What are the Different Types of Pallet Racking?
When you are purchasing pallet racking you will realize why there are so many different types of pallet racking! Well before you make a purchase why don't you try reading this article. Here you can find out what the pallet racking types are and what the advantages and disadvantages are, and after knowing that you may know which type of pallet racking you really need.
What is pallet racking?
Pallet racking is the most common and widely used type of warehouse racking, which is loved by users for its efficient use of space, easy access and flexibility.
The name comes from the fact that it is designed to facilitate the storage of palletized goods, so this type of racking is called pallet racking.
What are the different types of pallet racking？
Selective Pallet Racking
Selective pallet racking is one of the most common types of pallet racking in the pallet racking category, and many buyers who don't know much about racking think of selective pallet racking when they think of pallet racking.
Advantages of selective pallet racking
Convenient access
The pallet layout of selective pallet racking is all in one row, which means that you don't need to move other pallets when accessing your goods, which saves a lot of time and improves efficiency.
Flexibility
The columns of selective pallet racking usually have a lot of holes, so you can adjust the height of each layer according to the height of your goods. However, its beams are usually not free to adjust the width at a later stage because of the strength it needs to ensure.
Low cost
Thanks to the simplicity of selective pallet racking and its mature technology, it is cheaper than other types of pallet racking. The maintenance and installation costs are also very low, making it a very cost-effective racking solution.
Disadvantages of selective pallet racking
Low space utilization
The pallet layout of selective pallet racking is designed with only one row for each level, and also configured with specialized aisles for access. Therefore, this leads to its lower storage density, in which space utilization will be more convenient than other types of pallet racking.
Unsuitable for large quantities of goods with the same specifications
If your storage needs are for efficient access to large quantities of goods with the same specifications, then the efficiency of selective pallet racking may not be able to satisfy you, drive in pallet racking or push back pallet racking may be a better choice.
Double Deep Pallet Racking
Double deep pallet racking is a kind of racking based on selective pallet racking, which is improved and upgraded for the shortcomings of low space utilization of selective pallet racking. So each level of double deep pallet racking can place two rows of pallets, increasing the storage density.
However, it adopts the storage management method of LIFO, which needs to be known by buyers.
Advantages of double deep pallet racking
Increased storage density
The double-row pallet design is very intuitive to increase the storage space of the shelf, compared to the common selective pallet racking, it only needs to occupy a little more floor space, and can double the storage space. Compared to the storage capacity that can only be brought about by using two sets of shelves, its space utilization is obviously higher.
Goods for long-term storage
Because double deep pallet racking uses LIFO storage management, the first goods in are usually the last to be taken out, which makes it suitable for goods that are stored for a long period of time and have no short-term shelf life or inventory period.
Reduce rental costs
Double deep pallet racking can save your business more money because it is characterized by bringing you more storage space in a limited space, and in this way you can reduce the cost of renting and building a warehouse.
Disadvantages of double deep pallet racking
Reduced access efficiency
Due to the design of double deep pallet racking, when you need to access a deep pallet, you may need to move the pallet in front of you first. This is an inconvenience if you have frequent access.
Special equipment required
Double deep pallet racking requires special forklift trucks for daily use, as the arms of conventional forklift trucks are not telescopic and there is no way to access deep pallets.
Not suitable for FIFO cargo
As double deep pallet racking uses the LIFO storage management method, it is not friendly to goods with short shelf life or inventory date.
Cantilever Pallet Racking
The cantilever pallet racking is a warehouse racking with a special look and design, which has a unique look of no front columns, and a design that is suitable for storing long and irregularly shaped items. If you have a need to store large palletized goods, then this racking has a lot to offer you.
Advantages of cantilever pallet racking
Easy access
The cantilever pallet racking is designed without a front post and is very easy for forklift trucks to access, especially if you have large pallet loads.
Sturdy construction
As I said at the beginning of my introduction, cantilever pallet racking is designed for heavy-duty and large-sized loads, so the materials used in its manufacture and the design of its structure are centered on sturdiness and stability.
Flexible storage solutions
The cantilever pallet racking is very flexible in terms of storage space, thanks to its adjustable cantilever height and sturdy construction, so that it is possible to store long goods such as timber, tubes and other large palletized goods.
Disadvantages of cantilever pallet racking
Higher prices
Better materials and higher load standards result in cantilever pallet racking being more expensive than traditional pallet racking, because the manufacturing costs are just as high.
Limitations on the type of goods that can be stored
Although it can store large, extra-long goods, it is not suitable for small or standard-sized palletized goods.
Complicated installation
Due to the special design of cantilever pallet racking and its own high load capacity, professional technical guidance is required during installation and maintenance. But don't worry, many suppliers offer this service.
Drive In Pallet Rack
The drive-in pallet rack is a high-density warehouse rack, which is characterized by the fact that forklift trucks can be driven directly into the rack for access work, from which it gets its name. Its high storage density, combined with LIFO inventory management, makes it ideal for storing large quantities of the same type of goods.
Advantages of drive in pallet rack
Maximizing storage space
With forklift trucks able to drive in the pallet rack, there is no need for special access aisles. This frees up a large number of aisles in our warehouses that would otherwise be used for access. This space can then be used for racking.
Suitable for cold storage and other special warehouses
The rent for cold storage is very high, so the drive in pallet rack maximizes the use of cold storage space.
Best price/performance ratio for the same type of racking
The price of drive in pallet racks is much lower than that of automated storage racks in the same type of high-density racking system.
Disadvantages of drive in pallet rack
Inventory management method of LIFO
The drive-in pallet rack's inventory management method is LIFO, which means that it is not possible to manage inventory in the same way as FIFO (First In First Out), which is unfavorable for goods that are subject to a strict order of access.
Operational complexity
Because the access space within the drive in the pallet rack is very narrow, it requires a certain level of skill on the part of the operator, and improper operation may result in damage to the rack. Therefore, the staff must be strictly trained before the official work.
Drive Through Pallet Racking
Although drive through pallet racking looks similar to drive in pallet racking in name and appearance, there are significant differences in function and design. Most notably, drive through pallet racking allows forklifts to deposit goods at one end and remove them at the other, thus enabling FIFO inventory management.
Advantages of drive through pallet racking
Bi-directional access
The drive through pallet racking allows staff to take out and put in goods at the same time, which is not only convenient but also improves the efficiency of the work.
Drive through design
The drive through pallet racking has a through racking structure that allows you to operate a forklift from one side of the racking to the other, which is also more convenient in terms of operation.
High Volume Storage and Frequent Access
FIFO's inventory management and high density of storage space are perfect for businesses that require high volume storage and frequent access, such as manufacturing, distribution centers, and cold storage.
Disadvantages of drive through pallet racking
Operational complexity
While there is a difference between drive through pallet racking and drive in pallet rack, they both have this one same disadvantage. The narrow access aisles do make it difficult for staff to work and the racking system can be damaged by unskilled staff.
Space utilization
Compared with the same type of drive in pallet rack, the space utilization of drive through pallet racking is lower than the one-way drive in pallet rack.
Pallet Flow Rack
The pallet flow rack is one of the most common FIFO racking systems, which operates on the principle of gravity and the rollers at the bottom to make the deposited goods slide naturally. Pallets are deposited from above and removed from below.
Advantages of pallet flow rack
High efficiency
The pallet flow rack can move goods by gravity and the FIFO inventory management method also allows for simultaneous storage and retrieval operations, which can result in much more efficient work.
FIFO inventory management
FIFO inventory management is friendly to businesses that store goods of a type that are prone to expiration or have fixed stock periods, and pallet flow racks are also more efficient to access.
Reduced work area
Staff only need to work in the deposit and withdrawal areas, as the goods move automatically, so this reduces the work intensity of staff and also reduces the risk of damage to the racks from forklift movements.
Disadvantages of pallet flow rack
Maintenance costs
Since the pallet flow rack has more components than traditional racks, the slides and rollers need to be checked and maintained regularly.
Environmental requirements
As the pallet flow rack has more components, sometimes if your warehouse is full of broken garbage, it is very likely that the garbage will be involved in the work of the rack, resulting in damage to the rack, so the environment of the warehouse needs to be kept clean and tidy.
High price
Compared to traditional racks, these specially designed racks are generally more expensive.
Push Back Pallet Rack
The push back pallet rack is a high density rack, but at the same time I personally think it is one of the most interesting racks. It works on the principle of gravity and inclined rails for automatic pallet retrieval, and it can support up to six or more pallets deep.
Its basic composition is a lane with multiple nesting carts, the number of nesting carts is usually the total number of pallets stored minus one. The nesting cart is usually sliding, when the goods are placed on the nesting cart, the next goods directly push the existing goods to slide back, so that semi-automatic access operations can be realized.
Advantages of push back pallet rack
High density storage
The push back pallet rack can store six or more pallets in one lane, so in the same space, its storage space can store more goods, greatly improving the storage density.
High working efficiency
The push back pallet rack's pallets can be moved automatically, which means that staff don't need to operate the forklift too much, improving efficiency when accessing.
Increased space utilization in the warehouse
The push back pallet rack does not require a special aisle to be set up for access like traditional pallet racks, but only requires a special area on one side to complete all the push back pallet rack storage work. So the space saved in the warehouse will undoubtedly save you a lot of money in rent.
Disadvantages of push back pallet rack
Limitations of LIFO
While there are advantages to LIFO inventory management, I still recommend that you choose the right racking system for the goods that are suitable for FIFO inventory management.
Maintenance and Price Costs
With push back pallet racks, the convenience of automation comes at a much higher cost. Not only the daily maintenance costs, but also the already high price of the racking system.
Very Narrow Aisle Racking
VNA racking is as the name suggests, it is a kind of high density racking with super narrow aisles. Its purpose is to pursue the maximization of space utilization, if you are in this kind of demand then I think very narrow aisle racking may be very good to help you.
Advantages of very narrow aisle racking
Maximize space utilization
One of the advantages of very narrow aisle racking is its excellent space utilization. Reducing aisle widths and increasing the number of upper shelf levels are all designed to maximize space utilization and storage density.
Security
Although the aisle space is narrower, it is very safe when used with rails or floor sensors.
Efficient access
Very narrow aisle racking has been designed for better access to the goods in addition to space utilization, so there are forklift trucks for this purpose. These special VNA forklift trucks can be used in the VNA racking system in a very flexible way.
Disadvantages of very narrow aisle racking
High priced
Putting very narrow aisle racking into use not only need to pay the price of the racking, but also need to pay for the VNA forklift and other ancillary equipment to be able to, because the VNA racking system does not support the traditional forklift.
Difficult to operate
Because of the operation of the VNA forklift, there are certain technical requirements for the operator, so more time and costs need to be invested in training.
Maintenance
Shelf maintenance is a kind of every kind of pallet racking needed to do, but like very narrow aisle racking, this kind of racking needs to invest more time and energy to maintain, because more dense and higher racking needs to pay more attention to the safety aspects.
Pallet Shuttle Racking
Pallet shuttle racking also belongs to high density pallet racking, but unlike it, it is more automated and intelligent. Because the way it moves the pallet is not by gravity, but by system control shuttle to move the pallet. This type of racking combines the advantages of high density of traditional racking with the convenience of automated equipment.
Advantages of pallet shuttle racking
Efficient access
Motorized shuttles can quickly move pallets through the racking and bring them to the unloading area, which greatly facilitates the staff's retrieval of goods and saves time in searching for the corresponding goods.
Improved safety
Forklift operation in the racking is reduced, which in turn reduces the risk of damage to the racking caused by forklift errors.
Increased storage space
Automating the movement of goods reduces the number of aisles used for accessing goods, and because of this the depth of the pallet shuttle racking is designed to be deeper, so the amount of storage space available is considerable.
Disadvantages of pallet shuttle racking
Cost
In addition to the racking itself, pallet shuttle racking also requires the purchase of shuttles and corresponding automation equipment, so the use of a full-fledged set of pallet shuttle racking requires a large investment.
Maintenance
Compared to traditional racking, pallet shuttle racking carries more electronic components. However, all electronic components are subject to problems due to the environment or their own reasons, but better quality will reduce the probability of problems. Therefore, regular maintenance and inspection are very important.
Operation
Pallet shuttle racking requires the operator to be professionally trained to do the job, and in particular to know how to use and maintain the racking system correctly.
Mobile Pallet Racking
mobile pallet racking is the most special type of racking system in my opinion, it also belongs to the high-density type of racking, but its most impressive point is: the racks are mounted on a movable base, and each set of racks can be moved on a track, eliminating the need for a fixed access aisle.
When staff need to move the racks, they can do so by motorized control.
Advantages of mobile pallet racking
Space utilization
The design of the mobile base reduces the number of fixed storage aisles and allows more space in the warehouse to be used for mobile pallet racking, which significantly increases storage capacity.
Efficient access
Through the combination of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and electric drives, mobile pallet racking can quickly open the aisles of the shelves where the target goods are located. This ensures efficient access and at the same time reduces unnecessary movement and handling time.
Flexibility
One of the best features of mobile pallet racking is that you have the flexibility to adjust the layout of the racking to accommodate various types and sizes of pallets.
Disadvantages of mobile pallet racking
Set-up costs
The cost of building a full-fledged mobile pallet racking system is high due to the high cost of the mobile base and the electric drive system.
Warehouse floor
Due to the need to lay rails, the floor of the warehouse has to be level and solid.
Maintenance requirements
Because mobile pallet racking has more electric drive systems, rails and mobile bases than other types of pallet racking systems, it requires more attention when it comes to maintenance.
The final step in getting the right pallet racking for you
When people ask me what type of pallet racking is the best, I always answer this way: I don't think there is a best pallet racking in the world, or a best brand of racking, there is just the best for you.
So, if you haven't picked the right pallet racking for you or the right pallet racking supplier by now, why don't you try contacting us?
We'll provide you with a free, detailed quote and consultation service within ten hours of receiving your information, and all it takes to get started is for you to take a minute to leave your information on our contact page.