Warehouse Storage Rack Systems
Warehouse racking systems are made up of pallet racks, which are steel structures arranged in rows with multiple levels to store pallet loads. These systems help organize and maximize storage space in a warehouse.
Warehouse storage racks are among the most versatile and commonly used storage methods. They come in various sizes, configurations, and designs to accommodate user needs and product specifications. From high selectivity to high density, warehouse pallet racks are engineered to improve organization and accessibility. Below are some of the common warehouse rack types:
| Warehouse Pallet Racking System Types | Selectivity | Density | FIFO/LIFO | Pick Rate | Cost | System Size | System Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selective Rack - Wide Aisle | High | Low | FIFO | High | Low | Any | High |
| Selective Rack - Narrow Aisle | High | Medium | FIFO | Medium | Low | Medium to Large | High |
| Double-Deep Selective Rack | Medium | Medium | LIFO | Medium | Low | Any | High |
| Twinload | Low | Medium - High | LIFO | Low | Medium - Low | Medium to Large | Medium |
| Drive-In Rack | Low | Medium - High | LIFO | Low | Medium - Low | Medium to Large | Medium |
| Push-back Rack | Medium | Medium - High | LIFO | High | Medium | Medium to Large | Medium |
| Pallet Flow Rack | Medium | Medium - High | FIFO | High | Medium | Medium to Large | Medium |
| Shuttle System - Semi-Automated | Medium | High | FIFO | Medium | Medium | Medium to Large | Medium |
| Shuttle System - Fully Automated | High | High | FIFO | High | High | Large | High |
| Crane System - Single-Deep - Semi-Automated | High | High | FIFO | Medium | High | Large | Very High |
| Crane System - Double-Deep - Semi-Automated | Medium | High | LIFO | Medium | High | Large | Very High |
| Crane System - Fully Automated | High | High | FIFO | High | High | Large | Very High |
Types of Warehouse Storage Racks:
Our pallet racking systems are designed to enhance your warehouse’s efficiency and maximize storage space, offering reliable solutions for any operation. Some options include:
Double-Deep Rack Systems
Double-deep racking enhances storage density by arranging two rows of pallets back-to-back. While this configuration reduces selectivity, it is highly efficient for storing bulk goods. Specialized forklifts with extended forks are necessary to access pallets at the back.
Key Features:
Doubles storage capacity compared to selective racks.
It requires less aisle space and optimizes valuable floor area.
It can be used in both standard reach truck aisles and VNA (very narrow aisle) applications.
Best For:
Facilities balancing storage density and accessibility.
Warehouses storing products with longer shelf lives or fewer SKUs.
Push-Back Rack Systems
Push-back racks enable pallets to be loaded onto inclined rails, which automatically advance to the front as items are retrieved. This system efficiently combines high storage density with the flexibility to store multiple SKUs in each lane.
Key Features:
Optimized for last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory systems.
Stores up to six pallets per lane.
Commonly designed to support pallets weighing up to 3,000 pounds each.
Best For:
Warehouses with medium-turnover inventory.
Cold storage facilities with slow to medium product turnover.
Facilities aiming to reduce aisle space while maintaining versatility.
Pallet Flow Rack Systems
Our pallet racking system uses sloped gravity rollers to facilitate seamless movement of pallets from the loading side to the retrieval end, ensuring efficient first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation. These racks are ideal for handling time-sensitive or high-volume goods.
Key Features:
Process flow forces stock rotation for streamlined operations.
Commonly designed to support pallets weighing up to 3,000 pounds each.
Perfect for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
Best For:
Facilities requiring FIFO inventory systems.
Distribution centers manage perishable goods or high-turnover items.
Drive-In Rack Systems
Drive-in racks maximize storage density by allowing forklifts to enter the racking structure to place and retrieve pallets. This design is tailored for last-in, first-out (LIFO) operations, making it suitable for storing large quantities of uniform products.
Key Features:
Consolidates inventory into a smaller footprint by reducing aisle space.
Commonly designed to support pallets weighing up to 2,500 pounds each.
They are designed for batch loading and unloading workflows.
Best For:
Warehouses managing seasonal goods or bulk inventory.
Cold storage applications for frozen or non-perishable items.
Cantilever Rack Systems
Cantilever racks are designed for oversized, long, or irregularly shaped items such as lumber, pipes, and metal sheets. Featuring adjustable arms, these racks offer exceptional flexibility for non-palletized storage needs.
Key Features:
The open-front design allows for easy loading and unloading.
Commonly used for indoor and outdoor storage applications.
Arm lengths and weight capacities can be customized to fit specific requirements.
Best For:
Construction materials, piping, or textiles.
Adaptable storage solutions.
Selective Rack Systems
Selective rack systems are the most commonly used racking solution, offering direct access to every pallet. These racks are highly versatile, with adjustable beam levels to fit various pallet heights and weights. This system is ideal for operations that prioritize accessibility and SKU variety.
Key Features:
Single-deep configuration for maximum accessibility.
Compatible with most forklift types.
Commonly designed to support pallets weighing up to 3,000 pounds each.
Best For:
Warehouses with high SKU diversity.
Retail and e-commerce operations with high throughput rates and high selectivity requirements.
How to Choose the Right Rack System
Selecting the best racking system depends on your operational goals, inventory characteristics, and facility layout. Consider these criteria to ensure your choice aligns with your needs:
Inventory Turnover
Determine whether your facility operates on FIFO (First In, First Out) or LIFO (Last In, First Out) principles to choose a system that supports your workflow.
FIFO: For industries like food, pharmaceuticals, or perishables, pallet flow rack systems are ideal due to their gravity-fed design that ensures the first pallet loaded is the first one retrieved.
LIFO: If you store seasonal or non-perishable items, push-back rack systems or drive-in racks work best, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of the last items placed in storage.
Load Requirements
Evaluate the size, weight, and quantity of products stored to ensure the racking system meets your capacity needs.
Heavy Loads: Selective rack systems and cantilever racks are suitable for warehouses handling large, bulky, or heavy items like construction materials or machinery parts.
Medium Loads: Push-back racks are great for medium-weight products like beverages or packaged goods.
Light Loads: Double-deep or selective racks are often sufficient for smaller, lightweight goods.
Space Utilization
Maximize vertical space while maintaining efficient aisle design for forklift maneuverability.
Limited Floor Space: Double-deep or drive-in rack systems help condense storage, allowing you to store more pallets within the same footprint.
High Ceilings: Cantilever racks and pallet flow systems can leverage vertical space to optimize storage in facilities with high ceilings.
Wide Open Layouts: Selective racks offer the flexibility to create wide aisles for easier forklift access.
Accessibility
Balance selectivity with storage density to support your inventory management strategy.
High Selectivity Needs: For e-commerce or retail distribution operations, selective rack systems allow easy access to every SKU without moving other pallets.
High-Density Needs: Push-back or drive-in racks are better for warehouses with high volumes of similar products, where frequent pallet retrieval is optional.
Future Scalability
Choose systems that can adapt to growing or changing inventory needs.
Modular Designs: Selective racks are highly adaptable and can likely be reconfigured or expanded as your business grows.
Dynamic Growth: Pallet flow systems or push-back racks can accommodate higher turnover rates without significant layout changes for warehouses planning to increase throughput.
Seasonal Adjustments: Cantilever racks provide the flexibility to adjust arms or levels based on seasonal changes in inventory type and size.
Our Storage Rack Process
At Xact Warehouse, we make optimizing your storage space a seamless experience. Our step-by-step process is designed to address your specific needs. Here’s how we deliver top-tier storage solutions:
Step 1: Free Estimate
We begin by offering a complimentary estimate to help you understand the scope and cost of your project.
Step 2: Consultation & Site Assessment
Our experts conduct a comprehensive on-site consultation to evaluate your facility’s layout, inventory flow, and operational goals. This hands-on approach ensures we identify the best storage solutions tailored to your unique challenges and opportunities.
Step 3: Customized Design
Once we’ve gathered the necessary details, our team creates a custom design for your storage system. Using advanced design tools, we develop detailed blueprints and 3D renderings to help you visualize your optimized warehouse layout before implementation.
Step 4: Product Selection
With the design finalized, we will guide you in selecting the racking systems that suit your requirements. Whether you need selective racks for easy access, push-back racks for high density, or cantilever racks for bulky items, we provide high-quality options to meet your operational needs.
Step 5: Professional Installation
Our skilled installation team ensures your racking system is assembled accurately and safely. By adhering to strict industry standards, we guarantee that your racks are stable, durable, and ready for immediate use, minimizing downtime in your facility.
Step 6: Post-Installation Support
After installation, we remain committed to your success. Our team provides ongoing support through maintenance services, routine inspections, and troubleshooting, giving you peace of mind that your system will perform reliably over time.
Step 7: Future Scalability Planning
As your business evolves, so should your storage system. We design our solutions with scalability, ensuring your racking system can adapt to changing inventory demands or expansions. Our team is ready to assist with modifications or upgrades as needed.
Many factors go into the design of pallet storage rack, including pallet sizes and weights, accessibility to product requirements, forklift utilization, and many others. Some of the factors to consider for designing a storage rack system may include:
- Sizes and weights of the pallet loads to be stored
- Storage density and selectability of pallets desired
- Number of SKU’s and pallets per SKU
- Building clear height, along with fire protection limitations
- Inventory rotation requirements
- Hazardous classification of the product to be stored
Warehouse Racking Benefits
Increased Storage Efficiency
Warehouse racking systems maximize space by utilizing vertical storage and optimizing layouts, allowing you to store more products in the same footprint.
Improved Productivity
Efficient racking reduces retrieval and restocking times, streamlining workflows and increasing productivity.
Enhanced Durability
High-quality, heavy-duty materials ensure the racking systems are strong, stable, and built to last, reducing maintenance and replacement needs.
Customizable Options
Racking systems can be tailored to meet your specific storage needs, with adjustable shelving, beam heights, and widths for optimal use of space.
Cost Savings
Efficient racking systems reduce operational costs by maximizing storage capacity, improving workflow efficiency, and minimizing the need for additional space or labor.
Our pallet racking systems are designed to optimize your warehouse storage, providing efficient solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to maximize space, streamline your processes, or enhance accessibility, we have the right system for you. Reach out today, and let us help you take your warehouse operations to the next level.
Storage Racking FAQs
Can I modify my racking system in the future as my business grows?
Yes, our racking systems can be designed to be flexible and scalable. Whether you need to add more levels, adjust beam heights, or change the configuration to accommodate new inventory, we offer customizable options that can evolve with your growing business.
What is the typical weight capacity for your racking systems?
The weight capacity of our racking systems, in most cases, can be designed to fit your product needs, regardless of the rack configuration or application. We can recommend a system with the appropriate weight capacity designed specifically to your needs.
How long does it take to install a warehouse racking system?
Installation time depends on the complexity and size of the racking system. Our team provides efficient installation services and typically completes projects in a matter of days to minimize disruption to your warehouse operations. We can offer a detailed timeline after reviewing your specific requirements.
Do your warehouse racking systems come with a warranty?
Yes, all of our warehouse racking systems come with a warranty to ensure the quality and durability of our products. Our warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for a specified period, depending on the type of system. We stand behind our products and offer support in the event of any issues that arise within the warranty period. Please contact our team for full details on warranty coverage, terms, and conditions.
Are your racking systems customizable?
Absolutely! We can offer various customizable solutions to ensure your racking system fits your storage needs. We can modify the design from adjustable beam heights to tailored shelving and aisle widths to suit your inventory type, warehouse layout, and operational goals.
Do you offer maintenance services for racking systems?
We offer ongoing maintenance and support to ensure your racking systems remain safe and functional. Our team can perform inspections, repairs, and upgrades as needed to extend the lifespan of your racking systems.
Can your racking systems accommodate cold storage?
We offer racking systems specifically designed for cold storage environments, which support FIFO (First-In, First-Out) and LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) inventory management. These systems can be designed for perishable goods and products that require temperature-controlled storage.
Are your racking systems compliant with safety standards?
Our racking systems are built to meet or exceed industry safety standards in accordance with RMI (Rack Manufacturer’s Institute). Most racking system designs are also PE stamped by a structural engineer, depending on the design and application. We ensure that our racking products are designed and installed with safety as a top priority, and we provide certification or documentation as needed.
Our Pallet Rack Vendors
