5 Pallet Racking Types, How To ID Them, And More!(2)

With many different pallet racking types available, you might be a little overwhelmed.

Luckily, you’re in the right place. Because in this article, you’ll learn:

• The main types of pallet      racking systems

• The pros, cons, costs, and      applications of each

• How to identify a pallet      racking system

• Answers to top pallet      racking questions

Let’s dive in!

What Is Push-Back Pallet Racking?

Push-back racking is a high-density storage system, allowing up to six pallets deep storage on either side of an aisle.

Push-back racking works with at least three nested mobile carts, gliding on sloped rails to hold and carry pallets. The first pallet, loaded from the front, sits on the top cart. When the second pallet is loaded onto the cart, it pushes the top cart with the first pallet back.

It operates like a soft drink cooler in a convenience store, where when you pull a bottle out, a new one slides forward.

The pallet ‘push-back’ mechanism makes pushback racking ideal for operations using the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) inventory method.

Push-back racking can achieve higher density storage – up to 75% more than selective racking – while allowing more selectivity with storage. But you can only store the same SKU in a single lane.

Pros

• Higher storage density than selective racking

• Requires fewer aisles

• Easy product accessibility and selectivity, reducing picking      time

• No specialty equipment is necessary

• Multiple deep locations offer more access points

Cons

• More expensive storage system than selective or drive-in      racking

• Higher chance of lost pallet positions due to the size of      mobile carts

• Inventory can’t overhang the front or back of the pallet

• Not ideal for FIFO inventory

• Requires good quality, consistently-sized pallets

Cost

Push-back racking is a more expensive storage system than selective or drive-In. Budget $151 to $295 per pallet position, depending on the number of positions (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6).

Applications

• General warehousing and retail

• Operations using either First-In, First-Out (FIFO) or Last-In,      First-Out (LIFO)

• Storage with more pallets per SKU that requires greater storage      density

• When order picking is not required from pallets

What Is Pallet Flow Racking?

Pallet flow racking – or “gravity flow” racking – is another high-density racking system where pallets are placed in the system’s rear end on a series of rollers with a centrifugal braking system.

It’s an ideal system for FIFO inventory because pallets are loaded on one end and unloaded at the other end of the system.

In a pallet flow racking, when you load a pellet from the aisle, the pallets roll forward by gravity to the front of the system. Similarly, when a pallet is removed from the front, the pallets behind roll to the front of the lane.

Generally, pallet flow racking supports very high-density storage, holding up to 20 pallets deep in one lane. This minimizes the aisles needed to store items while maintaining efficient inventory turnover.

Pros

• Superior product/storage density

• Increased product selectivity

• Good for high product turnover

• Fewer aisles are needed, so more space can be utilized

Cons

• The most expensive racking type

• Requires high-quality pallets

• Requires more maintenance

• Operates a limited number of SKUs in large volumes

Cost

It's the most expensive of all pallet racking types, with costs ranging from $300 to $500 per pallet position.

Applications

This storage type is used for pallet loads in an order-picking application, such as:

• Freezer warehouses

• Food distribution centers

• Grocery

What Is Cantilever Racking?

A cantilever racking system stores long, heavy, or bulky items that cannot be easily stored on pallets, such as lumber, steel pipes, wood, and textiles.

Cantilever racking consists of multiple adjustable protruding arms to store items horizontally, unlike pallet racks with vertical uprights, which limit the length of stored items.

They’re available in double and single-sided units, allowing item storage on one side or both. With no front columns, cantilever racks are easier to access, load, unload, and add space.

Pros

• Easier to access, load, and unload due to fewer structural      components

• Easier to install

• Easier to add space or adjust to accommodate changing inventory

Cons

• Takes more space

• Requires wider aisles

• May require a specialized lift truck, like a Combilift

• Only stores specialized items like lumber, steel pipes, wood,      textiles, etc.

Cost

Cantilever racking with a single-sided design can cost between $850 and $1,700 per bay.

Applications

• Building and construction supplies

• Metal supply and retail shops

• Plumbing suppliers

• Wood and furniture

FAQs About Warehouse Pallet Racking

The following are answers to some common pallet racking questions.