At Quickline Storage, we supply a range of different types of pallet racking, designed to suit various applications. With such a dizzying variety, how do you know which pallet racking type is which and what its intended use is?
In this blog post, we’re going to cover the seven most common types of racking, giving a little information about each, including their ideal applications. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be one step closer to finding the right system for your needs, but if you’re confused, the best way to get tailored advice is to give our friendly team a call on 0113 880 0866.
Push Back Racking
Push back racking, a form of live storage, relies on the use of forklifts to load pallets at the front of the racking, pushing the pallet behind backwards – hence the name, push back. When the pallet at the front is removed, the rear pallets slide forwards, ready for picking next.
This is a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) storage system that’s well suited to everything from food and drink to clothing and heavy commercial use. It provides efficient stock rotation, and the strong shelves allow it to handle large weight loads.
Narrow Aisle Racking
As the name suggests, narrow aisle racking requires smaller aisles than other types of racking, allowing for the maximisation of floor space. As a trade-off, however, it does require the use of specialised forklifts, designed to operate in smaller spaces.
Because of its efficient use of space, narrow aisle racking is well suited to applications where efficiency is key. Industries that commonly use this system include food and drink, third-party storage suppliers and heavy commercial.
Cantilever Racking
If you regularly store large, long or typically unwieldy objects, then cantilever racking is the system for you. This pallet racking type uses tall uprights with short, sturdy arms designed to tackle heavy loads. Cantilever racking, thanks to its open nature, offers good visibility of stock at all times.
Among others, industries which typically favour cantilever racking include timber yards and builders’ merchants as well as manufacturing and fabrication firms.
Mobile Racking
Ever wished you could move your whole racking system around as you pleased depending on your needs at the time? Well, you can, with mobile pallet racking. Using powerful motors and pre-determined movement paths, this system allows you to move entire sections of racking, opening and closing aisles as you please and allowing for maximum access and space usage.
The applications of this kind of racking are almost limitless, but industries where it’s commonly found include food and drink, heavy commercial and clothing.
Wide Aisle Racking
This is the most common of all types of pallet racking: wide aisle racking. It’s become so common thanks in part to its proven ability to handle a broad range of stock types as well as heavy loads. It also offers unfettered access to stock with the use of standard forklift equipment.
Wide aisle racking is found the world over in almost every kind of application, but has found particular strengths in retail warehouses, automotive parts distribution and food and beverages.
Live Racking
Live racking systems have two sides: a load side and an unload side. Stock is loaded on one side before sliding towards the unloading side, offering a practically automated picking process which minimises the need for forklifts.
These systems are fantastic for stock control and product accessibility, and are a favourite among the food and drink, retail and e-Commerce, heavy commercial and automotive industries.
Drive-Through and Drive-In Racking
Drive-in and drive-through types of racking rely on forklifts being able to drive into or through entire units, allowing easy access to all stock and flexible loading. These systems also lend themselves well to a LIFO rotation plan, allowing for maximum space usage and efficient stock control.
Because this set-up is able to accommodate high weight pallets, with the integral use of forklifts, it’s commonly used by food and drink, carpet and flooring, heavy commercial and clothing industries.
Looking for a Warehouse Racking Solution? Contact the Experts
Choosing the right type of pallet racking for your specific needs is crucial, as the wrong system could result in wasted space and knock-on inefficiencies. At Quickline Storage, we can work with you to build the perfect racking solution for your requirements.
To get started, just reach out to our friendly team using our contact form or by emailing us at mail@quicklinestorage.co.uk.
Get Your No-Obligation FREE Quote Today Call: +44 (0) 113 880 0866