Warehouses play an important role in modern business operations by providing a centralised storage and distribution center for products across Australia. When planning your warehouse, choosing the right type of racking is critical to ensuring efficient, safe and effective storage of goods.
In this article, we explore the different types of pallet racking suitable for warehouses and everything you need to know about each one.
What is Pallet Racking?
Pallet racking is a system of shelves or platforms that are used to store pallets of goods in a warehouse. Pallets are stored on top of each other, maximizing the use of available vertical space. Pallet racking systems can be selective, meaning that each pallet has its own designated space, or dynamic, indicating that pallets can be stored in any available space.
The most common type of pallet racking is selective racking which provides easy access to each pallet, making it ideal for smaller warehouses where manual handling is used to pick and move items.
Types of Pallet Racking
There are different types of warehouse racking systems available to suit different needs including:
- Selective Racking: Selective racking provides easy access to each pallet and is ideal for smaller warehouses where manual handling is used to collect items.
- Drive-in Racking: Drive-in racking is a high-density storage system that utilises available warehouse space efficiently. Pallets are stored in bays and are only accessible from one side, making it suitable for warehouses that store large quantities of similar products.
- Pallet Flow Racking: Pallet flow racking utilises the natural force of gravity to move pallets from the back to the front of the rack. It is suitable for warehouses that store large quantities of similar products and need a high-density storage solution.
- Cantilever Racking: Cantilever racking is a specialised storage system that is ideal for storing long, awkward or irregularly shaped items. Pallets are stored on arms that extend from a central column, providing easy access to each pallet.
What is the Difference Between Racking and Stacking?
Racking involves storing pallets on shelves or platforms to distribute weight and maximise vertical space, while stacking involves stacking pallets directly on top of each other without shelves or platforms. Racking is considered safer and more efficient, while stacking is simpler and less expensive.
High-Quality Pallet Racking for Your Warehouse
Choosing the right type of pallet racking for your warehouse is critical to ensuring efficient, safe and effective storage of goods. By understanding the different types of racking available and their benefits, you can make an informed decision on the type of racking that will best suit your warehouse needs.
If you have any questions about types of warehouse racking and which is the right system for you, please contact us.
