What Is Pallet Racking?

Pallet racking is a designed to hold materials on pallets in horizontal rows with multiple levels, optimizing both floor and vertical space while streamlining inventory management 1 . Comprised of upright frames connected by horizontal beams, pallet racks support loaded pallets that are typically placed and retrieved using forklifts.

Core Components

• Upright Frames: Vertical columns anchored to the floor that bear the structural load.
• Load Beams: Horizontal supports that hold pallets and can be adjusted to different heights for varying pallet sizes.
• Wire or Timber Decking: Optional shelving between beams to prevent smaller items from falling through and to enhance safety.
• Safety Accessories: Footplates, column protectors, row spacers, and wall ties secure stability and guard against impacts1.

Main Types of Pallet Racking

• Selective RackingOffers direct access to every pallet and flexible beam height adjustment – ideal for warehouses with diverse SKUs and frequent turnover.
• Drive-In / Drive-ThroughHigh-density, LIFO (last-in, first-out) or FIFO (first-in, first-out) storage where forklifts drive into rack bays, maximizing storage depth but reducing selectivity.
• Push-Back RackingPallets rest on nested carts in inclined lanes; new loads push existing ones back, using gravity to roll pallets forward upon removal (LIFO system).
• Pallet Flow (Gravity Flow)Slightly inclined rollers allow pallets to flow from the loading end to the picking end, supporting FIFO inventory rotation.
• Cantilever RackingDesigned for long, bulky, or irregular items (e.g., lumber, pipes) with horizontal arms extending from vertical columns – no front uprights obstruct access.

Benefits

Implementing a pallet racking system can:

• Maximize Storage Density: Utilize vertical warehouse space to significantly increase pallet positions without expanding the building footprint.
• Improve Inventory Visibility & Accessibility: Organize SKUs in clear, distinct locations for faster picking and reduced travel times.
• Enhance Safety: Securely store pallets off the floor, reducing product damage and the risk of injuries from unstable stacks.
• Lower Operational Costs: Optimize space utilization, minimize labor through efficient access, and reduce real estate expenses by fitting more goods into existing space.

By choosing the appropriate pallet racking configuration – whether selective for versatility, drive-in for density, or flow systems for rotation – businesses can tailor their storage solutions to operational needs, safety requirements, and budget constraints.