If you have browsed the selection available from most pallet rack manufacturers, you undoubtedly know that there are a lot of choices available. How can you be sure you’re choosing the right pallet racks for your warehouse? Check out these tips for selecting the right option – or options – for your center:
Know the Products You Will Be Storing
Knowing what size products and pallets that you will be storing is critical to selecting the racks that will hold them properly. It is also important to know the velocity at which different products come in and out of your warehouse. Make sure to also consider what size increments you are both receiving and distributing. You may receive product into your warehouse in pallet sized increments, however, you may also break apart those pallets and distribute that same product in case sized increments.
Know the Size of Your Overall Storage Load
Just as important as knowing the size of your pallets is knowing the size of your overall storage load. This is the key to maximizing the design of your racks to your overall available storage space . To determine your overall storage load size, add the size of the load itself to the size of your pallets. Make sure to take the total weight of the entire load into consideration too.
Beam Width and Capacity
The beams of your storage racks are important since this is where the support and strength comes from. In addition to the width of your product loads, industry standard uses 5” from the frame to the product load and 6” between product loads. For a typical selective racking system, beam lengths typically range from 46” to 144”. Beams 108” and longer require a minimum of one brace. An experienced racking manufacturer will be able to help you select the right beams for your design.
Upright Height and Upright Depth
The height and depth of your assembled shelves or racks should also be considered. For example, a 42” frame is the most common depth in North America. These are typically used for 48” deep pallets, resulting in a three-inch overhang from both the front and the back. The upright height of your assembled racks is relative to both your available space and your fork truck’s capabilities. Remember, the forks of your fork truck must be able to lift the pallet about 8” above the top shelf of your rack in order to place and retrieve pallets. Just like the beams, an experienced rack manufacturer will be able to help you with the proper selections.
To use these tips to find the perfect industrial storage racks, speak with an expert at Frazier Industrial Company.
