Pallet Rack That You Can Run Stuff Through The Middle

There are probably a lot of different types of industrial shelving that you'll come across in our regular contact, but do you know what pallet racking is that allows you to pass goods through the center?

This is a question I've been seeing a lot lately, so we as manufacturers of industrial shelving are taking this topic and writing an article to have a good chat with our readers about it!

So are you ready for this? Let's find out what is a pallet rack that you can run stuff through in the middle!

What is a pallet rack that runs stuff through the middle?

Pallet racks that allow stuff to run through the middle are generally referred to as through racking systems, and these racks allow goods or pallets to enter from one side of the rack and exit from the other.

Though the racking system is not a strict name, it is just a customary term we use for this type of racking. There are many different types of through racking systems, so if you just say through racking system, it's not really accurate, so I'm going to show you some representative through racking systems.

What are all the pallet racks that you can run stuff through the middle of

There are three common types of racking, drive through racking, pallet flow racking, and shuttle racking, and I'm going to introduce them to you one by one:

Drive Through Racking

This type of racking allows a forklift to enter from one end of the racking, deposit the goods into the deep end of the racking, and take out the goods from the other end.

Features:

Bi-directional aisle design with First In First Out (FIFO) support.

Suitable for high volume, same category storage needs, such as the food and beverage industry.

There is no separation in the center, so goods can be moved through.

Pallet Flow Racking

This type of racking relies on a gravity slide system where pallets are slid in at the high end of the racking and slid through the center aisle to the other end for removal.

Features:

Utilizes gravity to complete the flow of goods for efficient operation.

Supports First-In-First-Out (FIFO) and is suitable for fast-turnover items such as cold chain warehousing.

The center is a sliding rail system, and the pallets can pass through the shelves.

Shuttle Racking

Some shuttle racking designs also allow items to be deposited at one end and removed at the other, often relying on automated shuttle trucks.

Features:

Pallets are moved through the racking aisles by shuttle carts for bi-directional access.

Supports First In First Out (FIFO) or Last In First Out (LIFO) for flexibility.

Suitable for automated warehousing.

Tips for through racking system

Before we formally adopt this type of racking, we need to know some necessary recommendations, which will allow us to avoid some problems that should not arise when we adopt it.

1. Define storage requirements

Type of goods:

1. Confirm whether the goods are palletized items (e.g. whole pallets), small goods or other special packaging.

2. For example, high-turnover goods such as food and beverages are suitable for through racking systems.

Turnover method:

1. Determine whether first-in-first-out (FIFO) or first-in-last-out (LIFO) is appropriate for your storage needs.

2. Two-way open systems usually support FIFO. 

2. Selecting the Right Type of Shelving

As I told you earlier, there are several common through racking systems, we can choose the right type of racking according to our needs.

3. Layout optimization

Two-way aisle design:

1. Ensure that the width of the aisle is suitable for equipment (such as forklifts) to pass freely to avoid congestion.

2. Set up buffer areas at the exit and entrance to improve operational efficiency.

Racking height and density:

1. According to the net height of the warehouse and fire protection requirements, choose a reasonable shelf height.

2. Racking depth is usually not too large (recommended 6-10 pallet positions), to avoid difficult access to the goods.

4. equipment selection and matching

Handling equipment:

1. Through racking is suitable for narrow-aisle forklift or rail forklift.

2. The through racking system needs to emphasize the quality of the pallets to ensure smooth sliding.

Automation options:

If the budget allows, you can consider supporting the shuttle car or AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) system to enhance operational efficiency.

5. Installation and Safety

Structural strength:

1. Shelving materials need to meet industry standards, especially the design of the beams that carry the pallets.

2. Use anti-collision guardrail to protect the bottom of the shelves to reduce equipment collision damage.

Stability of goods:

Palletized goods need to be tightly tied or wrapped in plastic to prevent tipping when sliding.

6. Operation and Maintenance

1. Regularly check the slide rails, columns and beams for wear and tear or deformation.

2. Train operators to ensure that forklifts enter and exit aisles with safety in mind.

3. Use a monitoring system to optimize the cargo flow path.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, I think you've got a pretty clear answer to the topic of “pallet rack that you can run stuff through the middle”.

Each type of racking has its own ideal use scenario, so we never promote or disparage which type of racking, we believe that the best type of racking is only the right one for you!

If you have more needs or questions about shelves, you are welcome to contact us!