How Do You Optimize Your Available Space With Pallet Racking

One method of improving warehouse efficiency is optimizing available storage space. Many businesses have found that making the most of their warehouse space saves on operational costs and storage costs. Using pallet racking systems allows more space to be used in the warehouse which makes running the warehouse much smoother and more efficient.

Pallet rack is a device used for storing items that makes use of a number of pallet shelf storage levels. This type of racking unit allows one to store more items using less space. Optimizing warehouse space allows for better management of storing and retrieving items which helps to reduce costs. Pallet racking systems come in a variety of different types of storage solutions to meet the demands of every business that uses a warehouse to store their products and other essential items. The ability to optimize storage space is a key feature of these storage systems. For example, for warehouses with a high ceiling, a 3- tier high stacking pallet allows one to stack items on top of each other up to the ceiling. One can acquire a pallet stacking unit that is 5 -tiers high. They are very strong and durable allowing them to hold heavy and awkward shaped items. As well, they can hold thousands of items of all types.

Pallet racking systems shelving units are also easy to access. One just has to use a forklift to retrieve the pallet shelving unit with the items. Transporting them is safe so one does not have to worry about damage during transportation. Operational efficiency is improved because more loads are carried to and from the warehouse thereby reducing labor costs. The pallet shelving tiers are easy to access and organizing items is much easier making retrieving and adding items much quicker. It is a cost effective way to optimize warehouse space. One can also store more of the most popular items which will ensure the items are always in stock.

When using warehouse racking systems, one can store a broad range of items using less space. This can include smaller items such as electronics or large awkward items such as heavy duty machinery. Pallet racking systems are available in such types as pallet racks, drive-in racking systems, mobile racking units, bar racks, and much more. They can be stored according to size, shape, and demand, while making the most of warehouse space. For instance, there are slide pallets in which the pallets will slide on rails to allow one to access items from the back row without any problems. There are also pallet systems that are resistant to outdoor environmental conditions such as rain and wind. As well, there are pallet racking systems where the shelving units can be adapted to suit the warehouse needs.

Pallet racking has become an essential method of improving warehouse efficiency and optimizing warehouse space. When choosing a pallet racking system, it is important to know the type of system that suits your business requirements. There are a number of companies online that sell a wide variety of quality pallet racking units. Pallet racking systems are a cost efficient and effective way of optimizing warehouse space.

How to properly size pallet racks and storage rack

1 They are:
Size the Product
Measure the width and depth of your pallet.
Note the weight of your pallets and how many pallet you will be putting on each shelf
Special Note : Click on any of the illustrations below for an enlarged detailed view
2 Selecting the beam and upright size:
Beams
Select the required length. This is the actual open length ( called Span - see Step 1 photo) needed to store the pallets on. Note this IS NOT the overall end to end length of the beam itself.
Determine the capacity needed.
This will be the max. weight of the heaviest pallet you want to store times the number of pallet that will be put on each shelf. ( example: 2000# is heaviest pallet being stores X two pallets = 4000# capacity per shelf beam needed. Beam height corresponds to capacity. Inherently, the taller the beam more capacity it will hold. ( example: a 96" long x 5" high beam will inherently will hold more weight and have a higher holding capacity than a 96" long X 4" beam of the same model and make of pallet rack. Depending on how much overhang the product being stored on the pallets has, you will want to leave at least 2 inches or more room between each pallet and between the pallet and the upright frame to allow easy storage and retrieval of pallets from your pallet racks. ( see step 2 photo).
3 Upright Frames
Select the required height as determined by the top shelf level desired.
Select the required frame width. This should be be the same depth of the material being stored is using pallet racking with wire decks or a minimum of 6" shorter than the pallet depth when wire decks are being used.
Determine the capacity needed, column sizes are related to capacity. A standard 3 x 1 5/8 column inherently hold between 15,000 to 18,000# of warehouse racking depending on manufacturer. Call your rack supplier for the capacity of the rack they represent for exact capacities. 3x3" column upright frames are rated for 24,000 to 30,000 lbs. capacity and are used for storing heavier loads.
4 Add it up
Determine the number of beams and uprights you will need based on the sizing and the spacing from steps one and two. View the illustration on step 3 for and example of different configurations based on locations against walls, isles etc.

Get your racking systems

Getting the right pallet racking systems for your business can be a complex process. There are a number of important factors that you will need to consider throughout the acquisition and installation process. From the actual amount of shelving that you want through to the exact loads that you plan to use the racks to store, and the kind of fork lift truck that you are going to use in order to load and unload pallets with, the planning stage is crucial if you are to finish up with the right pallet racking system for your exact needs.
Whether you choose a completely new set of pallet racks, and have them professionally installed or decide to cut costs where possible and opt for fully tested used pallet racking, you will find that we stock one of the largest inventories of used pallet rack storage systems available anywhere, and can provide help and advice throughout the whole purchase and installation process in order to ensure that you end up with a completely safe and secure pallet rack system that meets the exact needs of your business.
The first step in purchasing pallet rack systems is to decide precisely how much storage area you need for your business to function at its most effective. Storage of bulk materials is important, as the more of a particular material you purchase at any given time, the larger the discount that you are able to negotiate, and the better your margins will be. The more product you buy, the more storage you need, and this is where choosing your pallet rack systems carefully is most important.
In order to properly maximize the amount of available space you have, it is important to build upwards. A fork lift truck will be able to reach the highest levels of your pallet racks, and items stored at ground level can be obtained using manual carts to make the whole process more efficient. The most important thing however is to ensure that there is enough space in the aisles between the racks to make access to materials loaded onto pallets as easy as possible.
When it comes to the actual installation of your pallet racks, choosing the right system is essential. While all the options available to you offer high quality and strength as standard, you may need to make special consideration based on the seismic profile of your home base. An area that is particularly active will inevitably require a much more robust system than other places.
The actual installation of the pallet rack systems needs to be carried out by professionals pallet rack installers who know what they are doing. This will ensure that all of the beams and columns are properly fitted together in order to maximize the structural strength and safety of the system when in use. Proper inspections throughout the process and on an ongoing basis will ensure that the system remains safe in the long run, while the high quality powder finish that is given to pallet racks during their production will provide hard wearing and long lasting units that will remain sturdy and secure in the long term.