PALLET RACKING SYSTEM
- Designed to suit your needs and available space
- Bolted or welded system
- Static or dynamic storage
- Requires use of forklift truck
- Products stored on pallets
- Maximize available building height
A pallet racking system is a vertical storage system that optimizes warehouse space and facilitates inventory management. Whether you’re a manufacturing, distribution or logistics company, pallet racking can help you improve your warehouse efficiency. MSK has been designing safe, optimized pallet racking systems for over 30 years.
What are the benefits of a pallet racking system?
Regardless of the type of pallet racking or racking system used, the advantages
of a well-organized warehouse are numerous.
Increased storage capacity
Pallet racking allows you to use the vertical space in your warehouse, considerably increasing storage capacity. With pallet racking, you can stack pallets on top of each other, making full use of the available height. This allows you to store more products without having to expand your warehouse.
Increased storage capacity
Pallet racking allows you to use the vertical space in your warehouse, considerably increasing storage capacity. With pallet racking, you can stack pallets on top of each other, making full use of the available height. This allows you to store more products without having to expand your warehouse.
Cost Reduction
Pallet racking is an economical storage solution that helps reduce storage costs. With pallet racking, you can store more products in a smaller space, reducing warehouse rental costs. In addition, pallet racking helps reduce product handling costs, facilitating storage and retrieval.
Increased safety
Pallet racking allows products to be stored safely and securely. The pallets are stacked on top of each other, using hardware to avoid any risk of falling. This reduces the risk of product damage and employee injury.
What are the different types of pallet racking systems?
Racking in your warehouse is a very important system that needs to be carefully designed according to your products, your operations and your space. In addition to the number of pallet positions, the type of system used must take into account your products, handling equipment and operations. Here’s an overview of the different categories and their racking types:
Static Shelving
A static racking system uses shelving to store goods. Pallets are placed on these racks and handling equipment is used to load and unload the racking. This system is widespread because, in addition to being highly customizable and inexpensive, it can improve the use of space in a warehouse.
This type of static racking is the simplest and most common. Pallet racks are positioned in back-to-back rows, separated by forklift aisles. Each pallet faces the front.
A deeper, back-to-back version of the single-depth pallet rack. This racking system can store more material of the same type and increase the density between aisles.
Dynamic Racking
Dynamic racking systems can further increase storage capacity and, through additional technical components, can speed up or improve the order picking process.
A reverse-gravity system consists of a racking system with a downward slope towards the front, on which pallets are positioned on mobile carts. A reverse-gravity pallet rack operates on the “last in, first out” principle. When the operator loads a new pallet, it pushes on the previous one.
A gravity pallet system, or pallet flow, is organized as a deep tunnel with a downward slope that operates under the “first in, first out” concept. Pallets are loaded at the top of the slope and picked up at the bottom. Pallets are moved by a system of rails or rollers.
The drive-in pallet rack offers very high pallet storage capacity and density. On the other hand, it offers little in the way of a pick-up front, making it ideal for situations where large quantities of the same product need to be stored.
A mobile pallet racking system offers extremely high density by eliminating traffic aisles between rows of shelving. Rows of shelving are installed on mobile carts that move to provide access to products.
How to optimize your warehouse using pallet racking?
Taking on a racking project on your own can be daunting. You have to comply with the standards, consider the loads to be stored while keeping safety in mind. In addition, the available space must be maximized. MSK can help you with this process. For 30 years, our teams have been designing pallet racking systems taking into account your products, your installations and your processes. Contact us to start your next warehouse storage project.
What is an Effective Pallet Racking System?
An effective pallet racking system is the foundation of any streamlined supply chain and warehouse operation. At MSK Canada, we understand that optimizing your industrial space requires more than just placing racks; it demands strategic design and implementation. Our wide range of pallet racking products are engineered to help you maximize your vertical space, enhance efficiency, and improve inventory management. Whether you need standard selective pallet rack or a high-density storage solution, we offer racking solutions tailored to your specific storage needs and operational flow.
Selective Pallet Rack: The Foundation of Warehouse Racking
The selective pallet rack is the most common and fundamental type of pallet racking system used across North America. It is the go-to solution for warehouse racking when accessibility to every single pallet is paramount.
Features of Selective Pallet Racking
Selective pallet rack consists of simple upright frames and beam levels, allowing forklift access to every pallet in the system. This 100% selectivity is crucial for operations managing a wide variety of SKUs, or where product rotation (FIFO/LIFO) is not the highest priority. The design is sturdy and durable, ensuring long-term use in demanding industrial environments. Our selective warehouse racking system is modular, making installation straightforward and future relocation possible.
Selective racking is best suited for scenarios where product rotation speed and easy access are more important than maximizing storage density. This storage solution offers simplicity in warehouse management and is highly cost-effective for a general-purpose warehouse.
High-Density Storage System Options
When the goal is to maximize storage within a limited floor space, high-density pallet racking systems are the answer. These specialized rack systems reduce the number of aisle space required, significantly increasing the amount of product that can be stored in a given area.
Drive-In and Drive-Through Pallet Racking Systems
The drive-in and drive-through pallet racking systems are excellent options for high-density storage. They allow the forklift to drive directly into the lane of racks to retrieve or deposit pallets. This configuration is ideal for LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) inventory operation and is typically used for products with high volume but low SKU variety. The system significantly increases utilization of vertical space by eliminating most internal aisles.
Dynamic Warehouse Racking System Solutions
More advanced racking solutions include dynamic systems that use gravity or mechanical operation for pallet movement. These specialized warehouse racking systems offer even higher density and improved rotation control: Pallet Flow Rack: Pallet Flow racking uses inclined wire mesh or rollers for gravity-fed pallet movement (First-In, First-Out).
- Pallet Flow Rack: Pallet Flow racking uses inclined wire mesh or rollers for gravity-fed pallet movement (First-In, First-Out).
- Push-Back Rack: Push-Back racking helps to store pallets in deep lanes, pushing the previous one back upon loading (Last-In, First-Out).
Another highly efficient option is mobile pallet racking systems. These industrial pallet rack systems are mounted on carriages that move along tracks, opening only the necessary aisle for access. This method achieves near-total floor space utilization.
Specialized Racking and Industrial Shelving
The term pallet racking system also encompasses specialized structures designed for non-palletized or unusually shaped heavy loads.
Cantilever Racking and Vertical Storage
Cantilever racking is a unique storage system designed without front uprights, making it ideal for storing long, bulky items like lumber, pipes, or sheet metal. The adjustable horizontal arms allow for easy loading and unloading of irregularly shaped loads. For items stored on end, vertical racking solutions utilize the full height of the warehouse, increasing efficiency and accessibility.
Integrating Industrial Shelving and Accessories
We also provide a full range of industrial shelving and accessories designed to complement your main rack structure. This includes smaller shelves for carton and manual picking areas, wire mesh decking for safety, and crucial accessory like safety systems and guardrail components. All our shelving and storage products are made from durable steel and are designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing warehouse racking.
Safety and Inspection for Your Warehouse Pallet Racking Systems
Maintaining health and safety standards is critical for any warehouse operation. All pallet racking systems must comply with local regulation and safety standards. MSK Canada provides comprehensive services to ensure the long-term reliability of your storage system.
Protecting Your Investment
Regular inspection by certified professionals is essential to identify damage caused by forklift impacts or improper loading. Our customer service team can schedule routine assessments to ensure the rack structure remains sound and safe for your employees. With the help of our partner Damotech, we help you maintain your investment, ensuring your warehouse racking system continues to provide reliable pallet storage. Our systems are designed to maximize productivity while adhering to the highest health and safety mandates in Canada.
FAQ about Industrial Pallet Racking Systems
– What is the most common type of pallet racking?
The selective pallet rack is the most common type of pallet racking because it offers 100% accessibility to every single pallet in the system, making it highly flexible for various SKU needs.
– How is high-density storage different from selective racking?
High-density storage systems (drive-in or push-back) prioritize maximizing storage density and vertical space utilization by minimizing aisle space, whereas selective racking prioritizes direct easy access to every pallet.
– Do all pallet racking systems require a building permit?
Yes. Installing any pallet racking system that affects fire suppression, lighting, or structural integrity—especially tall rack systems—must comply with local regulation and often requires a building permit.
– What is the purpose of wire mesh decking on pallet rack?
Wire mesh decking is a safety systems accessory that provides a stable surface for pallet support, prevents items from falling through beam levels, and allows for proper water flow from fire suppression systems.
– What is the best storage solution for long materials?
Cantilever racking is the best storage solution for long, bulky materials like pipes or lumber, as it lacks front uprights, allowing for unobstructed horizontal loading and retrieval.