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A Beginner's Guide To Pallet Racking

Whether you own a small business or are the warehouse manager of a huge company, there are several instances when you will need to shop around for a new pallet rack system. Before you assume that all pallet racking is created equally, it's important to note that there are actually several different systems available, and each is designed to fulfill your company's specific needs. If this is your first experience purchasing pallet racking, here are a few points to keep in mind:

What Are Your Specific Needs?

Before you purchase a pallet rack system, it's important to understand your company's specific needs. This includes your budget, the size of your space, and the types of items that will be stored on the pallets.

While you're shopping around for a new pallet rack system, here are a few factors to keep in mind:

1. Your budget
2. The size of your facility, including the height of your ceiling
3. The variety of products you will need to store on the pallets. For example, will you have items with expiration dates, or will you employ a first-in, first-out system?
4. The types of pallets you will be using and their dimensions
5. The type of forklifts or fork trucks you will use
6. The number of items that will be stored on the pallets at any given time

These are a handful of the considerations you will need to keep in mind while choosing a pallet rack system.

Different Types of Pallet Rack Systems

Now that you have your basic needs in mind, it's time to learn about the various types of pallet rack systems available. Here are a few of the most common types of pallet rack systems used throughout the United States:

1. Selective pallet racking system – This is the most common type of system found in warehouses. The system is easy to install, inexpensive and allows easy access to the product.
2. Narrow aisle racking system – If you don't have much floor space or high ceilings, narrow racking is a great option. This system is ideal if you also utilize lift trucks and if you want to take advantage of your facility's lofty ceilings.
3. Double-deep racking system – A double-deep system is similar to a selective pallet racking system. What makes it different is that it is simply two pallets deep. However, it still cost effective and provides great access to the product.
4. Carton-flow pallet racking system – If you need to hand load your stock or if it is very delicate, a carton-flow system is a great option. The pallet racks feature a series of rollers, which allows you to easily access the stock by hand.
5. Heavy-duty racking system – If you handle heavy items, such as steel beams, heavy-duty racking systems are a great option. They are typically constructed from hard wood and feature additional boards on the bottom of the pallets for added strength.
6. Cantilever pallet racking – If you store several large or long items, a cantilever system is a great option. The system can also be constructed with your specific needs in mind.

Finally, in addition to keeping your needs and budget in mind, it's important to purchase your pallet racking from a reputable source. In addition to ensuring that your pallets are safe and manufactured from quality materials, a reputable provider will also help you design a system that is ideal for your floor space and budget.

According to Cost Owl, the average cost to have a pallet rack system installed in your facility is anywhere between $50 and $400 per pallet position. If you aren't sure which type of system is best for your facility, or if you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact a professional dealer for help. Check out websites like http://www.commercialhardwaregroup.com to learn more.