A Guide to Pallet Racking Systems

Are you preparing to build a new warehouse racking system, or planning to upgrade one? Either way, youll have plenty of pallet racking options to choose from. Depending on the warehouse operation and product types, there are different kinds of pallet racking systems to suit each need. Hence, it is important to select the right pallet racking system to optimize your warehouse operation needs.

To help, we have pieced together a simple guide to introduce you to the various pallet racking systems that NTL Storage Solutions offers. In this guide, we will go through what operations and products these pallet racks are most suited to.

Before diving in, it is first important to determine your storage requirements. Ask yourself these following questions:

• How much available floor space does my warehouse have?
• How many products do I need to store?
• What is my ceiling height?
• What is my overall budget?
• How often do I need to load/unload my storage?

These questions will help you determine the right pallet racking system for you. The following section will next discuss the specifics of each pallet racking system so that you will be able to make an informed decision on which type of pallet rack is perfect for your warehouse.

Selective Racking System

Selective Racking Systems are usually one pallet deep and consist of both uprights and beams. They are one of the most popular pallet storage racking types as they provide 100% accessibility and good stock rotation. They are easily installed and are fully adjustable to suit all kinds of product types, sizes, and weights.

Additionally, this pallet racking system requires a small aisle width, making them suitable for storing a large amount and range of products. Due to it being space-efficient, selective racks are also an affordable option for those with low-volume storage needs as they feature the lowest cost per square meter of racking.

This pallet racking system operates on the FIFO (first-in, first-out) basis, meaning that loads first stored are also the first to be removed. This method makes this system ideal for storing products with shorter shelf life such as fresh foods and sterile medical supplies.

Double-Deep Racking System

Double-Deep Racking Systems are set up in a way that allows them to store up to four pallets deep in a double entry rack. This enables them to increase storage capacity while reducing space wastage between items.

This pallet racking system operates on the LIFO (last-in, first-out) basis, meaning that loads last stored are also the first to be removed. This means that at least half of your storage will remain inaccessible at any time, making this system ideal for bulk storage and storing of products with longer shelf life.

Narrow Aisle Racking System

Narrow Aisle Racking Systems optimizes floor space by having aisles with widths significantly shorter than that of standard pallet racking systems. They also utilize the element of height to increase storage capacity, with some systems being built as high as 17 meters from the ground to ceiling. This system allows for 100% product accessibility with a fast pick rate and good rotation.

Due to its set up, narrow aisle racks require specialized forklift truck equipment that can reach higher beam levels and also be able to maneuver within the narrow aisles without damaging the racking system. Alternatively, you can also install guide rails or a wire guidance system to help regular forklift operators handle items from this system.

Drive-In and Drive-Through Racking System

Drive-In and Drive-Through Racking Systems maximises storage capacity using minimum space. Items are stored behind and on top of each other in blocks with no dividing aisle. This makes this system suitable for storing large amounts of homogeneous products as they can be sectioned together.

This pallet racking system operates on the FILO (first in, last out) basis, but can allow access to individual pallets with the help of the drive-through system. Forklift trucks are able to drive into the racks to retrieve items either on one or both sides of the block.

Cantilever Racking System

Cantilever Racking Systems is made up of a heavy-duty base central column supporting a set of cantilevered arms that can be adjusted. Their shape makes them ideal for storing longer loads such as timber boards, aluminium, plastic extrusions, steel tubs, and bars.

This specially designed system not only helps to save storage space but also provides a much safer working environment.

Now that you know more about our pallet racking systems, you should have an idea on how to select the right type of pallet rack for your warehouse. If you are still unsure of what other considerations you should be making, contact us for a professional consultation today. Well help optimize your warehouse to the best of our abilities.