5 Pallet Racking Types, How To ID Them, And More!(3)

What Is the Most Common Type of Racking?

Selective racking is the most common and versatile pallet racking type.

It's simpler, works with many types of materials, doesn't require special forklifts or other equipment, and is cheaper than other racking types. It also provides efficient use of space and immediate access to every load stored.

How Many Types of Pallet Stacking Are There?

There are 2 types of pallet stacking: Floor stacking and block stacking.

Floor stacking means placing pallets on the floor only one-pallet high

Floor stacking is the simplest method and involves placing pallets directly on the floor. Block stacking is like floor stacking, except that pallets are stacked on top of one another.

Block stacking involves placing pallets on top of one another

Warehouses can also use pallet racking as an alternative to floor and block stacking.

How Many Types of Racking Systems Are There?

There are 6 main types of pallet racking:

1. Selective racking

2. Drive-in racking

3. Pallet flow racking

4. Push-back racking

5. Cantilever racking

What Are the Parts of a Rack Called?

There are different warehouse racking parts depending on the racking type.

The main pallet racking components:

• Upright frames or posts. These are metal frames that form the racking system's vertical frame structure.

• Footplate (baseplate). Each upright beam has a footplate to affix or stabilize the structure to the warehouse floor.

• Beams or cross beams. What are pallet rack beams? These are horizontal metal profiles directly attached to upright frames to give the horizontal structure that will hold pallets or support the shelving panels. There can be different pallet rack beam types depending on the type of pallet rack.

• Metal frames. These are structures that provide vertical support to the rack. They comprise two smaller upright frames (posts), diagonal struts, footplates, and corresponding accessories.

• Crossbars. These are metal profiles placed perpendicular to the beam to reinforce load stability. This helps prevent pallets from accidentally falling (or potentially breaking). Usually, each pallet load is supported      by two crossbars.

• Diagonal struts. Diagonal strut profiles are fitted to the upright frames diagonally to create and support the frames'structure. These are not in all pallet racking systems.

• Shelf panels. These are the components supported by beams to hold the load. Depending on the type of merchandise stored, shelves can be wooden, grated, or galvanized metal.

• Shims. These are metal components placed under profiles standing on uneven flooring to ensure the pallet rack's structure maintains its center of gravity.

• Fastening elements. These include bolts, clips, fasteners, locking devices, and row spacers. Depending on the warehouse shelving brand, these may be required to assemble the pallet rack.

What Are Storage Racks Used For?

Storage racks are essential for storing materials and industrial purposes in warehouses, holding bays, and transportation. The pallets are stored in horizontal rows and multiple vertical levels, increasing storage capacity and inventory management.

Pallet racking can be used to store a wide variety of items, from engines and forklift attachments to grocery goods and furniture

Common industries that use storage racking include:

• General warehousing

• Distribution centers

• Retail

• Pharmaceuticals

• Transportation

• Grocery, food, and beverages

• Manufacturing

• Marine and automotive

• Building and construction

How Do You Identify Pallet Racking?

Identifying pallet racking types can be difficult. But it can also be easy if you know what you're looking for.

Some pallet racking systems are easily identified by their logo, manufacturer name, or product part number on the rack. But they can be difficult to identify when they don't have labels.

You can refer to this pallet rack identification chart to help you identify your pallet.