Warehouse racking (or pallet racking) is a material handling method for mass storage of items arranged on skids or pallets. Warehouse racking optimizes space usage and access to products piled up for inventory management. When storage space is limited, producers utilize racks to store large quantities of generally nonperishable goods. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Ridg-U-Rak®, Inc.
North East, PA | 866-479-7225Ridg-U-Rak produces more than 100 million pounds of pallet rack, high density storage rack and specialized rack systems annually. A customer-centric, full-service pallet rack producer with over 400,000 square feet of production and warehouse space, Ridg-U-Rak offers engineering, design, project management and installation services that meet your pallet rack needs on time and on budget.
Steel King Industries, Inc.
Stevens Point, WI | 800-826-0203Steel King offers the industry’s widest selection of rack types, including roll-form and structural pallet racks, drive-in racks, gravity flow and push back storage systems, multi-level pick modules, automation integration, cantilever racks, portable racks, and custom shipping racks. Plus a full-line of guard rail and rack protection products. Full engineering staff and more than 200 standard Quick Ship products.
Quality Material Handling, Inc.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 800-404-RACKQuality Material Handling (QMH) is a leading total solutions provider for boltless shelving, warehouse racking, storage systems, mezzanines, and dock equipment. With over 29 years of experience and an in-house fabrication facility, QMH designs and manufactures innovative custom solutions such as dock platforms and ramps that solve difficult loading and unloading challenges. We are a full-service warehouse solutions provider committed to doing things the right way.
Metalware
Montreal, QC | 833-937-9533Metalware has been known as a leader in the storage racks and steel shelving industries since 1954. We strive to provide excellent customer service, high-quality products, and competitive prices. Our experienced team of engineers and technicians work closely with customers to ensure that each product is designed and manufactured to their exact specifications. Over the years, we have continued to grow and expand, raising industry standards in the process.
Husky Rack & Wire
Denver, NC | 800-438-5629Husky Rack & Wire is a leading storage rack manufacturer that provides high-quality welded wire decks, pallet racks, security wire partition enclosures and warehouse racks. Husky Rack & Wire is committed to customer satisfaction and high-quality products. Visit our website today!
Storage Solutions
Westfield, IN | 866-881-0201Storage Solutions is a manufacturer of mezzanines, work platforms, pallets, shelving and more! We were founded in 1978 in central Indiana with multiple locations to serve our customers from. We work to give engineers and managers of warehouses and distributions centers a manufacturer they can count on! Our project managers work with you to ensure that your project goes as planned from start to finish. We have our own installation teams that have decades of experience. We offer both new and used equipment to help you find the perfect solution that fits in your budget! Call us today to learn how we can help you!
Products that are palletized are typically only stacked up to three levels before it becomes risky and likely to collapse. Depending on the facility's height, a racking system enables producers to store five to seven stacks of high-palletized goods. In addition to managing finished goods, racking systems are also utilized to store raw materials and parts. Most goods can be accessed with selective racking, allowing for a wide range. Additionally, some distribution systems emphasize the first-in, first-out approach of inventory control, sometimes known as FIFO. Therefore, the oldest items in the warehouse inventory may be accessed thanks to a racking system, allowing them to be off-loaded first.
Types of Warehouse Racks
Push-Back Racking System
Push-back racking systems hold products that span 2 to 5 pallets and are typically used for bulk storage. A pallet is pushed to the front of the system when it is unloaded. Once loaded into the system, it pushes the following pallet back. Push-back racking systems frequently have slanted rails, sliding carts, and multiple lanes.
Cantilever Racking
Long products like lumber, pipes, tubes, and roofing materials are perfect for cantilever racking. It consists of upright columns with either one or both sides having cantilever arms. Manufacturers can change the vertical clearances between the arms depending on the product's bulk. Additionally, the angles can be changed to aid with load retention. Unlike conventional selective racking, cantilever racks do not have upright front frames that prevent loading. Along with long objects, it may also store items with odd shapes, such as furniture and appliances.
Selective racks
Selective racks are the most popular pallet system, offering access from an aisle. These warehouse-racking solutions are perfect for deep-reach, conventional, and small aisle racking. In addition, selective racks can hold one pallet deep and call for specialized narrow lift vehicles.
Flow Racks
Flow racks also called gravity racks, are frequently employed for high-density storage. Items are loaded at the higher end and removed at the lower end of this warehouse racking system utilizing a FIFO mechanism. As things are loaded and unloaded from the racks, the rotation of the merchandise becomes automatic. With flow racks, item movement is controlled by gravity rollers that move together with the rack load and include brakes or speed controllers. Fortunately, flow racks don’t require electricity because gravity powers them.
Drive-Through and Drive-In Racks
Drive-in and drive-through racks are best for high-density storage. The space provided by these steel-based warehouse racking systems allows the forklift to access each bay easily. It's crucial to remember that, in contrast to drive-through racks, drive-in racks have just one access point. Drive-in racks are suitable for the last in, first out (LIFO) strategy, often used for nonperishable or low-turnover products. Drive-in and drive-through racks may be built from floor to ceiling.
Advantages of warehouse racking
- Effective use of storage space: As was already said, racking optimizes vertical space that would otherwise go unused. High ceilings are crucial for warehouses designed to store racks to accommodate racks with longer bays.
- Easy inventory management: Racks are easier to manage than stockpiling. Selective racking, a form of racking system, enables the storage of various commodities while using the least amount of available space.
- Less damaged goods: To prevent damage to goods and products, racking systems must be implemented. Initially constructed of wood, racking systems have eventually evolved into remarkably stable metal structures that can stack items several feet in the air, with the height of the building serving as the only physical restriction.
- Racking systems improve employee productivity because racking systems make it simple to locate and access empty pallets. This minimizes tiny pointless motions that eventually add up to big losses.
- Storage Automation: The first stage in automating a warehouse is to adapt a racking system. This is accomplished by combining intelligent conveyor systems with guided cranes and forklifts. This can significantly reduce the cost of hiring new employees and streamline business operations overall, particularly for large distribution centers.
