Different Types of Pallet Racking Systems for Businesses

If your warehouse or industrial facility uses pallets to assemble, store, handle, or transport products and materials, you need a pallet racking system. The right pallet racking system can help optimize warehouse space, customize the warehouse, improve safety, and increase bulk storage space. Also, the pallet racking system allows for faster order fulfillment as you can implement different inventory control methods.

A pallet racking system is a key component in the logistics and supply chain of a company. With the right system, you can achieve optimal efficiency in your warehouse and improve the overall supply chain operations. This system can thus make a significant difference in your bottom line.

When choosing a pallet racking system, you'll have unlimited options to choose from. However, every racking solution is perfect for different situations, unit load, storage facility, and needs. Thus, you shouldn't pick a pallet racking system just because it is cheap or versatile. Here are the different pallet racking systems you can find to get you started.

Selective Racking
Selective racking is the most popular and versatile pallet racking system. This system allows for direct access to any pallet load from the racking system without moving other pallets. Selective racking allows for efficient use of space, and any type of forklift can rack or remove pallets.

Selective racking is ideal if you need immediate access to any pallet at any time. Also, you can opt for selective racking if you don't have a large number of pallets per stock-keeping unit (SKU).

However, selective pallet racking comes in fixed sizes and can limit the storage height. Also, this racking can reduce your warehouse's storage density due to the design.

Drive-In Racking
Drive-In racking is the highest density storage solution available. This system allows for maximum use of the available space, area, and height by decreasing forklift operating aisles. Also, this racking system follows the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) stock management method in which the last pallet comes out first.

Since drive-in racking offers compact storage, the system is ideal for homogenous products storage. Also, if you have products you can’t store in block stacks, such as fragile loads, use drive-in racking. Avoid drive-in racking if you need order picking from pallets.
 
Drive-Through Racking
Drive-through racking is among the best systems to improve your warehouse storage efficiency. This system has lines running through the center to allow movement of forklifts up and down the rack. Also, the forklift can access the rack from both sides to load or unload the pallets.

These racking systems follow the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) stock rotation, implying the first pallet in the rack will leave first on the opposite side of the system. Drive-through pallet racking is perfect for high rotation products that are time and date sensitive.

If you opt for this system, you'll need to have rack systems specifically designed to suit your product and pallet type.

Push Back Racking
Push back racking is a gravitational flow system in which pallets move on carts. These carts will move forward on the angled rails once the pallet in front is removed. Pallets load and unload from one area, and thus the system is best for the LIFO stocking method.

The push back pallet racking is best for application in warehouses with a high number of pallets per SKU. Also, this racking system helps to achieve a greater storage density. This pallet racking system is ideal for frozen food warehouses, beverage producers, and wholesale food distributors.

The type of industrial pallet racking you pick can significantly impact your business operations. Not sure about the best pallet racking system for your business? Contact Lone Star Pallet Rack for expert advice and comprehensive pallet racking installation.