Choosing heavy duty racking is not simply a matter of finding a rack that can hold heavy pallets.The same type of racking can have very different specifications depending on the warehouse and the goods being stored.

Before asking a supplier for a quotation,it is worth checking these five points.

1.What Is the Actual Pallet Load?

“Heavy duty”does not mean the rack has one fixed load capacity.

The supplier needs to know the maximum weight of each pallet,not just the average weight.This affects the beam selection,upright configuration and overall rack design.

If the load varies significantly between pallets,provide the heaviest expected load when requesting a quotation.

2.What Are Your Pallet Dimensions?

Pallet size is just as important as pallet weight.

A standard pallet and an oversized pallet may require different rack depths,beam lengths and clearances.The pallet overhang also needs to be considered when determining the storage position.

Providing the exact pallet length,width and height can help avoid an unsuitable initial quotation.

3.Which Forklift Will Be Used?

The rack should be designed around the actual handling equipment.

A counterbalance forklift,reach truck and VNA forklift have different aisle and operating requirements.If the aisle is too narrow for the selected forklift,increasing storage density on paper will not necessarily improve warehouse efficiency.

For this reason,forklift type should be confirmed before finalizing the rack layout.

4.Do You Need More Storage or Easier Access?

This is one of the most important decisions.

Selective heavy duty pallet racking provides direct access to individual pallets,while systems such as double deep,drive-in or pallet shuttle racking can make better use of available space under suitable operating conditions.

If the warehouse has many SKUs,accessibility may be more important than maximum density.If large quantities of similar products are stored,a higher-density solution may make more sense.

The right answer depends on how inventory actually moves through the warehouse.

5.How Much of the Warehouse Height Can Be Used?

Warehouse height can create additional storage capacity without increasing the floor area,but the building height alone does not determine the number of rack levels.

Clear height,sprinkler systems,lighting,roof structures,forklift lifting height and required operating clearances all need to be considered.

A good racking layout therefore looks at the entire warehouse rather than simply adding as many levels as possible.

What Should You Send a Racking Supplier?

For a more useful heavy duty racking quotation,prepare:

• Warehouse length,width and clear height

• Pallet dimensions

• Maximum pallet weight

• Number of pallets required

• Number of SKUs

• Forklift type

• Required storage levels

• Any special storage conditions

With this information,a manufacturer can better evaluate the rack configuration and warehouse layout instead of providing a generic product price.

Planning a Heavy Duty Racking Project?

HLD Shelves provides customized warehouse racking solutions based on pallet specifications,storage requirements and warehouse conditions.

Send your basic warehouse and pallet information to discuss a suitable heavy duty racking configuration.