7 Pallet Racking Configurations For Your Warehouse

Pallet racking is an integral part of the underlying architecture that allows smooth operations and adequate facility and warehouse management. Pallet racking makes the most of your space and gives you a system to properly arrange items while providing simple access for picking pallets.

However, pallet racking is just one part of the equation. The racking configuration, the architecture of the warehouse, the widths of aisles, production volume, adequate staff training to guarantee the safe and convenient use of existing racking systems, and other elements all play a role in overall efficiency.

“Pallet Racking configuration includes details such as where goods will be received and sent, staging spaces, and which forklift will be used, if applicable. Warehouse operators must prepare all of these things ahead of time because if they aren’t, the racking and general flow of the facility or warehouse will become more crowded and difficult to adjust as you move items about at your leisure,” says warehouse manager and financial consultant  Mason Burt of Ask Funding.

Hence, this thorough guide on 7 pallet racking configurations will help warehouse operators with tactics for optimising warehouse space to increase revenue and enhance operations.

1. Selective Pallet Racking

Selective pallet rackingoffers unhindered accessibility and adequate space to operate machinery using wide aisles and either single rows against walls or back-to-back rows in the middle of the warehouse.

2. Double Deep Pallet Racking

Double deep pallet racking is the best option for your warehouse if you keep items for prolonged periods or space if very tight. This configuration is similar to regular selective pallet racking, except it can accommodate two pallets deep per row. You’ll need a double deep reach forklift rather than a conventional forklift to utilise this racking style correctly. Double Deep Pallet Racking can improve warehouse efficiency by increasing pallet density and maximising warehouse floorspace.

3. Narrow Aisle Racking

Narrow Aisle Racking is a perfect pallet racking configuration alternative when storeroom floor space is tight. It enables easy order picking and accessibility to any area within the system and allows warehouses to maximise storage capacity via high density, narrow lane pallet racking.

4. Shuttle Racking

Shuttle racking is a high-density, semi-automated storage system that operates in FIFO (First in, First out) or LIFO (Last in, First out) mode. Food and beverage manufacturing, cold storage, and meat processing are just a few applications. It saves money and time and eliminates any need for forklift trucks to access aisles.

This configuration provides highly efficient, high-density pallet storage with little risk of equipment or racking damage compared to other pallet racking configurations.

5. Drive-in Pallet Racking

Drive-In pallet racking can maximise floor space compared to other types of systems by eliminating aisles. The forklift drives into the racking to pick pallets.

Drive-In pallet racking is a valuable option for keeping seasonal items or cold supplies. It facilitates restricted stock management and can be designed to be accessed from both sides if not up against a wall.

6. Cantilever Racking

Long items can be efficiently stored on cantilever racking, which is often seen in lumberyards and pipe providers. Cantilever racking is an excellent option for uneven length loads since it has great selectivity and variable capacity due to its open design. In this case, the horizontal load access saves a lot of room and makes it easy to pick and pack items.

7. Flow Rack

Flow rack is appropriate for high-volume businesses that need assistance controlling their SKUs. For First-In-First-Out (FIFO) configurations, this sort of racking is ideal. Pallets of goods move in a fluid and regulated way due to inclined racks on which pallets slide because of attached rollers. Flow rack requires unique racking components and careful planning because of the slope and special rollers that need to be used.

Need Help With Choosing The Right Pallet Racking Configuration For Your Warehouse?

Whatever products you’re dealing with, the appropriate racking configuration is very important for your warehouse operations. It’s critical to find a dependable partner to collaborate on your warehouse, facilities, and maintenance.

One-Stop Pallet Racking is ready to help. Our pallet racking and warehouse experts will work with you to explore ways to enhance your operations. Get in touch with us by email or calling one of our representatives to let us know how to help you.