When it comes to warehouse storage, there’s no universal solution. The right racking system depends on your inventory type, picking strategy, available space, and throughput goals. Here’s a high-level look at the most common types of racking systems and what makes each one unique:
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Roll Form Selective Pallet Racking
The most common and cost-effective racking system, roll form selective racking is ideal for standard pallet storage with direct access to every SKU. Its boltless, teardrop design allows for easy adjustability and quick installation, making it a flexible choice for warehouses with varied inventory.
Structural Racking
Built from hot-rolled steel, structural racking is designed to handle heavy loads and harsh environments. It’s more durable than roll form and can better withstand forklift impact, making it ideal for high-traffic or cold storage applications where strength and longevity are critical.
Cantilever Racking
Perfect for storing long, bulky items like lumber, steel pipes, or furniture, cantilever racking features horizontal arms extending from a single vertical column. This open design allows for easy loading and unloading of non-palletized goods with irregular shapes or lengths.
Push Back Racking
A high-density storage solution that allows multiple pallets to be stored on a slight incline, push back racking works on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) system. As a pallet is loaded, it pushes the existing ones back. It’s great for storing multiple SKUs with fewer pick faces, offering a balance between selectivity and space efficiency.
Drive-In Racking
Drive-in racking maximizes storage density by allowing forklifts to drive directly into the system to retrieve or place pallets. Using a LIFO approach, it’s best for storing large quantities of the same SKU. It eliminates aisles between rows, making it a go-to for cold storage and bulk goods.
Still not sure what the best option for your warehouse is? Let one of the experts at UMH help!
From these offerings to fully automated solutions, UMH is THE choice for warehouse optimization.
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