Types of Storage Racking Systems You Can Use for Inventory

Is your facility running out of storage space? There’s no need to add square footage to the building when an innovative pallet racking system can put every square inch of space to good use.

As you search for the right type of industrial storage system, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the numerous options available. To help narrow down your choices, check out the best options for industrial storage racking systems.

What are Welded Pallet Rack Systems?

A welded pallet rack system is a heavy-duty frame constructed with cross-braces and/or struts framing the columns. It typically has a strong framing system with c-shaped column channels and the entire framework is welded, not bolted together.

This type of fully welded pallet racking is much stronger and more durable than low-quality racks screwed together by hand. The best types of welded pallet rack systems are at least 90% steel and are rigidly fixed in place. 

What are Roll-Formed Pallet Rack Systems?

Roll-formed pallet rack systems are built from thin cold-rolled steel. The steel is formed into various structural pieces that can be snapped into place as needed to build out a fully-formed storage system.

Generally speaking, roll-formed systems are made of lightweight, high-gauge steel for a lower load capacity than structural/welded systems. They’re also somewhat susceptible to damage from vehicles like lift trucks used in daily warehousing work.

What are Structural Pallet Rack Systems?

A structural system is constructed of hot-rolled low-gauge raw iron pieces bolted together into a framework. The result is a heavy-channel steel structural body able to take the weight of heavy pallets. 

A major benefit of structural racking is its resistance to harsh environmental conditions. If your facility has large vehicles, heavy pallet loads, narrow bays, untrained employees, extreme heat/cold, or a risk of high-impact collisions, structural pallet racks are a durable and reliable option.

What are Bolted Pallet Rack Systems?

As their name implies, bolted pallet racks are bolted together and are composed of closed structural tubing. These are adjustable racking systems with nearly endless flexibility in design and layout.

Be on the alert for vendors who offer poorly constructed bolted-frame pallet racks with bolt holes on the sides, rather than the corners. The best systems are carefully designed and installed by industry pros for maximum structural integrity.

What are Selective Pallet Racking Systems?

One of the most commonly-used pallet racking systems is known as a selective pallet racking system. It’s selective because the person who uses it on the facility floor can select any pallet load from any area of the racking system without moving other pallets. 

This is an especially useful feature in large facilities with extensive inventories of products. When you avoid moving pallets to access others, you minimize the risks of inventory damage, vehicle damage, and employee accidents. These shelving systems are usually cost-efficient as long as you work with a provider who installs the entire system for optimal safety and functionality.

What are Push-Back Rack Systems?

Is storage density your top priority? If so, consider a push-back rack system for your storage solution. Also called pushback racking, this type of system provides pallet storage to maximize your building space and maintain a deep inventory.

Push-back rack systems typically offer 2 to 6-deep pallet storage on either side of your aisles. You can pack plenty of pallets into your facility. However, push-back storage comes with the inherent disadvantage of slower availability of deeply-stored items, due to the LIFO (last-in/first-out) method, and the necessity to use vehicles and labor to adjust your stored pallets.

What are Pallet Flow Rack Systems?

When you use a pallet flow rack storage system, you gain the benefits of a push-back rack system without worrying about gridlocked items. A pallet flow rack shelving system operates on a first-in/first-out (FIFO) inventory movement.

This storage method allows your pallets to accumulate in a storage module that permits the directional flow toward the dispensing area in your warehouse racking system. You can store pallets 2 to 20 deep, which means you benefit from greater storage density than almost all other forms of industrial racking.

What are Drive-In Rack Systems?

A drive-in racking system loads pallets onto smooth horizontal rails so drivers can remove pallets from the same entry point where they were originally loaded. Pallets can be positioned deep into the drive-in rack system, then unloaded and moved at will.

This high-density storage system maximizes space but relies on a careful flow of pallet-moving vehicles. If you choose this type of system, ensure you have trained drivers on staff who can move your pallets quickly and safely.

What are Cantilever Rack Systems?

Does your facility handle bulky, awkward, or extremely long items? If so, you may need a cantilever racking and shelving system that can take weight balances of these oddly-shaped pieces of inventory. 

Cantilever racking systems are built around floor-mounted framework, so your building must be able to handle stabilizing components attached to the floor. There are no front columns to prevent vertical obstructions and allow vehicles like forklifts to move freely.

What are Carton Flow Rack Systems?

Carton flow rack systems use conveyors and other types of advanced warehouse racking equipment to facilitate the movement of pallets, boxes, and items. Depending on your setup, this could be the ideal solution to support an extremely fast and organized flow of inventory in your facility.

The right carton flow rack system can dramatically increase your productivity, while minimizing dangerous and backbreaking work for your employees. These racking systems can also free up floor space and revamp how you use your building to optimize your inventory flow.

Your Turnkey Solution for Pallet Racking Systems

Whether you need one type of storage or a variety of storage solutions, turn to Mezzanine Distributors. Our shelving systems are designed and engineered to fit any industrial environment. Upgrade your pallet racking system while promoting building safety and operational efficiency. 

Beware of other providers with limited products and services. Many companies that call themselves turnkey solutions are only small-time suppliers or just do the installation. 

Rely on Mezzanine Distributors for all-in-one turnkey storage solutions delivered and installed with top quality and fast turnaround times. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding customer service and we offer nationwide installation.