All You Need To Know About Pallet Racking 2023.
The warehousing industry is integral in storing shipments as they arrive at the port or when importing and exporting goods. Millions of commodities are stored in the warehouse due to mass-level space to streamline goods management and boost storage efficiency.
In order to increase its space efficiency to the next level, pallet racking has been an outstanding solution for warehouses to accommodate more freight and expand operational activities. Due to innovation, these storage solutions have become essential in modern logistics to deliver tangible results to businesses worldwide.
If we talk about its market size and trends, it is expected to have exceptional growth of 8.2% and be worth $ 16 billion by 2027. Such findings show how crucial this sector is. Moreover, warehouses equipped with efficient pallet racking systems experienced a 30% reduction in order fulfillment time, which led to better customer satisfaction and effective operational productivity.
Therefore, this article will cover some basics of pallet racking so you understand how it works. So, without wasting any time. Let’s get straight into it.
What is a pallet racking system?
A pallet racking system is complete storage management for warehouses and distribution centers. It’s a specially designed storage solution that helps organize and store pallets of goods most efficiently. An individual can think of it as a giant framework with upright columns and horizontal beams that create multiple storage sections.
You may be thinking, what does it actually do? Its main job is to use the vertical space effectively to make the most of every inch of the stock area. Utilizing the stacking pallets on different levels enables a capacity to store many products while keeping them effortlessly accessible.
The two major types of pallet racking.
These two major types of pallet-racking systems are popular due to their efficacy and features.
Selective Pallet Racking: This is the go-to choice for most stockrooms. It’s like a shelf system where each pallet has its own spot. You can easily access any pallet directly without moving others. It’s great for spaces with different natures of commodities or where you need quick and frequent access to items. The products in selective pallet racking are well-organized, and you can easily reach them with a bit of browsing.
Drive-In/Drive-Through Racking: It’s a bit interesting as its name suggests. So, these systems are all about maximizing space. With drive-in racking, you primarily enter from one side and reach both sides. This system is ideal when you have a large quantity of the same goods that don’t need constant rotation. To understand it better, It’s just like a long tunnel where you can stack the pallets deep and retrieve them in the reverse order you put them in.
Main components of Pallet Racking.
Upright Frames: They are vertical columns that form the backbone of the pallet racking. Upright frames provide excellent structural support and stability for the entire arrangement. They are usually made of robust steel and are anchored to the floor to back them.
Horizontal Beams: Such beams connect the upright frames and create the levels or tiers where pallets are placed. The beams are adjustable and customize the storage levels per the pallets’ height. They come up in various lengths and load capacities to accommodate the goods.
Diagonal Braces: Diagonal braces are additional supports attached to the upright frames diagonally. Their primary duty is to give additional rigidity and stability to the system, especially for taller racking structures. They help distribute weight and prevent the system from collapsing under heavy loads.
Wire Decking: It’s an optional component placed on the horizontal beams to hold up the pallets. Wire decking creates a flat surface for the pallets to rest on, preventing sagging or slipping. These supports also enhance fire safety by allowing better sprinkler system penetration.
How does pallet racking contribute to maximizing storage capacity?
The following are ways to maximize the storage capacity for extended logistics operations.
Vertical Storage: Firstly, they utilize vertical space Skillfully by letting stacking pallets on multiple levels. Instead of relying solely on floor space, warehouses can take advantage of the height of their facility. Additionally, by going vertical, pallet racking empowers the space area to store significantly more pallets than traditional floor-level storage.
Customizable Storage Levels: Multiple adjustable horizontal beams can be positioned at certain levels. This customization enables the accommodation of pallets of varying sizes and facilitates the proficient use of available vertical storage.
High-Density Storage Options: Some types of pallet racking, such as drive-in/drive-through and push-back racking, are capable of high-density storage solutions. If we talk about the Drive-in/drive-through racks, they are ideal for forklifts to enter the structure and retrieve or deposit pallets in deep storage lanes.
This necessarily eliminates the need for multiple aisles, which maximizes storage density. Furthermore, Push-back racks are suitable for storing multiple pallets in a single lane, with each subsequent pallet pushing the previous one back. All in all, such systems are suitable for saving bulks of the same product with a low turnover rate.
Space Utilization: The racks are designed to make the most available space. They help get rid of waste areas between pallets for more tight and organized storage. When neatly aligned and secured within the system, warehouse aisles remain clear, making it easier for forklifts and personnel to navigate and access the stored goods.
