements.
Drive-In and Drive-Through Pallet Racking
Drive-in and drive-through pallet racking systems are both highly popular high-density storage systems. They reduce aisle width and increase rack height to meet the storage needs of a large quantity of cargo.
The drive-in pallet racking system operates on a last-in-first-out basis, storing and retrieving at one end, while the drive-through pallet racking system uses a first-in-first-out management approach, allowing items stored at the rear to be retrieved first, with storage and retrieval occurring at opposite ends.
Both of these pallet racking systems are suitable for situations with specific storage requirements.
Back Racking / Push-Back Rack
The push-back pallet racking system operates on a Last-in-first-out storage method, loading goods in a single aisle.
Each time a cart loads new items, it pushes the existing items to the back. As the front items are unloaded, the items at the back roll forward. This effectively opens up more storage space, making it a high-density storage system.
If there is a need for high-density storage within limited space, the push-back pallet racking system would be a good choice.
Pallet Shuttle Racking
The pallet shuttle racking system employs both first-in-first-out and last-in-first-out management approaches.
It uses shuttles that can move vertically and horizontally within the aisles, following predetermined paths to access different load units and transfer goods from one location to another.
This system significantly reduces the need for manual operations, improves space utilization, and is suitable for enterprises requiring large-scale storage of goods.
Mobile Pallet Racking
The mobile pallet racking system stores large-sized cargo and employs both first-in-first-out and last-in-first-out management approaches.
Through control systems, the pallet racks can be displaced within the warehouse, opening up aisles for forklifts to access and retrieve goods.
This system effectively utilizes the majority of the space. It combines high selectivity with high density, enabling direct access to each distinct load unit.
For warehouses with limited storage space or higher costs, such as cold storage facilities, the mobile pallet racking system can be considered as a top choice.
Pallet Flow Racking
The pallet flow racking system places cargo at the “loading port” and utilizes gravity to convey the items through a sloped ramp to the “unloading port” below.
As one item rolls toward the “unloading port,” the next item is brought to the “loading port” by a forklift. This working method follows a typical first-in-first-out management approach. The entire loading channel can simultaneously accommodate more than 20 pallets, increasing storage space while enhancing overall storage efficiency.
Moreover, it significantly reduces labor costs. This system is ideal for use in food distribution centers or warehouse sorting centers.
High Bay Pallet Racking
The high bay pallet racking system optimizes the overall storage space utilization by increasing the height of the warehouse. Each level can accommodate a large volume of goods, and due to the increased vertical height, the system has a strong load-bearing capacity.
This system supports both first-in-first-out and last-in-first-out operation modes, and its inherent flexibility in access can adapt well to various cargos management requirements of different enterprises.
Features of Pallet Racking
Pallet racking is a warehouse cargo storage system suitable for numerous industries. This system possesses specific characteristics, and the key features are as follows:
- Optimize Storage Space: Different types of pallet racking can enhance overall space utilization, thereby optimizing the storage space of the entire warehouse.
- Flexible Access: pallet racking systems such as push-back racking, pallet flow racking and mobile pallet racking employ various inventory management methods for loading and unloading, making them very convenient and flexible.
- Reduce Labor Costs: The majority of pallet racking systems utilize forklifts or specific lift trucks for accessing load units, thereby reducing labor costs to a certain extent.
- Enhance Storage Density: Narrow aisle racking increases storage width horizontally, while high bay pallet racking increases storage height vertically. Consequently, these adjustments enhance storage density, allowing for the storage of a greater quantity of goods.
- Higher Safety: In pallet racking systems, the use of forklifts reduces much of the manual handling, resulting in a higher level of safety for the entire warehouse when employing pallet shelving systems.
- Strong Load-Bearing Capacity: Pallet racking structures are sturdy and capable of supporting large or small cargos. They exhibit high durability, making them suitable for long-term use.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pallet Racking
Selective Pallet Racking
Advantages:
- Selectivity: Selective pallet racking allows for the choice of any load unit, providing strong selectivity.
- Quick Access: This system enables direct and rapid access to each load unit for efficient handling of cargo.
- Cost-Effective: It is a simple storage system that does not require a significant financial investment.
Disadvantages:
- Large Space Requirement: The selective pallet racking system requires a significant amount of space. If there are space limitations, this system may not be the first choice.
- Low Storage Density: There are aisles between racks, occupying a large area, and each shelf can accommodate a maximum depth of 1-2 pallets. Therefore, the storage density is relatively low.
- High Labor Costs: The system requires the manual operation of forklifts to access cargo in the aisles, resulting in relatively high labor costs.
Narrow Aisle and Very Narrow Aisle Racking
Advantages:
- High-Density Storage: Reducing aisle width enhances overall lateral space to achieve high-density storage.
- Selectivity: It allows the selection of any load unit, providing strong selectivity.
- High Space Utilization: By increasing lateral width, it stores more cargo in a limited space, leading to high space utilization.
Disadvantages:
- Special Forklift Required: Due to the reduced aisle width, there is a higher demand for specialized forklifts to handle the storage and retrieval of cargo.
- Cost of Workforce Training: Workers using specific forklifts need safety training, which involves a significant investment of time and cost.
- Low Flexibility: Narrow aisle width limits flexibility in the storage and retrieval process, even when using specialized forklifts.
Double deep Pallet Racking
Advantages:
- Effectively Increase Storage Space: Placing cargo on load units at different depths maximizes storage space utilization.
- Large Storage Capacity: It can accommodate more goods, providing a larger storage capacity compared to typical selective pallet racking.
Disadvantages:
- Slow Access Speed: Due to the double-depth design, accessing goods at the rear involves complexity, as the front goods need to be moved first, significantly impacting the access speed.
- Specialized Forklift Required: Standard forklifts are only suitable for single-depth pallets, while this pallet racking system requires a specialized forklift for accessing goods in the rear load units.
- Increased Error Probability: Visibility of goods at the rear is limited, especially for items in the upper rear, leading to a relatively poor line of sight. This may result in picking the wrong goods during retrieval.
Drive-In and Drive-Through Pallet Racking
Advantages:
- High-Density Storage: By reducing the width of aisles, it achieves increased space utilization and facilitates high-density storage.
- High Storage Space Utilization: With increased depth, it can store a large quantity of goods, effectively utilizing the entire warehouse space.
Disadvantages:
- Single Type of Goods Storage: It is not suitable for storing different types of goods because the retrieval process follows a first-in-first-out method, requiring the removal of the entire aisle of goods to access items at the front.
- Low Flexibility: The system reduces aisle width and increases storage depth, sometimes necessitating the movement of front goods to retrieve items, resulting in overall low flexibility.
Back Racking / Push-Back Rack
Advantages:
- High Storage Density: It can accommodate multiple goods in one aisle, improving space utilization and storage density.
- Reduced Manual Labor Risk: With the use of standard forklifts and without the need for manual entry into the aisle for retrieval, the risk of accidents related to manual labor is significantly reduced.
Disadvantages:
- Low Turnover Capability: The system has low inventory turnover capability, making it unsuitable for goods that require frequent rotation or access.
- Goods Vulnerability: The system uses pushing to access goods, and there is a possibility of damage to less sturdy items during the process.
Pallet Shuttle Racking
Advantages:
- High-Density Storage: Increasing height or depth enhances overall storage space, achieving high-density storage.
- High Access Efficiency: Using shuttle vehicles to access goods along predetermined paths significantly improves retrieval speed.
- Reduced Labor Costs: Utilizing specialized shuttle vehicles on predetermined routes and schedules reduces reliance on manual labor, lowering labor costs.
Disadvantages:
- High Initial Investment Costs: The system requires the purchase of specialized horizontal and vertical shuttle vehicles, resulting in relatively high initial investment costs.
- Ongoing Maintenance Required: Due to the use of specific shuttle vehicles for accessing goods, regular maintenance and repairs are necessary in the later stages.
- Suitability of Goods: Not suitable for all types of goods, especially specific items.
Mobile Pallet Racking
Advantages:
- Large Storage Capacity: By increasing height, it achieves high-density storage, fully utilizing the overall storage space.
- High Flexibility: Direct access to each load unit through a movable approach provides high flexibility.
- Save Warehouse Floor Space: The large floor area increases storage space, allowing workers and machines to move freely.
- Reduced Labor Costs: Using movable control devices for storage and retrieval significantly reduces some manual access operations.
Disadvantages:
- High Initial Costs: The system requires the use of control devices for movement, leading to higher upfront investment costs.
- High Ongoing Costs: The system includes many control components, requiring regular maintenance and repairs, resulting in high ongoing costs.
- High Dependence on Technology: The entire storage and retrieval process of the system is related to specialized technical issues, making it highly technology-dependent.
- Suitability of Goods: Not suitable for all types of goods, especially specific items.
Pallet Flow Racking
Advantages:
- Suitable for Large Goods: This system is suitable for storing a large quantity of goods of the same type or heavy goods.
- High Turnover Rate: The system can simultaneously place more than 20 pallets on a slope, utilizing the principle of gravity for access, resulting in a high turnover rate of goods.
- High Access Efficiency: The entire system operates on the principle of gravity, allowing goods to roll on the racks, speeding up the access process, and improving overall access efficiency.
Disadvantages:
- High Cost: This system has a higher cost compared to other types of pallet racking and is not suitable for all types of pallets.
- Goods Suitability: The system is not suitable for small and lightweight goods, as they are difficult to handle when rolling.
- Low Flexibility: The weight carried on the slope and the use of the principle of gravity are predetermined. Once goods enter the system, it is challenging to retrieve or perform other operations, and they can only be taken out.
High Bay Pallet Racking
Advantages:
- High Storage Density: The system utilizes vertical space to store goods, achieving high-density storage.
- Increased Space Utilization: The system’s height allows for vertical storage of goods, enhancing overall space utilization.
- Large Storage Capacity: High bay pallet racking has a large storage capacity, meeting the requirements for storing a large quantity of goods.
Disadvantages:
- High Warehouse Requirements: Because the system has a certain height, there are specific requirements for choosing a warehouse that can meet the system’s height.
- Specialized Forklift Required: High bay pallet racking has a significant height, necessitating the use of specific forklifts or stackers for storage and retrieval.
- Ongoing Scheduled Maintenance: The initial design and installation of High bay pallet racking are complex, requiring regular scheduled maintenance and repairs in the later stages.
- Safety Measures Required: The goods stored in High bay pallet racking are at a considerable height, requiring specific safety measures to prevent any accidents.
Pallet Racking Sizes
The dimensions of pallet racking are influenced by various factors, such as the height, depth, and width of the pallets, as well as the length and load-bearing capacity of the pallet beams. All these factors contribute to the storage space of pallet racking.
Before determining the size of the pallet racking you want, you can refer to the internationally recognized pallet racking standard: 48 inches x 40 inches. The width of pallet racking also has standard dimensions, including 36 inches, 42 inches, and 48 inches.
However, there is no standard for the upright height of pallet racking, typically ranging from 8 feet to 24 feet.
After selecting the height, depth, and width of the pallets, you can choose the beam size. The length of the beams determines how many pallets can be placed on each beam simultaneously.
The most common beam size today is 8 feet, which can accommodate two pallets of the international standard size, i.e., 48 inches x 40 inches pallet racking. The cross-sectional size of the beams determines the weight capacity of the pallet racking.
If your pallet racking has a heavy load, it can be placed on standard 8-foot beams. If your pallet racking is not particularly heavy, you can choose 12-foot beams.
How Much Does Pallet Racking Cost
The cost of most pallet racking is influenced by various factors, such as the size, weight, and quantity of pallet racking, the material and installation costs of designing pallet racking, and there are price differences between pallet racking produced by different manufacturers and brands.
Additionally, many customized pallet racking options tend to be more expensive, and labor costs are also inevitable. Here are some specific price ranges for various pallet racking systems:
Selective Pallet Racking: Costs vary from $75 to $200 per pallet position.
Drive-In Pallet Racking: Costs range from $200 to $400 per pallet position.
Push Back Pallet Racking: Costs vary from $200 to $500 per pallet position.
Pallet Flow Racking System: Costs range from $200 to $600 per pallet position.
How to Choose Pallet Racking Systems
If you want to effectively manage warehouse storage space and improve storage efficiency, it is necessary to choose a suitable pallet racking system for your warehouse.
If the chosen pallet racking system is not suitable for your warehouse, overall efficiency will be significantly reduced, and costs will increase. So, if you are unsure about the considerations, you can take a look at the following introduction:
- Identify Your Goods Type and Size: Different warehouse storage systems are suitable for various sizes and types of goods.
Some warehouse systems are more appropriate for specific products, such as shuttle racking systems and mobile pallet racking systems.
- Determine Your Storage Space Needs: Some pallet racks are suitable for storing a large quantity of similar goods, such as high bay pallet racking systems.
However, some pallet racks are not suitable for storing lightweight and small items, such as pallet flow racking systems. Therefore, it is essential to determine the size of the storage space you need in advance.
- Determine Your Budget: The cost of a pallet racking system is influenced by various factors. Some pallet racking designs have high initial costs and ongoing maintenance costs can be high, such as with mobile pallet racking systems and pallet flow racking systems.
If your budget is limited, you may consider common selective pallet racking systems.
- Weight-Bearing Capacity: The weight-bearing capacity varies among different pallet racking systems. Ensure that the selected pallet racking system can support the weight of your goods.
- Storage Density and Efficiency: Using an appropriate warehouse storage system can increase storage density, expand storage space, and significantly improve the efficiency of accessing goods.
Narrow aisle racking systems, drive-in racking systems, and push-back racking systems are typical high-density storage systems.
Pallet Racking Design and Layout
Correctly designing the layout of a pallet racking warehouse system can help you maximize storage space and improve the efficiency of goods retrieval. Whether you are planning to optimize your existing warehouse system or setting up a new one, the following suggestions can be helpful:
- Understand Different Options: Gain an understanding of various pallet racking systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose a racking system based on factors such as the size and type of goods, storage space requirements, and load-bearing capacity.
- Determine Pallet Rack Dimensions: International standard dimensions for pallet racking are suitable for most racks, but consideration should be given to the specific type of goods being stored.
- Determine Inventory Management Mode: Decide whether you will adopt a first-in, first-out (FIFO) or last-in, first-out (LIFO) approach.
This decision is crucial for effective inventory management. If your goods are similar and have a high turnover rate, LIFO might be suitable. For goods with expiration dates or other restrictions, FIFO may be preferred.
- Establish a Budget: Different pallet racking systems have varying upfront costs, and some may require higher initial investments and maintenance costs. Determine your budget and acceptable cost range before choosing the pallet racking system that suits your needs.
Pallet Racking Accessories and Component
Most pallet racking systems have a simple structure, including beams, frames, safety pins, etc. Below, we will provide a detailed introduction to the specific components of pallet racking.
Pallet racking beams: Beams are a crucial component that horizontally supports the frame, providing stability to the entire structure.
The length of the beams directly determines how many pallets can be simultaneously placed, and their load-bearing capacity determines the weight capacity of the pallet racking system in use.
Pallet racking frames: The frame is a vital component of the entire pallet racking system, consisting of two upright columns, diagonal columns, and various accessories. It connects the beams to provide support and stability.
The frame also includes components such as base plates, shims, horizontal braces, connecting bolts, and single columns.
rack safety locks: To ensure that the beams do not move, causing instability, safety locks are placed, especially where the beams connect to the uprights. This helps stabilize the entire frame and enhance overall safety.
Some other components: Back mesh (for protection and anti-fall), guardrails, corner guards, coil racks, decking panels, and locking devices.
Pallet Racking Safety Guidelines
Safety is paramount in the entire pallet racking warehouse system. Proper and standardized usage can prevent many accidents. Following the safety guidelines for pallet racking below can reduce the risks in your warehouse system, providing a comfortable and secure working environment for all personnel.
- Safety Training: Conduct comprehensive safety training for workers using transportation equipment regularly to avoid forgetting important safety procedures.
- Load Limits: Ensure that the weight of your goods falls within the load capacity of the pallet racks. Exceeding load limits may lead to issues such as rack damage or goods collapsing.
- Forklift Operation: Forklift accidents are common occurrences, and the unstable speed of a forklift can impact the balance of surrounding racks. In severe cases, it may result in the collapse or dropping of goods. When using a forklift, pay attention to not overloading it and ensure a smooth operation.
- Proper Installation and Usage: Correct installation is the most crucial step. Even with safety training or regular inspections, improper installation renders them ineffective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely during installation, ensuring that every step is executed correctly.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically check for any damage, such as dents or rust, on the racks. Promptly repair or replace any damaged components. Identifying issues early on helps prevent later hazards, reducing labor costs to some extent.
- Implement Safety Signage: Understand where each safety sign should be placed, such as danger warning signs or compliance labels. Ensure workers can clearly and directly comprehend them. Regularly inspect safety signs to ensure their messages are accurate.
Pallet Racking Inspections
When using a pallet rack warehouse system, regular inspections are an essential operation. They help you identify subtle issues promptly, ensuring a safe and comfortable working environment for all workers. So, what should you check during inspections, and when is the appropriate time to conduct them? Let’s explore these questions below.
- Prepare sufficient inspection tools: flashlight, paper and pen, measurement tools, and a safety vest and helmet.
- Sequentially inspect components: Conducting inspections in a specific order ensures that no other small components are overlooked. Typically, check the base plate, shims, uprights, beams, connectors, wire decking, and other rack accessories.
- Inspect the beams of the rack: Check for dents, fractures, or any damage to the beams, as they bear the weight of the pallet rack, requiring close attention to their condition.
- Check for rust on various components: While metal racks are generally sturdy, they can still experience rust and internal corrosion issues. Prompt attention is necessary when rust is detected.
- When installing new pallet racks, conduct an initial inspection, followed by an annual inspection of the entire pallet rack warehouse system. If issues are identified, take timely measures to replace or repair.
Pallet Racking Installation
- Prepare the design layout drawings for the pallet rack.
- Set up the workspace for installing the pallet rack.
- Verify all the components needed for installation.
- Install the upright columns of the pallet rack.
- Install the beams of the pallet rack.
- Connect the upright columns and beams, ensuring a stable support between them.
- Install the wire decking.
- Perform a safety check and conduct an overall inspection to avoid oversights.
- Place safety signage to highlight areas that require attention for everyone entering the warehouse.
- Provide comprehensive safety knowledge and training on the use of transportation tools for the staff.
Pallet Racking Maintenance
Regardless of the type of pallet rack you use, establishing a comprehensive maintenance plan is beneficial. It helps you regularly identify issues in your warehouse system, creating a safer work environment. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Regular Inspection: Check various components for issues such as rust, dents, and damage. Promptly repair or replace any damaged parts.
- Reinforce Racks: Periodically reinforce and strengthen the support columns of the pallet racks. Adding support guards to the corners provides stability and reinforcement.
- Scheduled Cleaning: The entire warehouse space is extensive, and without regular cleaning of dust or liquids, it can lead to rust, corrosion, or machinery malfunctions. Scheduled cleaning is an essential step in maintenance.
- Determine Appropriate Aisle Width and Rack Load Capacity: Clearly define the suitable width of aisles and the weight the racks can bear. Keep records for future maintenance checks and comparisons.
Pallet Racking Applications
Selective Pallet Racking
Due to the immediate accessibility of selective pallet racks, this type of rack system is typically employed by businesses with low inventory turnover, such as those in the food, retail, and manufacturing industries.
Narrow Aisle and Very Narrow Aisle Racking
Narrow aisle and very narrow aisle racking systems increase storage density by reducing aisle width. These systems are typically suitable for large-scale retail, manufacturing, and refrigerated warehouse applications, among others.
Double deep Pallet Racking
For businesses requiring high storage density and efficiency, double-deep racking systems are a good choice, commonly used in large warehouses and manufacturing industries.
Drive-In and Drive-Through Pallet Racking
Recommended for storing large quantities of similar products or in warehouses with limited space, such as cold storage and refrigerated facilities.
Back Racking / Push-Back Rack
The push-back rack system achieves high-density storage in limited space and is generally recommended for general warehousing, the food industry, retail, and so on.
Pallet Shuttle Racking
This system is a rack system that utilizes shuttle cars to transport between aisles. Common applications include e-commerce rapid logistics, the retail industry, automated warehouse storage, and more.
Mobile Pallet Racking
For warehouses with limited storage space or higher costs, such as cold storage, you may consider the mobile racking system as your first choice. It is also suitable for manufacturing, retail, logistics distribution, and other industries.
Pallet Flow Racking
This system utilizes the principle of gravity to transport goods by allowing them to roll on a slope. It has a high turnover rate and is suitable for applications in the food industry, factory production lines, and logistics distribution centers, and is also applicable to perishable foods sensitive to expiration dates.
High Bay Pallet Racking
High bay pallet racking systems have considerable height, providing ample storage space, and are suitable for enterprises with large-scale storage needs, such as large warehouses and e-commerce logistics distribution centers.
Future Trends in Pallet Racking
With the advancement of technology and the progress of the times, pallet racking has played an irreplaceable role in warehouse storage and logistics. Some emerging enterprises are pursuing safer and more efficient development solutions.
We can anticipate that pallet racking will become increasingly successful in future developments. Pallet racking is expected to undergo a series of changes in various development trends, including the following aspects:
- Intelligent and Automated Pallet Racking: Using robots to transport goods can significantly improve transportation efficiency and reduce the possibility of human errors and costs. This is expected to become a widespread application in the future.
- Sustainable Applications: Future materials used in pallet racking will lean towards sustainable development, being more conducive to environmental recycling.
- Diverse Customization Solutions: As future business requirements become more diverse, conventional pallet racking may no longer meet everyone’s needs. More diverse and enriched customization solutions can be adopted.
- Safety Innovations: With technological advancements, there will be greater innovation in the safety of warehouse pallet racking systems in the future. This includes advanced safety features to prevent more accidents, making it a significant trend in the future.
FAQ
How Much Weight Can I Put on a Pallet Rack? What Is the Capacity
The load capacity of pallet racks depends on factors such as the size, dimensions, and materials of the pallet beams.
A standard pallet beam can accommodate two pallets, with an estimated load capacity of around 4000 pounds. Typically, heavy-duty racks can support a minimum of 1000 kilograms per level, and if longer and thicker beams are used, the weight-bearing capacity for storing goods may reach several thousand kilograms.
How Much Space Do You Need Between Pallet Racking
The distance between pallets, or between pallets and upright frames, should be at least 3 feet. Additionally, there should be a 3-foot space between consecutive pallets. In the space between back-to-back pallet load units, a minimum distance of 4 feet should be maintained to ensure compliance with any safety regulations.
How to Maximize Your Pallet Racking Efficiency
- Choose a pallet racking system that suits your needs.
- Design the layout of the entire warehouse storage system rationally.
- Reduce aisle width.
- Maximize the utilization of vertical space.
- Use longer beams to accommodate more goods.
- Leverage advanced automation and technology to reduce human errors further.
How Are the Pallets Accessed in the Pallet Racking
In typical warehouse operations, staff manually operate forklifts or specific lift trucks to handle the storage and retrieval of goods, or use jacks for access. This is a manual approach to handling goods.
Nowadays, some rack systems utilize automation or technological control systems, such as stacker cranes, shuttle systems, and mobile racking, for the automated storage and retrieval of goods.
What Is the Difference Between Pallet Racking and Shelving
Shelving is a common storage system where small, lightweight products are stored on horizontal shelves. In contrast, pallet racking is a material handling system typically used for large and heavy items placed on pallets, requiring the use of forklifts or jacks for material transport.
If you need to transport goods using pallets, pallet racking is the ideal choice. However, if your goods are more easily handled manually, then regular shelving is what you need.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Pallet Racking
- Provide regular staff training.
- Mark the load capacity of racks.
- Expand aisles and keep them clean and tidy.
- Enhance necessary lighting.
- Regularly maintain and replace damaged components.
- Ensure clear visibility of safety signs.
- Set speed limits for the use of forklifts.
How Do I Protect My Staff From Falling Pallets
- Conduct regular training for all staff members.
- Perform regular maintenance and replacement of components for pallets.
- Ensure high visibility of safety signs at every location.
- Keep the warehouse floor and aisles clean and tidy.
- Avoid individual handling of large items such as pallets.
- Clearly label the load capacity limits of pallet racks to prevent exceeding them.
- Minimize stacking too many pallets at elevated positions.
- Ensure the use of safety vests and helmets during manual operations.
What Depth Pallet Rack Upright Frame Do I Need
The depth of pallets comes in various options, including 24 inches, 36 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, and 48 inches. The most common depth for pallet racks is 42 inches, which accommodates the majority of pallet sizes. If you require larger pallet sizes, opting for a depth of 48 inches is also a good choice.
Determine What Capacity Upright Frame You Need
If you want to determine the capacity of your upright frames, you need to calculate the weight each level of beams can support.
A standard beam can hold 2 pallets. Multiply the weight per pallet by the number of pallets on each beam to get the capacity of one beam. Then multiply this capacity by the number of beams per level to find the maximum load capacity per level.
Finally, multiply the per-level capacity by the number of levels to obtain the overall capacity of the entire upright frame.