Pallet Rack Types

Selective rack is the most common pallet storage racking type in the world. Selective pallet rack is a flexible choice because it provides 100% selectivity to every pallet position in your system. You can have as many SKU's as you have pallet positions, the storage mix is easily adjustable, and it allows you to access every pallet. A few cons are that selective rack requires many aisles and does not have the most storage density compared to some other alternatives. If your operational needs include fast moving product and require easy access, selective rack is a good system choice.

Push back systems are designed for pallets that are placed by forklift on nested carts that are mounted on inclined rails. Each pallet is then pushed back by a following pallet thus exposing the next cart. This is a last-in, first-out storage application and you can place a different SKU on each level. One thing to consider is that a pushback system requires an angled pitch so that pallets flow to the front once one is removed, meaning that more vertical space is needed since each beam level must have an angle. Also, push back racks don't allow as many pallets in depth as drive-in systems, so they aren't as high density.If your operational needs require areas with more selectivity than a drive-in system allows, and more storage density is required than a selective rack system allows, pushback is an ideal choice.

Drive-In or Drive-Thru systems offer the the most storage density compared to push-back and select systems and allow you to store pallets two, three, or more deep. The difference between drive-in and drive-thru systems are that drive-in systems have one entry point while drive-thru systems are open on the front and back. Therefore, allowing forklifts to drive-in or drive thru the system. They are designed to be a "last-in, first out" system, which, while increasing storage density, limits product selectivity. This type of system is ideal if your operation has goods that can be stored for long periods of time and don't require immediate access.

Storage density is the chief advantage of pallet flow storage rack systems and are only limited by the space your warehouse has. Pallet flow systems can be designed to be up to 5 or more pallets deep. Flow storage systems are designed to be a "first-in, first-out" storage system, where access to product is limited to the front of the system. Pallet flow solutions are ideal for perishable and time-sensitive products.

Carton flow rack systems accommodate individual cases, cartons, bins, or merchandise. Your can store boxes or totes in a smaller, more dense space and are a "frist-in, first-out" storage application. Carton flow beds vary in width and are available in static shelving units and can be compatible with single or back to back select rack profiles. In addition, carton flow systems are a popular choice for multi-level rack supported mezzanines and pick modules.

Cantilever Rack is designed to store longer items such as, but not limited to, lumber, pipes, steel, tubing, and industrial building products. Components consist of uprights, arms, and bracing, Typical arms measure from 48"-72" and bracing is used to space the uprights anywhere from 24"-72" apart. Capacity is based on a uniform distributed load and you must consider the arm and upright capacities.