The Ultimate Guide to Pallet Racking Types: Selective, Drive-In, and More

Pallet racking is the backbone of any efficient warehouse setup. It’s what keeps things moving smoothly on the floor, helping you store more, access stock faster, and keep operations safe. But not all pallet racking is the same. Choosing the right system can make a massive difference to how your warehouse functions day-to-day.

At ReadyRack, we offer a wide range of pallet racking systems designed to suit just about every type of business, space, and storage need. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the most common types, what they’re good for, and how they can work for you.


Selective Pallet Racking

Best for: Warehouses that need quick access to every pallet

Selective racking is the go-to option for most warehouses. It gives you direct access to every single pallet, making it perfect for operations with a high SKU count or frequent stock rotation.

Key features:

·        100% selectivity – grab any pallet without moving others

·        Compatible with standard forklifts

·        Great for fast-paced, lower-density storage

Explore Selective Pallet Racking →


Drive-In Pallet Racking

Best for: High-density storage with fewer SKUs

Drive-in racking is all about space efficiency. Forklifts can drive straight into the rack structure to store pallets deep within each bay. It operates on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) system, so it works well when stock isn’t rotated regularly.

Key features:

·        Maximises floor space by reducing aisles

·        Ideal for storing large volumes of the same item

·        Requires specific forklift handling skills

Learn More About Drive-In Racking →


Double-Deep Pallet Racking

Best for: Medium-to-high density storage

Double-deep racking is essentially two rows of selective racking placed back-to-back. You’ll need a reach truck to access the second row, but the trade-off is a big gain in storage density.

Key features:

·        Increased pallet storage capacity

·        Fewer aisles needed than standard selective racking

·        Slightly reduced accessibility to some pallets

Discover Double-Deep Racking →


Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking

Best for: High-volume operations with limited space

Got a tight warehouse footprint but a lot to store? Narrow aisle racking is designed for exactly that. It uses specialised forklifts to work in smaller aisle widths, allowing you to go higher and fit more into the same space.

Key features:

·        Excellent for vertical space optimisation

·        Fast access with the right equipment

·        Ideal for busy distribution centres

See Narrow Aisle Racking Options →


Push Back Racking

Best for: Medium-density storage with selective access

Push back racking uses inclined rails to store pallets in a LIFO system. As you load a new pallet, it pushes the others back. When one is removed, the rest roll forward automatically.

Key features:

·        Space-saving with fewer aisles required

·        Great for multiple pallets of the same SKU

·        Easier access than drive-in racking


Pallet Flow Racking (FIFO)

Best for: Perishables and time-sensitive stock

Also known as gravity flow racking, this system uses rollers and sloped shelves to keep stock moving from the loading end to the picking end. It operates on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, making it ideal for goods with expiry dates.

Key features:

·        Ensures proper stock rotation

·        Boosts picking speed

·        Suits high-volume, fast-moving products


Safety, Strength & Compliance

All ReadyRack systems are fully compliant with AS 4084:2023, the Australian Standard for steel storage racking. Our racking is rigorously load tested and certified for strength, with some systems supporting up to 10,000 kg per bay. Plus, we stock a full range of racking protection accessories to keep your warehouse safe from forklift impacts and wear and tear.


How to Choose the Right Racking System

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pallet racking. Before deciding, think about:

·        How often you turn over your stock

·        The size and variety of your SKUs

·        Your available floor space and ceiling height

·        What type of forklifts or picking equipment you’re using

Still not sure? Our team is happy to help assess your space and recommend a tailored setup.


Let’s Get Your Warehouse Working Smarter

The right pallet racking system doesn’t just help you store more, it helps you work better. From improved access to smarter stock rotation and better use of your warehouse footprint, investing in the right solution pays off.

Check out our full pallet racking range or get in touch to speak with a ReadyRack storage expert today.

Have questions? Contact us to speak with a storage specialist today.