Pallet racks are the racking system to keep the product and materials in the warehouse organized and maximize the space of your warehouse.Pallet racks have become an essential element for many modern warehouses made up of vertical upright frames connected with horizontal pallet rack beams. All types of pallet racking help increase the storage capacity and provide a sturdy process for organizing and locating stored materials to run the warehouse smoothly.

The different types of warehouse pallet rack include:

Selective pallet rack
The selective pallet rack is a cost-effective and versatile pallet racking solution to warehouse storage. Selective pallet rack storage provides immediate access to every load stored using any type of forklift. This type of pallet rack has easy to clean structural steel, is debris-resistant and provides efficient use of warehouse space.

Double deep rack
Double-deep racks are a variation of a selective rack system created by putting one row of selective racking behind another. These are less costly ways to create high-density storage because it can increase usable storage capacity by as much as 72%.

Pushback rack
With a push back system racking, pallets placed at the rear of the rack will slide forward when pallets within the front are removed with a forklift. Storage capacity may be increased upto 75% during this pallet rack system.

Drive-in rack
The drive-in racking tends to be used to keep the materials in cold storage. Drive- in racking provides a high-density storage solution for your warehouse, helps reduce space costs, and you can store loads up to 75% more pallets than selective pallet racks. Drive-in rack storage allows forklift operators to drive into the warehouse rack and store the products on load rails.

Cantilever rack
Cantilever rack is mainly ideal for storing big or long products, such as timber, furniture, textiles, pipes, and similar products. The weight capacity can vary to meet the needs of a particular item in this type of racking. They are created using upright columns, and horizontal spaces between the storage bays to secure the materials.

Pallet flow rack
New pallets are loaded from the higher end and removed from the lower end. In warehouses with a centrifugal braking system, this pallet flow system has more capacity to conveniently store products compared to other types of pallet racks without reducing the accessibility of your materials.
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Which pallet rack is best for your warehouse?

Warehouses must be well equipped to handle the immense storage demands of the industry. There are several types of racking systems available in the market; however, choosing the best pallet racks for your warehouse can play an important part as many offer versatility and others provide high-density storage; not all pallet racks are beneficial to a business. An effective pallet rack system can help utilize storage space, boost productivity, maximize efficiency, and increase long-run profits. Choosing the right types of racking for your warehouse depends on several important factors, including:‍

Versatility
Versatility and adjustability are key when you need to decide on configuring racking systems as your business might change or grow everything within the future. Make sure to choose a pallet racking system that is adjustable and can adapt to the changes even in the event of slight modifications on your materials. If you would like an adjustable system, selective pallet racking is a popular type of pallet racking as it is highly customizable and simple to regulate.

Durability and strength
Before choosing the most effective pallet rack for your warehouse, consider the load capacity and weight it can withstand. The weight of your pallets determines the required capacity of the frames, decks, steel beams and braces to avoid problems to ensue when racks collapse and accidents occur. These problems may be avoided if you choose a strong and durable rack for your warehouse.

Available space
Some pallet racks support bulk products, while others can only help with small quantities. Maximizing your usable warehouse space is crucial consistent with their weight and density especially with limited area. Cantilever rack systems are typically made for heavy-duty storage and will enable utilization of maximum space when managing bulky materials and you might need to consider forklift accessibility.

Financial resources
Finance is the most crucial factor to contemplate when attempting to find the right pallet rack for your warehouse. When it comes to the cost factor, you have to keep in mind that the cost is divided into the storage system, installation and style and whether you want to buy a new pallet rack or a used pallet rack for your warehouse. Make sure that the rack system you choose is of good quality and cost-effective to prevent replacing them frequently.

Pallet size
An effective warehouse storage system requires correct planning and measurements as certain products require special storage. It’s essential to grasp the precise size of pallets in order to maximize warehouse space, to design effective load storage bays. To determine your warehouse storage requirements, you’ll need to know the dimensions of the pallet precisely.