PALLET RACK

GUIDE

STYLES, TYPES AND APPLICATIONS

[Link]/palletracks
EFFICIENT & SAFE STORAGE SYSTEMS
How to Build a Better Warehouse

Not all rack is the same. We’ll work with you to meet your critical requirements
and load factors to make sure you get an efficient rack system
that helps your warehouse function better. Whatever your
needs or load type, you can count on us to help you
shop
design a stable, safe and space-efficient solution.
—Craig, Employee-Owner Since 2014
Systems Integration Group

Inside the guide

Selective vs. dynamic 3
Rack Tips: Difficult Loads 4
Rack Tips: Decks and Load Styles 4
Rack Tips: High-Bay Systems 5
Rack Tips: Inspecting Your Racks 5
Rack Tips: Pallet Racks & Fire Prevention 6
SK2000 Selective Rack 7
SK3000 Structural Selective Rack 8
Selective Rack Accessories 9
Specialized Rack Loads 10
Carton Flow Selective Racks 11
How to Configure Selective Racks 12
Selective Racks Worksheet 13
Pushback Rack Systems 14
- Worksheet 15
A guide to rack usage Drive-in & Drive-Through Racks 16
This is a common sense guide to specification, styles, accessories - Worksheet 17
and usability. You will find quick, useful information on racks and Pallet Flow Systems 18
how you can use them more efficiently. If you have questions about - Worksheet 19
specifying your racks correctly, how to use them more effectively,
how to make them safer, contact us for fast assistance.
• Pallet Rack Buyers’ Guide
• Pallet Rack Blog: Dozens of Articles
• Selective Rack Estimator

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 RACK TYPES: SELECTIVE VS. DYNAMIC
How to Balance Selectivity and Storage Density Needs
Selective Rack: 100% access to all pallets­—but with lower
storage density
Selective rack is easily the most versatile choice—it provides 100% selectivity
to every pallet position. Lets you easily change the storage mix. However,
selective rack requires an aisle for every row, and has lower storage density
than pushback or drive-in racks. It’s the most common pallet storage
racking type in the world. Ideal for faster moving product in most warehouse
applications.

Drive-In racks: last-in-first-out picking with excellent

storage density, lower selectivity
Drive-in racks are “last-in, first-out” systems with reduced selectivity, and
excellent product density. Ideal for items that have longer life in storage, and
don’t require immediate access. Often used for cold storage applications
where every inch of expensive space is critical. Drive-in & drive through
systems are ideal for items with a longer life in storage that don’t require
immediate access.

Pushback: last-in-first-out with good storage density,

medium selectivity, more versatility
When forklifts unload pushback racks, the next pallet rolls to the front of
the bay; when loading, pallets are pushed back in a last-in, first-out storage
scheme. You can place a different SKU on every level. Pushback systems
require angled pitch, which consumes vertical space, and are denser than
selective, but not as dense as drive-in systems.

Pallet flow: first-in, first-out; great storage density with less

selectivity and reduced handling costs
Pallet flow systems offer the greatest storage density. Depths are limited
only by facility size; store a single SKU per lane. Once loaded, product rotation
is automatic, as pallets flow to picking aisles. Flow systems offer automatic
“first-in, first-out” product rotation. Because only two aisles are necessary,
aisle space can be reduced by 75%. Fewer fork lifts, operating fewer hours, and
consuming less fuel can accomplish the same handling function.

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 PALLET RACK TIPS
A Guide to Storing Difficult, Bulky and Long Loads
Storing rolls and reels
Rolls, reels and other spooling loads can be stored on pallet racks. To
accomplish this, special reel pockets are placed on the upright and
then fitted with a horizontal bar. Rolled items like film, wiring, cables
or paper are placed on the bar, and can be dispensed. The capacities
for these racks must be understood, since the loads are dynamic.
Reel pockets have capacities (calculated per pair) that must be
taken into account.

Long item storage

Many long items can be better stored on cantilever than pallet
racks, but there are applications where pallet rack fits better in the
storage strategy of your facility. We’ve done projects, for instance,
where long rolls of film or fabric can’t be stored on cantilever arms
because the arm would dent fragile materials and full support is
needed. You may already have pallet racks and want to adapt them
to store longer loads. Pallet racks can be adapted with relative ease
for these applications.
Many companies need to store specialized loads, such as rolls, dies, tubes, fragile items and
more. With the right hardware and design, almost anything can be safely and efficiently stored.

Rack Decking Load Guide Types of mis-loads

Rack loads aren’t just simple weight vs. structure. The dimensions, • A line load distributes its weight in a concentrated line and isn’t
shape and size/density of the load also factor in. uniformly distributed, which may place the entire load pressure on the
deck. In the example below, the weight rests on the wire instead of the
channel supports, which may cause the decking to deform and fail.
Weight vs. load placement for rack decking
Knowing the weight and type of load that will sit on a wire deck is • Any load not uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the
vital. Below are some of the most common loading scenarios with decking section is a concentrated load. When you have multiple pallet
sizes stored in the same rack system, the chances of a concentrated
descriptions and examples of each. and unbalanced load increases.
Universally distributed loads • A point load can be defined as any load that has its weight
As defined by ANSI 26.2, universally distributed loads are “any static concentrated on individual points versus uniformly distributed.
load evenly distributed over the entire surface on the rack deck
independent of the support system.”
This means the load needs
to rest over all the support
channels and the majority of
the deck surface and come
within 2” of the front and rear
load beams to achieve the full
capacity rating.
Line load Concentrated load Point load
Here, the bulk of the weigh rests on the wire, All of the weight of this pallet is placed in the center Above: This bulk container has 4 feet resting
instead of the channel supports, which can cause of the deck, putting the entire load on 2 of the 4 on the deck. All the points sit only wire mesh,
the decking to deform—and potentially to fail. support channels. causing deflection and potential failure.

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 PALLET RACK TIPS
Loading & Unloading Tall Racks How to Inspect Pallet Rack
To prevent accidents, regularly inspect your pallet racks for
damaged components. In general, split welds, rust and dents should
always be noted. The rack must be straight, plumb t and should be
bolted to the floor to achieve its full capacity.

Loading and retrieving pallets from tall bays can be problematic,

resulting in dangerous load drops or damage. It’s difficult because
drivers can’t see the load or the rack beam.
• Drivers may not be able to tell if the tines are lined up correctly on the pallet
when their forks enter it, making it possible to bump or shift.
• When depositing a pallet at height, it’s not easy to tell if it’s positioned to rest
both front and back on the beams or centered correctly. Upright frames and base plates
• Rack capacities are based on evenly-distributed loads, so it’s important that Damaged uprights should always be addressed—by
the pallets are square and centered. replacement or repair. Install post protectors for
economical protection. Check the footplates for damage as
What can you do to reduce risks? well as for missing floor bolts, dust or floor cracks.

Load the rack with adequate clearances Load beams

Load your racks with acceptable tolerances above and to the sides
of each pallet and the frames. You should have 10” head clearance Deflection is often caused by overloading, but could
between the top of load and the bottom of the beam above it. also be the result of a beam that was damaged in
some other way. Whatever the cause, that beam
Add technology to help drivers see should be checked, and potentially replaced if the
Technology is only an deflection is outside acceptable tolerance. Also check
enhancement to training. It can’t the beam for dislodged connectors or bolts.
prevent accidents on its own,
but can help drivers see and Deformed struts or braces
understand the situation better. Struts are the horizontal steel bars that connect two upright posts.
Options include cameras that let Braces are the diagonal steel that connect struts. If either is bent,
drivers see the load and beam, it’s an indication of issues with loading, impacts or capacity.
laser tine guides, tine leveling
alarms and more.
Rack environment & usage
Install product/pallet fall protection systems Make sure the rack isn’t being overloaded or loaded with unbalanced
If forklift drivers bump a pallet and knock it—or a pallletized carton loads that can stress it past its capacity rating. Aisle clutter is a
or other load—off, then protective systems like safety netting, frequent cause of rack collisions (and subsequent collapses) and
straps, back beams/bars or wire panels can stop the fall and help should be avoided.
prevent damage and injuries.

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 PALLET RACK TIPS
Pallet rack beam capacities are pretty simple. They’re rated per pair for evenly
distributed, properly-positioned loads. But upright capacities are more complex
because their capacity is calculated on vertical beam spacing. The largest vertical gap
dictates the capacity, so be aware of tall loads, which can stress a rack more than a squat,
heavy loads because extra beams act as lateral support. Get these factors right, and
your rack will be safe and stable. If you need help, call us today.
—Denise, Employee-Owner Since 2015
Systems Integration Project Manager shop

Racks, Flue Space, Load Spacing & Fire Prevention

Flue spaces are clear vertical lines of sight from the floor up to
the ceiling within rack storage areas. The National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) requires that pallet rack flue space should
remain clear at all times so that any fires can successfully vent up
rather than out, allowing sprinkler systems to activate faster.
Send flames up, not out
The vertical rise of flames also helps
slow fire spreading horizontally
through a rack system, which can 3. Make sure the space between rack rows is adequate. Row spacers are
cause more damage and burn longer frequently installed to produce precise longitudinal flue space, as they
than if a fire rises. make certain there is enough space between rows.
4. Use wire or perforated decks. Solid decks or particle boards don’t allow
What can you do to help flames to escape up, and also impede sprinklers.
reduce issues with flue space
obstruction? 5. Don’t let forklift drivers push the back of the pallet too far into the flue
space between back-to-back rack rows. Make sure your pallet loads are
1. Leave adequate space between pallet not too deep for your rack system. You can also install back beams, nets or
loads. NFPA requires 6” horizontal flue safety straps that don’t allow push-through.
space between loads. A 92” beam allows
for two pallets with 6” between them
and 3” between each pallet and the
frames on either side. According to NFPA, American fire departments
2. Make sure your pallets and loads are the respond to an estimated average of 1,210 fires in
right size for the depth of your rack. You
should allow the pallet to hang over the warehouses every year. Because fire suppression
back beam in a double row, and maintain systems affect rack structure design and
adequate longitudinal flue space
between rows. geometry, your system must be carefully planned.

6 • [Link]/palletracks • Toll-Free: 888.877.3861 ANNIVERSARY

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 SELECTIVE RACK SYSTEMS
Impact-Resistant SK2000 Selective Racks
Longer-lasting & impact-resistant Thousands of preconfigured pallet racks
Safer and stronger than conventional pallet rack, SK2000 fully [Link]/fullracks
enclosed tubular racks have 44 times more torsional strength than We can help you build standard racks, racks with wire decking,
open back racks. Seamless, fully welded structural tubing increases safety netting, security cages and integrated carton flow. Let’s solve
durability, cleanliness and structural integrity. your storage problems.

Pallet rack with integrated carton flow

tracks on lower beam levels.

Beams: 3-rivet connection & channel rib strength

• Beams are seamlessly welded, high-strength structural steel tubing with no
ledges or cracks to catch pallets or trap moisture/debris.
• 1/16” stiffening ribs built into the beam face for strength
• Exclusive safety clip and stiffening rib design resists disengagement from
the upright. Engages with an audible snap.

Fully enclosed uprights

The industry’s only 100% tubular rack,
with greater resistance to torsional forklift Pallet rack with wire back panels and
impact than open-back roll formed columns. security cages.
Utilizes a tapered keyhole connection slot,
interchangeable with several other rack
systems, and allows 2” vertical beam
adjustments.
See Steel King Upright Frames Racks with
wire decking
included.

Pallet racks with safety nets included.

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 STRUCTURAL SELECTIVE RACK
For videos and more, visit [Link]/structural

Structural rack is used for a variety of dynamic storage applications, but can also be used in selective
racking, if the situation warrants—typically in areas where forklift collisions and abuse are more likely, for
very heavy loads, washdown areas and more. See the table below or call us for guidance.

• Built with hot rolled structural channel steel, for difficult

industrial environments.
• Popular in harsh-duty applications like freezers, coolers,
and distribution facilities
• C-channel construction makes it easier to clean and
wash down than roll form racks
• Beam connectors constructed of heavy 5-gauge steel
plates, featuring a wrap-around design
• Upright frames are punched on 4” vertical centers. Beam
connector clips specially punched allow for vertical
adjustablility in 2” increments

Compare: roll form vs. structural for selective rack applications

Factor Structural Racks Roll-Form Racks
Very strong with welded connections, heavier steel
Overall strength Excellent for standard warehousing applications
and higher capacities
Impact Bulkier construction offers improved resistance, but Fully enclosed tubular uprights are more impact
resistance this depends on foot plate weld strengths resistance than open back alternatives
Because structural has open, c-channel construction,
Washdown Can be washed, but not as easily as c-channel
it’s easier to wash down for clean, food and similar
capabilities structural racks
operations
Higher capacities than roll-form. Beam ties are usually
Capacity added to increase capacity. Bolted connections add Capacities typically lower than structural racks
strength to structural systems
Cost Typically more expensive Typically less expensive
Weight Heavier than roll-form Lighter than structural
Shipping costs More costly to ship due to weight Less costly to ship due to lighter weight
Outdoor use Used more often outdoors (is easier to galvanize) Can be used outdoors, but is less typical
Due to bolt connections, structural is costlier and
Installation Faster installation due to teardrop connections
slower to install
Offers fewer available accessories. More difficult to
More flexible due to a range of accessories. Easier
Flexibility adjust beam levels. Structural is used for more types
beam adjustment
of racks (pushback, drive-in, etc)

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 PALLET RACK ACCESSORIES
Supports and spacers Protect rack from falls, pilferage
Reduce product spills and increase security
Pallet Supports: For pallets not deep enough to by installing wire mesh panels and gates
fit on standard rack frame depths. Use two per on your rack. Contact us for assistance
pallet position. retrofitting your racks with this protection
system. Security enclosures with swinging
gates help guard inventory—pallets, case-
Frame Spacers: Keeps space between rack pick inventory or other bulky items
rows and pallet overhang uniform. Frames up
to 120” tall, use 2 per frame; 144” to 216” tall,
use 3 spacers Rack safety netting protects people, product
[Link]/racknet
Pallet rack wire decking Reduces the chances of falling
inventory from damaging itself,
[Link]/wiredecks other product or anyone standing
Wire decking provides visibility, beneath. Rack nets are configured
easier product handling, pallet by total pallet weight, fall
stability and ventilation. Tough wire trajectories, impact velocities &
construction with underlying metal weight distribution—they’re meant
supports is strong and stable. to withstand a specific impact.
Meets applicable fire safety codes.

Column Protectors Rack safety straps help reduce

“push through” damage
All uprights should be guarded against forklift collision damage.
Steel guards, poly guards and other types are available. The type [Link]/rackstrap
needed depends on your application, forklift type and other factors. Help reduce pallets & loads from pushing
into flue space or falling into work areas.
Add as many straps as necessary to each
bay for securing your goods. Helps enforce
flue space for fire prevention. Installs with
simple teardrop connectors and no tools.

shop Whether it’s wire decks that help support pallets and
loads, frame guards that deflect forklift hits, safety
netting that catches falling loads or pallets, pull-out shelves that prevent
ergonomic problems or other accessories, we can help you find ways to
make your rack work better for you.
—Jeremy, Employee-Owner Since 2006
Ecommerce Manager

9 • [Link]/palletracks • Toll-Free: 888.877.3861 ANNIVERSARY

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 SPECIALIZED RACK APPLICATIONS
Heavy-Duty Die Racks Over-Dock-Door Racks
Store dies, motors, jigs, fixtures and more
Die racks feature a solid metal shelf design allowing die placement
anywhere along the shelf, and can accommodate a variety of die
sizes. Shelf design allows dies to slide on or off a shelf for easy
access and storage.

Utilize dead space above your dock doors

Utilizes space above dock doors to store empty pallets & other light
loads neatly and safely without occupying valuable floor space.
This is frequently wasted space you can reclaim for these types of
lighter loads.

Pallet Racks for Any Application

• Narrow aisle & very narrow aisle racks: the space between aisles is minimized in
these systems, reducing aisles up to 40%.
• Mobile aisle racks: in these systems, rack sections move on floor mounted rails to
open up access aisles. This is a very high-density storage system.
• Specialty storage racks: can be built to store odd sized and specialty loads such as
tires, furniture, bar stock odd components, long parts, oddly-balanced loads, vehicles,
super-heavy-duty loads and more.

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 CARTON FLOW PALLET RACK
For videos and more, visit [Link]/cartonflow

shop
Carton flow saves tons of space and makes picking faster,
but it also reduces wasted motion. Order pickers can walk
as far as 12 miles a day. This much walking
makes them tired, more error-prone and
less productive. Goods-to-person lets
them spend more time doing productive
work like picking and packing.
—Tom, Employee-Owner Since 2015
Account Executive

Flow Storage & Pallet Racks

Mounting considerations
A common gravity flow application is to mount shelves of
flow storage on pallet rack so you can mix & match gravity
flow and bulk pallet storage in the same structure.

What rack types?

Most carton flow types work in tubular (roll-form) or
Dedicated flow storage structural racks. Teardrop and bolt-connection frames usually
have the right mounting openings for carton flow. When you
Pallet racks are frequently converted into gravity flow storage. It’s
are using rack beams to support the tracks, the amount of
done with lower levels where order pickers can access pick faces.
adjustability relies on the available beam spacing—the more
Upper levels are left for pallet and bulk storage operations.
adjustable, the better. You can adjust the flow storage pitch
by offsetting front and rear beams.
• Gravity skatewheel shelves
Beam ties are recommended for wider beams to reduce
• Gravity roller shelves bowing. Beam heights of 3.5” minimum are recommended.
For double deep racks, intermediate supports may be
• Traditional plastic wheel shelves
required for both capacity and to increase structural integrity.
• Accessories such as knuckle-overs, extended lanes, and more

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 SELECTIVE RACK SPECIFICATION
Understanding your load—its dimensions, weight and its basic shape—will make
sure you get the right pallet rack, This guide can get you started, but you can call
us for help on your pallet rack layout, design or specification project.
—David, Employee-Owner Since 2010
Web Sales and Service shop

Determine pallet & load factors

1. Determine the load depth, load width, load height and weight of the largest
load you’ll be storing.
2. To determine width & depth, measure the load. Use the larger of the two
dimensions.
3. To determine height, add the height of the load and the height of the pallet
together for the total. Determine upright height
4. Load weight should include the pallet and reflect the heaviest pallet stored 9. Multiply the number of pallets high stored minus one pallet x 10”. Example:
in the rack. if you’re storing 4 pallets high, then multiply 3 x 10” = 30”
10. Multiply the number of pallets stored minus one pallet by the overall load
Determine rack depth height. Include pallet height in the overall load height. Example: Overall load
height of 50”, 4 pallets high, minus one pallet. 3 x 50” =150”.
5. Determine front-to-back depth of your upright: Subtract 6” from your pallet
depth. Example: Your pallet is 40”W x 48”L. Subtract 6” from 48”. You will 11. Add the two numbers (30” + 150”=180” in this case). This number is your
need uprights at least 42” deep to accommodate this load. minimum upright height. Be certain your ceiling is adequate to store the
pallets you need.
Determine beam width & capacity
Notes for upright height design
6. To determine beam width (2 pallets per beam): Multiply the load width
x2 and add 12”. Example: Load width is 42”. 2 x 42” = 84”+12”=96” beam 12. The 10” between pallets allows for beam depth and space to lift and
length. If required, round up to the next highest beam length. remove the pallet.
7. See standard beam sizes for some of the available beam widths. We’re not 13. Make sure you have enough space left between load height of uppermost
limited to those sizes. pallet and overhead obstructions. This is called clear ceiling height, which
is measured as the distance from the floor to the bottom of the lowest
8. Check beam capacity to ensure the beam can carry your load. Beam obstruction minus 10”.
capacities are listed per pair for evenly-distributed loads.

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 SELECTIVE RACK WORKSHEET
Fax: 972-406-9577 • Email: 24hours@[Link] • Call: 888-877-3861
Ignore questions you can’t answer—we’ll walk you through the process and make it easy!

About you
Name: ________________________________________
Facility factors
Company: ________________________________________
Building status (circle): New or Existing
Phone: __________________________________
Building dimensions
Email: ___________________________________________ Width: _________ (feet) • Length: _________ (feet)
Clear ceiling height: _________ (feet) *below lowest obstruction
Storage temperature: __________
Storage conditions: Dry Cooler Freezer
Building columns
Outside dimensions: _________ (inches)
Column centers: _________ (feet)
Column bumper size: _________ (inches)
Describe any other obstructions or special conditions, including
sloped floors, special machinery, etc:
___________________________________________

Pallet & load factors Rack specifications

Length - Pallet (A): ________ Load (D): ________ (inches) Rack type - Tubular or Structural
Lowest load - Floor or Beam
Width - Pallet (B): ________ Load (E): ________ (inches)
#Bays: _____ #Pallets/bay: ____ #Pallets high: _______
Height - Pallet (C): ________ Load (F): ________(inches)
Rows: Single Double Both
Total (pallet + load) height: ___________
Rack options
Weight - pallet + load totals (lbs.):
Pallet supports Pallet stop beams
Minimum: _______ Maximum: ________ Average: _________ Decking: circle wire, solid, other Row spacers
Loading direction: (G) or (H) Wall ties Upright protectors
Pallet Type: Guard rails at row ends Safety nets
GMA Block Single 9-Point Slave Other
If other, send drawing or sketch dimensions.

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 PUSHBACK RACK SYSTEMS
• Store pallets 2-5 deep while retaining easy access to a variety of SKUs.
Store one SKU per pallet position—more selective than drive-in or flow
• When front pallet are removed, pallets roll to the front of the rack
• If you have are multiple stored products with
more than 5 pallets per SKU, then pushback
racks are an excellent storage method that
can save space without compromising
selectivity
• Interlocking, color coded carts help prevent dangerous jamming and costly
product damage. Also allows easier product identification
• 4-sided, heavy-duty, robotic welded structural cart for smooth rolling and
longterm durability

Pushback rack gives you 90% more product storage than selective and 400% more
selectivity than drive-in systems. If your load works in a last-in-first-out (LIFO)
inventory rotation, it’s the best compromise between density and access.

shop
—Christine, Employee-Owner Since 2003
Account Executive

For videos and more, visit [Link]/pushback

Pushback carts

Carts are critical because jams are both dangerous

and expensive. The best carts are built for longer
term performance and require less maintenance.
Pallets are placed by forklift on nested carts riding
on inclined rails.
Each pallet is then pushed back by subsequent
pallet loading, exposing the next cart. When a pallet
is removed at the front position, pallets on carts
behind it to roll gently to the front of the rack.

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 PUSHBACK RACK WORKSHEET
Fax: 972-406-9577 • Email: 24hours@[Link] • Call: 888-877-3861
Ignore questions you can’t answer - we’ll walk you through the process and make it easy!

About you
Name: ____________________________________________ Facility factors
Company: _________________________________________ Building status: circle - New or Existing

Phone: ___________________________________________ Building dimensions

Width: _________ (feet) • Length: _________ (feet)
Email: __________________________________
Clear ceiling height: _________ (feet) *below lowest obstruction
Pallet & load factors
Storage temperature: __________
Storage conditions: Dry Cooler Freezer
Building columns
Outside dimensions: _________ (inches)
Column centers: _________ (feet)
Column bumper size: _________ (inches)
Describe any other obstructions or special conditions, including
sloped floors, special machinery, etc:
__________________________________________
Length - Pallet (A): ________ Load (D): ________ (inches) __________________________________________

Width - Pallet (B): ________ Load (E): ________ (inches) Rack factors
All dimensions in inches unless noted.
Height - Pallet (C): ________ Load (F): ________(inches)
#Bays wide: _________ #Pallets per bay: _________
Total (pallet + load) height: __________
Loading direction: G or H #Pallets deep: _________ #Pallets high: _________
Weight - pallet + load totals (pounds): Bay width: _________ Upright - depth: ______ height: _____
Minimum: _______ Maximum: ________ Average: _________
Clear width for outrigger trucks: _________
Pallet Information Double front posts; height: _________
#Bottom Deck Boards: _______
Lowest load is on: Floor Beam
Width: ______ Thickness: ______ (inches)
Is floor load double stacked? Yes No
Pallet Type:
GMA Block Single 9-Point Slave Other
If other, send drawing or sketch dimensions.

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 DRIVE-IN & DRIVE THROUGH
Store 75% More Pallets than Selective Racks
shop
Drive-in systems are the
champions of last-in,
first-out high density
storage. Everything
is loaded and picked
from the front pick
faces of the rack system.
Your forklift drivers will pull the first pallet layer, and
drive directly into the rack structure for the ones behind
it. Because they use the entire cube, we do a ton of
drive-in racks in frozen storage areas.
—Colin, Employee-Owner Since 2014
Account Executive

For videos and more, visit [Link]/drivein

When to specify drive-in systems

Drive-In Rack is used to store many pallets of a similar SKU or product. Since it’s last-in-first-out,
it’s suited for items where inventory rotation is less important. It’s ideal for bulk, cold storage
applications and other high-density needs. It’s also good for seasonal items that move quickly
in and out of your inventory. Use it when you have a large amount of similar items that can be
stored in a single pallet position. Because forklifts drive directly into the rack, they are subject to
more abuse than any other racks.

Drive-in racks
Drive-in rack systems allow a lift truck to enter the rack from one side to deliver or retrieve pallets
in a last-in, first-out operation, as pallets are loaded back to front for maximum storage density.

Drive-through racks
Drive-through racks allow a lift truck to enter the rack from either side. Loads are supported by
rails attached to upright frames, and lift trucks are driven between uprights to access pallets.
This allows either LIFO or FIFO storage.

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 DRIVE-IN/DRIVE-THRU WORKSHEET
Fax: 972-406-9577 • 24hours@[Link] Forklift Factors
Ignore questions you can’t answer - we’ll walk you through it.
Mast width: ______
Guard Height: ____
About you
Overall width: ______
Name: __________________________________________
Max. width w/load: _____
Company: ________________________________________
Max. lift height: _____ (ft.)
Phone: __________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________ Facility factors
Dimensions
Pallet & load factors
Width: _________ (feet) • Length: _________ (feet)

Clear ceiling height: ______ (feet) *below lowest obstruction

Temp.:______ Conditions: Dry Cooler Freezer
New facility Existing facility
Building columns
Outside dimensions: _________ (inches)
Column centers: _________ (feet)
Length - Pallet (A): ________ Load (D): ________ (inches) Column bumper size: _________ (inches)
Describe any obstructions or special conditions:
Width - Pallet (B): ________ Load (E): ________ (inches)
______________________________________________
Height - Pallet (C): ________ Load (F): ________(inches)
Rack factors
Total (pallet + load) height: __________
Drive in, single entry Drive-in, double entry
Loading direction: G or H
Drive-through Sanitary design
Weight - pallet + load totals:
#Bays wide: _____ #Pallets per bay: ______
Minimum: ________ Maximum: _______ Average: ________
#Pallets deep: _____ #Pallets high: _______
Loading direction: G or H
Vertical load spacing: _________
Pallet Information
Bay width: ______ Upright - depth: _______ height: ______
#Bottom Deck Boards: _______
Clear width for outrigger trucks: ______
Width: ______ Thickness: ______ (inches)
Double front posts height: ______
Pallet Type:
Lowest load is on: Floor Beam
GMA Block Single 9-Point Slave Other
If other, send drawing or sketch dimensions. Is floor load double stacked? Yes No

17 • [Link]/palletracks • Toll-Free: 888.877.3861 ANNIVERSARY

1970-2020
 PALLET FLOW RACKS
For videos and more, visit [Link]/palletflow

The best solution for high-density applications

where product rotation is critical to order fulfillment
Flow racks consist of two elements: a static rack structure and
dynamic flow rails. The flow rails are a track/roller system set at a
decline along the length of the rack. Flow rails allow loads to move
by gravity from the loading end to the unloading end. Each flow lane
includes self-energized speed controllers (brakes) to gently control
the speed of movement within the flow lanes.
Ideal for raw materials receiving and storage, work-in-process,
buffer storage, finished goods, order picking, & cross docking.
As a load is removed, the loads behind it move forward to the
unloading position. Rack depth is limited only by the facility size
shop and forklift capability. Flow storage solutions are used in situations
where storage density and inventory rotation are priorities.
Pallet flow is ideal first-in, first- Reduced handling, labor & equipment
out high-density storage for
Pallet flow reduces the number of forklifts needed in an operation.
perishable and time-sensitive Fewer lifts, operating fewer hours, can accomplish more. With only
loads. It packs in 100% more two aisles (loading or unloading), traffic is more orderly, employees
pallets in the same space are more efficient and overall productivity is better.
compared to selective Flow rack specification information
racks. We’ve installed • Flow racks allow a single SKU per lane, since only one pallet is accessible. If
systems across every selectivity is more important, you may need a different system
industry, customized • Load type is critical. You must know the size, shape and weight of all loads.
exactly to customer needs in applications from food to These directly affect pitch and roller speed
manufacturing buffer areas. • Flow rack is frequently used in pick module applications, in conjunction with
conveyors, carton flow and mezzanines
—Christine, Employee-Owner Since 2015 • Full rollers generally don’t need lubrication. However, in extreme conditions
Account Executive (salt, moisture, corrosives, dust), lubrication may be needed. Note these
conditions in your specification request

18 • [Link]/palletracks • Toll-Free: 888.877.3861 ANNIVERSARY

1970-2020
 PALLET FLOW WORKSHEET
Fax: 972-406-9577 • Email: 24hours@[Link] • Call: 888-877-3861
Ignore questions you can’t answer - we’ll walk you through the process and make it easy!

About you Facility factors

Name: __________________________________________ Status: New facility Existing facility
Company: ________________________________________ Dimensions
Phone: __________________________________________
Width: _________ (feet) • Length: _________ (feet)
Email: ___________________________________________
Clear ceiling height: ______ (feet) *below lowest obstruction
Pallet & load factors Temp.:______ Conditions: Dry Cooler Freezer
Storage temperature: __________
Building columns
Outside dimensions: _________ (inches)
Column centers: _________ (feet)
Column bumper size: _________ (inches)
Describe any obstructions or special conditions:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Length - Pallet (A): ________ Load (D): ________ (inches)
______________________________________________
Width - Pallet (B): ________ Load (E): ________ (inches) Rack factors
Height - Pallet (C): ________ Load (F): ________(inches) All dimensions in inches unless noted.

Total (pallet + load) height: __________ #Bays wide: _____ #Pallets per bay: ______
Loading direction: G or H
#Pallets deep per bay: _____ #Pallets high: _______
Weight - pallet + load totals:
Bay width: _____ Upright - depth: ______ height: _____
Minimum: ________ Maximum: _______ Average: ________
Loading direction: G or H Clear width for outrigger trucks: ______

Pallet Information Double front posts height: ______

#Bottom Deck Boards: _______ Lowest load is on: Floor Beam

Width: ______ Thickness: ______ (inches) Is floor load double stacked? Yes No
Pallet Type:
GMA Block Single 9-Point Slave Other
If other, send drawing or sketch dimensions.

19 • [Link]/palletracks • Toll-Free: 888.877.3861 ANNIVERSARY

1970-2020
 ANNIVERSARY
1970-2020

[Link]/palletracks
888.877.3861 toll-free

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE BY EMPLOYEE-OWNERS