Pallet racking provides an effective storage system. Pallet racks need the use of forklift trucks for loading and unloading pallets into the racks. If you’re looking to have a convenient storage facility, collaborating with reliable pallet racking suppliers will be a good place to start. All pallet racking, regardless of the style, will boost the storage system of your retail centers, warehouse, or any other storage facility.

There are several factors to put into consideration when selecting the type of style of racking most ideal for your storage needs. They include the following:

  • The cost
  • Storage density you need
  • Building space – height and space
  • Size and weight of inventory
  • Obstructions placement (Doors, columns, support beams, etc.)
  • Accessibility of inventory

Selective Pallet Racking

Selective pallet racking is the least expensive and also the least dense. It enables direct access to every product at each shelf height. Pallet racking suppliers can deliver them in two basic styles, that is, structural and roll-formed.

Roll-formed racking is generally lighter and comes with horizontal load beans that are supported in place using clips that are normally adjustable in two-inch increments. That makes adjusting the heights of the rack very simple. However, roll-formed pallet racks can’t hold a lot of weight as compared to other styles. They are also not as resistant to impact by forklift trucks as other styles.

Structural Selective Pallet Racking

These types of pallet racking are more durable due to the horizontal beams that are attached to the upright beans reinforced with bolts. Both styles of selective racks are adjustable and enable customization. Nevertheless, reliable pallet racking suppliers can advise you that the roll-formed isn’t as durable and, therefore, more likely to get damaged. On the other hand, structural pallet racking can also be a part of the structure of the building to replace the building’s I-beams and create a rack supported building.

Pallet Racking Types

Other pallet racking types include drive-in or drive-through, pallet flow rack, and push-back. These types enable you to have more dense storage. However, you can’t access any particular inventory item at any time. It takes more organization and planning to effectively use this type of racking. Nevertheless, if it’s properly it can be very effective.

Drive-in/through

They enable the forklift to drive straight into the rows of the rack. Drive through are open at every entry point to allow for a forklift to drive conveniently through the rack while the drive-in is only open at one end.

The Drive-in racks require a LIFO (Last In, Fast Out) inventory style. Conversely, Drive through require either the FIFO or LIFO storage method since you can access pallets from either side.

Before calling your potential pallet racking suppliers, you should understand that drive-in/drive-through racking is an extremely dense storage method. That’s because it doesn’t need aisles between each racking system. The style can be easily damaged as forklifts travel through throw with little clearance on each side.

Push-Back Pallet Racking

Push-Back Pallet racking utilizes the depth of extra storage capacity since it can naturally store between 4 and 6 pallets deep. Pallets are kept in wheeled carts that rest on rails top. The rails are tilted a bit toward the front of the racking, which allows pallets to roll forward with the help of gravity.

Pallet flow racking

This is quite similar to push-back racking as it also takes advantage of gravity and depth for extra storage density. The pallets are kept on roller wheels inclined a bit to allow them to move forward to the rack automatically. Depending on the setup you have employed, pallet flow racking can be loaded in the back or picked in the front (FIFO), or even loaded & picked in the front (LIFO)

Conclusion

Pallet racking offers a great storage solution to your warehouse or storage facility’s needs. If you’re looking to buy any style of pallet racking, ensure you’re dealing with reliable pallet racking suppliers to ensure you get the best.

Author's Bio: 

Torsi is a professional blogger.