Different Types of Pallet Racks for Warehouse Storage

Choosing the right pallet racking system can make a huge difference in your bottom line. A well-designed system can improve productivity, increase warehouse storage space by 40% or more, and help your operation adapt to changing inventory needs. It can be difficult to decide what type of pallet rack is best for your operation. Some people choose selective pallet rack because it’s the cheapest, or they see it as the most versatile, but it’s the wrong choice for certain operations. Read on to learn about common types of pallet racking systems and the best applications for each.

Warehouse Pallet Racking Systems

Selective Pallet Rack

Selective pallet rack is the most popular and versatile pallet racking system in the industry. It provides efficient use of space and immediate access to every load stored using any type of forklift. This type of rack is available in debris-resistant, easy-to-clean structural steel (ideal for food handling operations).
Recommended for: general warehousing, manufacturing,  low-turnover retail.

Double Deep

Double-deep racks are created by putting one row of selective racking behind another. This is the least-expensive way to create high-density storage. as it can create increase storage capacity by 40%.
Recommended for: general warehousing, manufacturing

Back Racking / Push-Back Rack

With Push-back rack, pallets sit on carts (up to five deep) that slide forward when the pallet in front is removed. It’s similar to the way refrigerated beverages are shelved at the grocery store.  Pallets are fed and retrieved from one aisle, reducing picking times and making these racks ideal for applications that require a large number of picking faces. This is a popular option for food-oriented operations.

Recommended for: general warehousing, retail, food 

Pallet Flow Rack

Pallet flow rack, also known as gravity flow racks, utilize sloping racks and a first-in/first-out (FIFO) loading system. New pallets are added at the higher end and removed at the lower end. Pallet flow storage can double or triple capacity compared to drive-in or conventional pallet rack systems and is ideal for freezer warehouses, food distribution centers, and storage of high-volume, perishable consumer goods.

Recommended for: grocery, retail, food , freezer

Drive-In/Drive-Thru Rack

With Drive-In/Drive-Thru Rack requires fewer aisles so you can store up to 75% more pallets than with conventional (selective) pallet racks. Forklifts drive directly into the racks which can go six or more pallets deep. Drive-in Rack uses a common entry/exit, while Drive-Thru Rack has a separate entry and exit

• Drive-In/Drive-Thru is most high-density storage solution available 
• Welded frame construction is highly-rigid and strong
• Allows use of either roll-formed or structural steel components with many arm and rail combinations
• Reduces space costs, holds more loads
• Designed for functionality, looks and long life
  

Recommended for: large-volume storage of similar products, general warehousing, freezer / cooler, high-turnover retail products

Roll Formed Cantilever Rack

With no aisle uprights to obstruct the use of horizontal space, our Cantilever Rack is ideal for storing longer, bulky items like carpet rolls, furniture, lumber, tubing, tires, textiles, piping, and similar items. Adjustable Lock-Joint pin locks are strong, safe, and allow easy height adjustment. Accessories such as drip-in decks and spring-loaded entry guides enhance safety and protection. These racks are available in roll-formed or structural steel.

Recommended for: lumber, tires, pipes

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Our experienced staff is available to help conduct an assessment of your current space and make recommendations on a flexible storage system for your business.

Please contact us online with any questions, or by phone:
East Bay – Livermore  (800) 527-3746
Fresno (559) 834-9500
Sacramento (916) 376-0500
Salinas (831) 757-1091 

You can also visit our Livermore location for a demo.

Further Reading:
What to Do When You Run Out of Warehouse Space 
Structural Vs. Roll Form Pallet Racks – Which is Better? 
Warehouse Racking Permits in California – What You Need to Know