Planning Your Pallet Rack – Everything You Need to Know

These days, warehouses are starting to incorporate tools from big data and predictive analytics to allow their warehouse workers to optimise operations. The goal is to create a streamlined workflow for non-stop distribution.

In the meantime, having an efficient warehouse has become essential for today’s distribution centres. Warehouses are looking to optimise their space as well as their efficiency.

That’s where pallet rack systems come in. But how can you utilise this planning method for your warehouse? In this guide, we’ll teach you everything there is to know about planning your pallet rack systems.


Pallet Rack Features to Look For

A pallet rack is a tool used to store goods and goods in distribution centres. It comes with a steel frame supporting a network of horizontal beams set at different heights.

Here are some key things to think about when choosing your pallet rack:


1) Load Capacity

The load capacity refers to the amount of weight the pallet rack can support. This is crucial as it will determine how many goods you can store in your warehouse.

You have to find out the weight of your goods and multiply it by the number of pallets you wish to set up. A good example of this is in a grocery store.

The warehouse wall is lined up with pallet racks that are filled with different products. It is the job of a forklift to move the pallet racks in and out of the warehouse and to load the products into trucks.


2) Pallet Rack Materials

Pallet racks come with a metal framework and metal brackets that keep your pallets in place. The framework usually consists of metal bracing and metal posts.

The main type of metal used for pallet racks is steel, due to its high strength and sensible costs.

Whilst painted/powder coated steel is the most common finish, its often recommended that components are galvanised, should the racking be used outdoors (builders merchants for example).


3) Material Handling Equipment

There are different types of material handling equipment you can use to move pallets around your warehouse. The most common ones are forklifts and pallet trucks.

To move a pallet of goods, you can use a pallet truck. This is a twin forked trolley which you can pump up and down, that will hold a pallet of goods. Pallet trucks are only good for moving pallets at ground level, and not suitable for loading racking.

Forklifts are a power form of pallet truck. They are vastly different machines which are able to reach huge heights. This means a forklift can load your racking with pallets off the floor. The type of forklift you’d use depends on many different factors, such as wight of pallets and aisle space.


4) Building Code Compliance and Permits

Before you start assembling your pallet rack, it’s important to check out the regulations.

It’s always recommended that pallet racking is installed by a competent, trained professional. Your racking supplier should be able to point you in the right direction to find someone.


5) Turnover and Product Type

You can also choose whether you want your pallet rack to be narrow or wide. If you want to store products that are different from each other, you can get your pallet rack wide.

A wide rack allows you to separate different products that are different from each other.

Adding timber or steel decking also adds some versatility for storing less uniform goods that might not be stored on pallets.


Conclusion – Planning Your Pallet Rack

You have to take all the factors above into consideration if you want to optimise the space in your warehouse. Make sure to do your research to come up with the most feasible plans for your warehouse.

If you are interested in using a pallet rack system, 3JC can help. We have pallet racking resources to help you get started on your warehouse build. Get in touch with us at 3JC to learn more.