Warehouse Racking Reviews: The Best Manufacturers and Suppliers for Your Storage Needs
Introduction
Warehouse racking is a vital component of any warehouse storage and organization system. It consists of a framework of shelves, frames, and beams that enable you to store your goods and materials neatly and efficiently. Warehouse racking can help you optimize your space utilization, facilitate your access to your inventory, streamline your inventory management, and boost your productivity and profitability.
However, choosing the right warehouse racking system and partner is not an easy task. There are various types of warehouse racking systems available, each with its characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. Furthermore, there are numerous warehouse-racking manufacturers and suppliers in the market, each with its quality, reputation, service, and price. How do you select the best warehouse racking system and partner for your storage needs?
That’s where we can help. We are HEDA, a professional and experienced warehouse racking company that offers customized solutions for your storage needs. We have been in the industry for over 20 years, and we have worked with hundreds of clients across different industries and sectors. We have the knowledge, the resources, and the passion to help you achieve your storage goals.
In this article, we will give you unbiased and comprehensive reviews of the best warehouse-racking manufacturers and suppliers in the market. We will assess them based on various criteria such as quality, durability, innovation, customer service, warranty, price, delivery time, installation service, after-sales support, etc. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of which warehouse racking system and partner is most suitable for your storage needs.
Warehouse Racking Types
Before we review the best warehouse-racking manufacturers and suppliers in the market, let’s first explore the different types of warehouse-racking systems available. Warehouse racking systems can be categorized into several types based on their design, structure, function, and capacity. Here are some of the most common types of warehouse racking systems:
Selective pallet racking:
This is the most prevalent and widely used type of warehouse racking system. It consists of upright frames and horizontal beams that support pallets of goods or materials. Selective pallet racking enables you to access any pallet at any time without moving other pallets. It is ideal for warehouses that have a high turnover rate and a large variety of products. The benefits of selective pallet racking are its flexibility, versatility, accessibility, and affordability. The drawbacks are its low space utilization (around 40%) and its susceptibility to damage from forklifts or collisions.
Drive-in/drive-through racking:
This is a type of high-density warehouse racking system that allows you to store multiple pallets deep in a single row or aisle. Drive-in racking has only one entrance/exit point per row or aisle, while drive-through racking has two entrance/exit points per row or aisle. Drive-in/drive-through racking is suitable for warehouses that have a low turnover rate and a small variety of products. The advantages of drive-in/drive-through racking are its high space utilization (around 75%) and its low cost per pallet stored. The disadvantages are its low accessibility (first-in-last-out or last-in-first-out), its challenge in inventory management (due to lack of visibility), and its high risk of damage from forklifts or collisions.
Push-back racking:
This is a type of dynamic warehouse racking system that uses carts or rollers to store pallets on inclined rails or tracks. Push-back racking allows you to store multiple pallets deep (up to six) in a single row or aisle. When a new pallet is loaded onto the front position of the row or aisle, it pushes back the existing pallets to create space. When a pallet is unloaded from the front position of the row or aisle, it triggers the remaining pallets to move forward by gravity. Push-back racking is ideal for warehouses that have a medium turnover rate and a medium variety of products. The benefits of push-back racking are its high space utilization (around 65%) and its easy access (last-in-first-out). The drawbacks are its high initial cost (due to carts or rollers), its challenge in inventory management (due to lack of visibility), and its potential safety hazards (due to falling pallets).
Pallet flow racking:
This is another type of dynamic warehouse racking system that uses wheels or rollers to store pallets on inclined rails or tracks. Pallet flow racking allows you to store multiple pallets deep (up to 20) in a single row or aisle. When a new pallet is loaded onto the rear position of the row or aisle, it slides down the rails or tracks by gravity to the front position. When a pallet is unloaded from the front position of the row or aisle, it creates space for the next pallet to slide down. Pallet flow racking is perfect for warehouses that have a high turnover rate and a small variety of products. The advantages of pallet flow racking are its high space utilization (around 85%) and its easy access (first-in-first-out). The disadvantages are its high initial cost (due to wheels or rollers), its difficulty in inventory management (due to lack of visibility), and its potential safety hazards (due to falling pallets).
Cantilever racking:
This is a type of warehouse racking system that uses upright columns and horizontal arms to store long, bulky, or irregular-shaped items such as pipes, lumber, furniture, etc. Cantilever racking allows you to store items horizontally without any vertical obstruction. It is ideal for warehouses that have a low turnover rate and a large variety of products. The advantages of cantilever racking are its flexibility, adaptability, accessibility, and scalability. The disadvantages are its low space utilization (around 35%) and its high risk of damage from forklifts or collisions.
The best type of warehouse racking system for your storage needs depends on several factors such as the size, weight, shape, and quantity of your products, the frequency and speed of your operations, the available space and layout of your warehouse, the budget and return on investment of your project, etc. For example, if you have a large number of pallets with the same product that needs to be stored for a long time, you might want to choose drive-in/drive-through racking or pallet flow racking. If you have a small number of pallets with different products that need to be accessed frequently and quickly, you might want to choose selective pallet racking or push-back racking. If you have long, bulky, or irregular-shaped items that need to be stored horizontally without any vertical obstruction, you might want to choose cantilever racking.
Warehouse Racking Manufacturers
Now that you know the different types of warehouse racking systems available, let’s review some of the top warehouse racking manufacturers in the industry. Warehouse racking manufacturers are the companies that design, produce, and sell warehouse racking systems. They are responsible for the quality, durability, innovation, customer service, warranty, etc. of their products. Here are some of the best warehouse-racking manufacturers in the market:
● Steel King Industries Inc.: This is one of the leading warehouse-racking manufacturers in North America. It was founded in 1970 and is based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. It offers a wide range of warehouse racking systems such as selective pallet racking, drive-in/drive-through racking, push-back racking, pallet flow racking, cantilever racking, etc. It also provides custom solutions for specific storage needs. Steel King Industries Inc. is renowned for its high-quality products that are made from heavy-duty steel and welded for strength and durability. It also has a reputation for its innovation and customer service which are supported by a lifetime warranty and a network of distributors and installers across the country.
● Ridg-U-Rak Inc.: This is another leading warehouse racking manufacturer in North America. It was founded in 1942 and is based in North East, Pennsylvania. It offers a variety of warehouse racking systems such as selective pallet racking, drive-in/drive-through racking, push-back racking, pallet flow racking, cantilever racking, etc. It also specializes in seismic-resistant designs and rack-supported buildings. Ridg-U-Rak Inc. is recognized for its durable products that are made from high-strength steel and powder-coated for corrosion resistance. It also has a reputation for its innovation and customer service that are supported by a 10-year warranty and a team of engineers and technicians across the country.
● Hannibal Industries Inc.: This is one of the fastest-growing warehouse-racking manufacturers in North America. It was founded in 1985 and is based in Los Angeles, California. It offers a range of warehouse racking systems such as selective pallet racking, drive-in/drive-through racking, push-back racking, pallet flow racking, cantilever racking, etc. It also offers a patented product called TubeRack, which is a modular and flexible warehouse racking system that can reduce installation time, increase load capacity, and improve seismic performance. Hannibal Industries Inc. is acclaimed for its quality products that are made from tubular steel and coated with a proprietary finish for enhanced protection. It also has a reputation for its innovation and customer service which are guaranteed by a 5-year warranty and a network of partners and dealers across the country.
● Mecalux SA.: This is one of the largest warehouse-racking manufacturers in the world. It was founded in 1966 and is based in Barcelona, Spain. It offers a comprehensive range of warehouse racking systems such as selective pallet racking, drive-in/drive-through racking, push-back racking, pallet flow racking, cantilever racking, etc. It also provides automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), warehouse management software (WMS), and rack-clad buildings. Mecalux SA is acclaimed for its quality products that are made from high-grade steel and certified by international standards. It also has a reputation for its innovation and customer service that are supported by a 10-year warranty and a presence in over 70 countries.
● HEDA Shelves Inc.: This is our company and we are proud to be one of the leading warehouse racking manufacturers in the industry. We have over 20 years of experience in designing, producing, and installing customized warehouse racking systems for various industries and sectors. We offer a wide range of warehouse racking systems such as selective pallet racking, drive-in/drive-through racking, push-back racking, pallet flow racking, cantilever racking, etc. We also provide other storage solutions such as mezzanine floors, steel platforms, wire mesh decking, etc. We are known for our high-quality products that are made from sturdy steel and welded for strength and durability. We also have a reputation for our innovation and customer service that is backed by a lifetime warranty and a network of distributors and installers across the country.
Warehouse Racking Suppliers
After reviewing the best warehouse-racking manufacturers in the industry, let’s review some of the best warehouse-racking suppliers in the market. Warehouse racking suppliers are the companies that distribute, deliver, install, and maintain warehouse racking systems. They are responsible for the price, delivery time, installation service, after-sales support, etc. of their products. Here are some of the best warehouse-racking suppliers in the market:
● Global Industrial Equipment Inc.: This is one of the largest warehouse-racking suppliers in North America. It was founded in 1949 and is based in Port Washington, New York. It offers a wide selection of warehouse racking systems from various manufacturers such as Steel King Industries Inc., Ridg-U-Rak Inc., Hannibal Industries Inc., Mecalux SA., etc. It also provides other industrial equipment and supplies such as shelving, bins, carts, lockers, etc. Global Industrial Equipment Inc. is known for its competitive prices that are backed by a price match guarantee and a low shipping cost policy. It also has a reputation for its fast delivery time which is supported by a network of warehouses across the country.
● Grainger Industrial Supply Inc.: This is another large warehouse racking supplier in North America. It was founded in 1927 and is based in Lake Forest, Illinois. It offers a variety of warehouse racking systems from different manufacturers such as Steel King Industries Inc., Ridg-U-Rak Inc., Hannibal Industries Inc., Mecalux SA., etc. It also provides other industrial products and services such as safety, cleaning, tools, etc. Grainger Industrial Supply Inc. is recognized for its reasonable prices that are backed by a price guarantee and a free shipping policy. It also has a reputation for its quick delivery time and is supported by a network of branches across the country.
● Uline Inc.: This is one of the fastest-growing warehouse-racking suppliers in North America. It was founded in 1980 and is based in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. It offers a range of warehouse racking systems from various manufacturers such as Steel King Industries Inc., Ridg-U-Rak Inc., Hannibal Industries Inc., Mecalux SA., etc. It also provides other packaging and shipping supplies such as boxes, tape, labels, etc. Uline Inc. is renowned for its low prices that are backed by a low minimum order policy and a gift offer. It also has a reputation for its speedy delivery time which is supported by a network of distribution centers across the country.
● Shelving.com Inc.: This is one of the best warehouse-racking suppliers in North America. It was founded in 1960 and is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It offers a selection of warehouse racking systems from various manufacturers such as Steel King Industries Inc., Ridg-U-Rak Inc., Hannibal Industries Inc., Mecalux SA., etc. It also provides other shelving and storage solutions such as wire shelving, metal shelving, plastic shelving, etc. Shelving.com Inc. is acclaimed for its affordable prices that are backed by a price match guarantee and a free shipping policy. It also has a reputation for its excellent delivery time and is supported by a network of partners across the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right warehouse racking system and partner is crucial for your warehouse storage and organization. You should consider factors such as the type of warehouse racking system, the quality and reputation of the manufacturer and supplier, the price and value of the service, and customer satisfaction and feedback.
In this article, we have provided you with unbiased and comprehensive reviews of the best warehouse-racking manufacturers and suppliers in the market. We have assessed them based on various criteria such as quality, durability, innovation, customer service, warranty, price, delivery time, installation service, after-sales support, etc.
We hope that this article has helped you to make an informed and confident decision on your warehouse racking project. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at HEDA. We are always ready to assist you with your storage needs. Thank you for reading.