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Buying guides
Choose the right pallet rack

How to choose the right pallet rack for your warehouse

Selecting the right pallet rack and designing your warehouse layout thoughtfully are key to streamlining logistics and cutting costs. To achieve optimal results, focus on choosing a pallet system that fits your business needs, promotes smooth operations, and emphasizes safety. Seamless movement of goods in and out of the warehouse requires careful planning and a versatile pallet system adaptable to changing storage needs and warehouse conditions. Prioritise safety and invest in durable, high-quality racking to ensure the safe handling of pallets and heavy goods, safeguarding both your team and efficiency 
Warehouse employee operates a forklift in a storage facility with pallet shelves

Create an optimal flow

To ensure smooth operations, begin by identifying loading and unloading points, then arrange pallet racks accordingly to optimise warehouse logistics. This is particularly crucial in larger warehouses where quick unloading is essential to accommodate incoming deliveries. Select solutions capable of efficiently managing large volumes.

Furthermore, conduct a thorough analysis of your product assortment. Identify fast-selling items and those with lower turnover to strategically position high-demand products in easily accessible areas, minimising travel distance within the warehouse. Ensure adequate space for safe transportation using forklifts, pallet jacks, and pallet trolleys.

The weight and size of the goods

When it comes to the weight and size of your goods, safety is paramount.

Ensure that pallet racks never bear more weight than they're designed for, as indicated by loading signs specifying the permissible load per rack section.

Additionally, for items like half pallets, attach extra half-pallet inserts to the supporting beams to accommodate them securely and maintain stability.

Maximise inventory volume

Utilise Vertical Space: Determine the appropriate height for pallet racks based on your warehouse's layout and ceiling height. Choose racks with adjustable supporting beams placed at close intervals, allowing flexibility to adapt to your storage requirements. Consider installing additional beam levels or grids above supporting beams to accommodate items such as boxes that don't require the full height of a pallet, maximising storage space utilisation. 

Double Racking: Consider utilising double racks, where two pallet racks are positioned back-to-back, eliminating the need for aisles between them and saving valuable space. 

Innovative Solutions: Explore the use of mobile pallet racks and pushback systems in large logistics warehouses to streamline warehouse processes and optimise space usage. 

Long-Term Planning: Plan by constructing a warehouse design that minimises the need for frequent alterations. Alternatively, build a foundation that allows for expansion as storage needs evolve, with the flexibility to add more sections as required. 

Expert Assistance: Contact our project sales team to ensure the successful implementation of your new warehouse solution, tailored to your specific needs and objectives. 
En lagerarbetare använder en utdragsenhet på ett pallställ

Utilise the potential of pallet racks 

Cable Reel Racking is adapted for storage, handling and suspension of cable reels.

Drum Cradles used for safe storage and handling of drums/barrels.

Roll Holders can be used for cylindrical goods such as pipes, carpets etc

With Long Side Inserts it's possible to store pallets handled on the long side.

Pull Out Units mounted directly on to the support beams of the racking facilitate the handling of goods. Pull out the unit to easily access the contents of the pallet.

Mount a tool board between the ends of the pallet rack and you can always have useful tools close at hand.

Suspension for waste bins can be mounted on the end of the pallet rack so you don't have to have them standing on the floor.

A practical divider allows you to store slabs such as stone or glass, standing in the pallet rack.

Security in the warehouse

Creating a safe workplace environment is essential, and this starts with meticulous planning of the warehouse layout to prevent accidents. To achieve this, it's important to concentrate manual picking activities in specific areas, reducing the risk of potential hazards. Additionally, minimising forklift traffic in pedestrian zones is vital to enhance safety for all workers. Clearly designating forklift routes and pedestrian areas not only facilitates smooth navigation but also ensures clear separation, further mitigating risks.

Furthermore, proactive identification and rectification of any obscured or poorly visible spots within the warehouse premises are crucial steps in effectively managing potential hazards. By prioritising safety measures such as these, you not only safeguard your employees but also promote operational efficiency and productivity.

ULTIMATE Pallet Rack Starter Kit, Holds 9 Pallets

Ask us about pallet racks!

If you need help planning your warehouse, please contact us. Our project sales team have a wealth knowledge of warehouse optimisation and are happy to help you!

ULTIMATE Pallet Rack - Basic sections and add-on sections

FAQ

The EUR-pallet measures 800 × 1,200 mm and is 144 mm high.
A half pallet usually measures 800x600 mm, making it half the size of a standard EUR-pallet. 
Single-use pallets are generally not recommended for use in pallet racking systems. Instead, to avoid the need for repacking goods, items on single-use pallets can be placed on top of a standard EUR-pallet or a pallet insert. 
The counterbalance forklift is widely regarded as the most common type in warehouse operations. 
Pallet racks should be clearly marked with signs indicating the maximum load capacity per section and load level. If the weight limits are consistent throughout the rack, signs on the end frames suffice. 
Storing goods in pallet racks allows for efficient utilisation of warehouse space and ensures easy access to stored items while promoting a safe working environment. 
Free stacking involves placing palletised goods directly on the warehouse floor and stacking them vertically on top of each other. 
Deep stacking refers to the practice of stacking palletised goods behind each other without aisles in between, maximising space utilisation. Pallets are arranged according to the FILO principle – First-In, Last-Out. 
Pallet rack, pallet racking system, and rack are different names for the same thing – a rack for storage of pallets with goods.

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