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Regardless of the application, storage facilities often require a combination of racking system solutions to store and access various types of inventory. Knowing the different types of warehouse racking systems available and how they might benefit your operation is the first step to implementing solutions that boost your productivity.
While we supply a broad range of tailored racking system solutions for warehouses here at King Materials Handling, these are the common systems you’re most likely to encounter in a warehouse environment.
Selective pallet racking comprises a basic framework supporting pallets stored one deep, making all the pallets easily accessible from the aisle. It’s a versatile solution suited to a range of stock item sizes and weights. Incorporating single-selective pallet racking in your warehouse gives you access to all stock at all times, benefiting operations that require swift product retrieval to meet high demands, such as in the retail environment.
Designed to store long, bulky materials, cantilever racking systems comprise vertical columns with protruding arms and no aisle uprights obstructing access. You’ll see cantilever or roll out cantilever racking systems in warehouses storing items like long wooden planks, pipes and steel bars. These systems can reduce handling times and labor costs while allowing for quick loading and offloading.
Similar to selective pallet racking, double deep racking systems allow warehouses to store similar items at two pallets deep. Implementing this racking system means investing in a specialized forklift with a double-reach mechanism to store and pick stock. These systems can increase storage capacity by about 30%, making them a cost-effective option for warehouses that need to store more.
Nested carts, shuttles or rollers allow inventory to move back as each pallet is loaded from the front in a push back racking system, making it easier to store and retrieve stock from the same point. This type of pallet rack is usually a LIFO system, but you can set it up as a FIFO (first in, first out) system depending on your warehouse setup. Push back racking is the perfect option for bulk storage and handling of similar items and improves organization, product access and productivity.
A pallet flow racking system comprises heavy duty rollers fitted to rails, allowing for pallet loading up to six deep from one side of the rack, where they then move down to the other side for picking by gravitational pull. These FIFO racking systems are ideal for time-sensitive and high-throughput items like those common in food distribution. Flow racking systems reduce forklift traffic for improved safety and allow for quick inventory turnover of perishable products.
If you need a gravity-fed system that uses rollers or wheels to move the product forward, a carton flow racking system may be the answer. This type of system can adapt to varying item sizes and is best suited to situations where the inventory requires frequent, high-volume picking and loading. Carton flow racking systems allow for efficient stock control and reduced picker travel time while maintaining organized storage and stock accessibility.
Usually used for high-density storage of similar products, drive-in pallet racking systems allow forklifts to drive directly into the rack frame to retrieve or store pallets, employing the LIFO (last in, first out) principle. The system enhances warehouse storage capabilities while saving space and is frequently used for frozen goods and cold storage, where space savings translate to reduced energy costs.
At King Materials Handling, we understand the integral role efficient storage solutions play in the success of your business. We offer an extensive range of warehouse racking systems designed to maximize storage space, streamline inventory management and meet your operational needs. Contact our experts today to discuss your warehouse racking system requirements.