Experts predict the global warehouse racking industry will be worth in excess of USD 11 billion by 2028. This figure is unsurprising considering the importance of pallet racks to companies in a range of industries.
But, what are the different types of
pallet racks that can help streamline your workflows? With so many available
options, it can be challenging to determine the best racks for your specific
needs. The good news is each rack type has its own benefits, and you can even
use a combination of racking systems to increase your storage space and boost
your business's productivity.
Read on to learn more about the
various available pallet racks.
Selective
Pallet Rack
This is the type of warehouse pallet
rack that many people picture when they think of racking systems. Allowing
access to any pallet stored on the structure, selective pallet racking offers
unrivaled convenience and accessibility.
Push-Back
Racking
If you need a high-density pallet
rack system, push-back racking could be the solution. Known as a last-in,
first-out system, the pallets sit on carts. When a forklift driver removes a
pallet from the front of the rack, the one behind slides forward to take its
place.
While an effective system, it's
important to be organized so you can access the pallet you need without having
to first move others out of the way.
Pallet
Flow Racks
In contrast, to push-back racks,
pallet flow racks are an example of a first-in, first-out system. A forklift
driver places a pallet on the higher end of the rack, and gravity gently eases
the load to the lower end. This can be helpful for moving items from one side of
the warehouse to another in a safe and efficient manner.
Drive-In
Rack
A drive-in rack is another
high-density storage solution. Forklift operators maneuver their vehicles into
the aisle and place pallets directly onto horizontal rails. These structures
use robust materials to withstand any accidental impacts from forklifts.
Cantilever
Racking
The logistics industry deals with
all kinds of materials and not all of them fit into standard racking systems.
But, cantilever racks are ideal for handing awkwardly-sized items such as
lumber, pipes, and furniture. With height-adjustable arms and single or
double-sided configurations, they are the perfect solution for many companies
working in heavy-duty industries.
You can see here to
read more about these versatile and practical racking systems.
Choose
the Best Types of Pallet Racks for Your Needs
When you select the best pallet
racks for your warehouse, you could be amazed at the boost in productivity.
While a selective pallet rack offers superior accessibility,
a push-back racking system can massively increase your storage space.
But, if you need a heavy-duty system for oversized goods, it's hard to beat the
robustness of a cantilever rack.
Remember, there's no need to use
just one racking system in your facility. It can be beneficial to combine the
different types to fully optimize your storage space.
If this article has helped you
choose pallet racks, be sure to check out more great posts in our Business
section before you go.
