4 Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Pallet Racks

If you run a warehouse, you know that organization is of the utmost importance. With so many variables, you may have problems keeping up with your workload. That's why spending some money on a pallet racking system is a good investment for your entire operation. Keep reading to learn four things to keep in mind when buying your pallet racking system.

1. Initial Overhead Costs

To start out, you want to make sure you're getting a quality pallet racking system if you are going to invest in one. Do your homework and look up prices to calculate how much you might spend on the entire installation. Most systems cost anywhere from $50.00-$273.00 per pallet position.

The price depends on the kind of pallet rack you choose, whether selective, drive-in, pushback, double deep, or cantilever. They are all slightly different and serve different needs. Keep in mind that these are estimates only, and prices may vary depending on location and manufacturer.

Talk to your managers and see what kinds of pallet racking styles your warehouse might benefit from. You might need a mix of a couple different styles depending on what your warehouse holds. Evaluate your whole budget to decide what will work best for your operation. After all, you don't want to break the bank when trying to improve things.

2. Effective Use of Space

When running a warehouse, one of your top concerns is making sure you use your space effectively. You'll have to choose a pallet racking system that works for you.

Depending on your storage space, you might need a simple system or you might need something more sophisticated. However, you definitely don't want to buy pallet racks that don't fit in your space. Take measurements and make certain that you're getting exactly what you need for the size of your space and the inventory you store.

3. Additional Costs

You will pay more per square foot for high-density racks that have a higher storage capacity. Make sure you know exactly how much storage you need before making a purchase. When you get a quote, it most likely will not include sales tax, so be sure to anticipate this. Also, the more you customize the racks, the more additional costs you will need to consider.

Additionally, find ways to protect the columns in your warehouse from damage. Guards for your columns and bumpers for your posts will help with this. These protect individual racks in the warehouse from potential damage caused when using forklifts to move things around. This may be particularly wise if your warehouse is cramped or tight with limited mobility while moving things around the space.

4. Used Pallet Racks

Some warehouses will sell their used pallet racks that they no longer need anymore. Therefore, you can reap the benefits and save money. Check listings for these sort of opportunities; they can save you a lot of money if you act on them fast. You don't want to wait for them to be bought out from under you.

When looking at used pallet racks, be sure that they are not rusted and that the steel is in good condition. Not only does this impact the look of your pallet racks, but it also can undermine the strength and usability of them.

When looking for pallet racks for your warehouse, you'll have to weigh many factors as you make your decision. Be sure that you look around and find the best deal you can.

To find a great pallet racking system that works for your space and budget, reach out to Lone Star Pallet Rack. We offer a wide variety, so you're sure to find something that meets your needs.