Pallet racking is a type of storage system designed to hold pallets of goods in a warehouse or distribution center. It consists of a series of upright frames, horizontal beams, and diagonal braces that are assembled to create rows of storage bays. Pallets are placed on the horizontal beams, which are typically made of steel and have safety pins to prevent the pallets from slipping off. Pallet racking is an efficient way to store large quantities of goods and can be customized to fit the specific needs of a warehouse or distribution center. It is commonly used in industries such as retail, manufacturing, and logistics.

There are several types of pallet racking systems, including selective racking, drive-in racking, and push-back racking. Selective racking (e.g., teardrop racking) is the most common and allows for easy access to each pallet, while drive-in racking and push-back racking are designed to maximize storage density by allowing pallets to be stored in a more compact manner.

• Selective racking: This is the most common type of pallet racking and allows for easy access to each pallet. It features vertical frames and horizontal beams that create individual bays for pallet storage. Teardrop racking and carton flow racking are both types of selective racking.
• Drive-in racking: This system allows for high-density storage by allowing pallets to be stored in lanes, with forklifts driving directly into the lanes to load and unload pallets.
• Cantilever racking: Cantilever racking is designed for storing long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items and uses horizontal arms instead of traditional pallet supports. The arms provide support for the stored items, allowing them to be accessed from the front without any obstructions.
• Push-back racking: This system allows for high-density storage by allowing pallets to be stored on wheeled carts that slide forward as new pallets are added, with each subsequent pallet pushing the previous one back.
• Pallet flow racking: Another high-density storage option, pallet flow racking (or gravity flow racking) allows for efficient inventory control in a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system. It uses a unique inclined roller track, where new inventory is pushed in at one end and the oldest inventory is retrieved at the other.

Pallet racking is commonly used in a variety of industries and applications where large quantities of goods need to be stored and organized. Some of the most common applications for pallet racking include:

• Warehousing and distribution: Pallet racking is often used in large warehouses and distribution centers to store and organize goods for efficient distribution.
• Retail:Retail stores may use pallet racking in their backrooms or storage areas to hold excess inventory or seasonal items.
• Manufacturing: Pallet racking is commonly used in manufacturing facilities to store raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Automotive and heavy equipment: Pallet racking is often used in automotive and heavy equipment industries to store large and heavy parts or equipment.
• Cold storage: Pallet racking can be designed for use in cold storage facilities, where it provides a safe and efficient way to store temperature-sensitive goods.

When you work with the mezzanine experts at Pantero, we make sure that your mezzanine is designed according to your needs and specifications. We’ll help you size and design your mezzanine for your facility and use case and pick the right decking material, framing, railings and stairs.

• We start with a formal assessment to understand your needs in terms of size, load-bearing strength, and functionality. This includes a site assessment so we understand how the mezzanine will function within your space and the physical constraints of your building.
• We create design specs based on our findings, specifying framing and decking materials, railing options, stair options, and exact sizing and building specifications.
• Once you have approved the design specs, we order the materials and schedule your installation.
• When the installation is complete, we conduct a full inspection to make sure everything is up to code and installed according to your specifications.

Selecting and designing a pallet racking system requires careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure that the system meets the specific needs of the business while also complying with safety standards and regulations. It is important to work with a professional pallet racking company that can evaluate the space and provide a detailed plan for designing and installing a racking system that meets your specific needs and requirements. Some factors to consider include:

• Available space: The size and shape of the available space will impact the design and layout of the pallet racking system.
• Type of goods being stored: The weight, size, and shape of the goods being stored will determine the type of pallet racking system that is most suitable.
• Accessibility requirements:The frequency with which goods need to be accessed will determine the type of pallet racking system that is most appropriate. For example, if goods need to be accessed frequently, a selective racking system may be the best option, and a gravity flow system may be best for FIFO inventory management.
• Safety considerations: Pallet racking systems must be designed with safety in mind, including factors such as load capacity, seismic considerations, and fire safety.
• Budget: The cost of the pallet racking system will be a key factor in selecting the most suitable system.
• Future growth: It is important to consider the potential for future growth and expansion when selecting and designing a pallet racking system.
• Regulations and standards: There may be local, state, or federal regulations and standards that must be met when designing and installing a pallet racking system.

Pantero’s experience with pallet racking comes thanks to our subsidiary, Ampro Inc. Ampro, which became part of Pantero in 2021, has been serving the Midwest with warehouse and material handling solutions since 1969. We have retained that expertise so we can continue to serve our customers with high-quality pallet racking solutions backed by experienced customer service and support.

When you work with the pallet racking experts at Pantero, we make sure that your racking system is designed according to your needs and specifications. We’ll help select the right type of racking for your needs, size your racking system based on your facility and storage requirements, and build it according to all safety standards and building codes.

• We start with a formal assessment to understand your needs in terms of size, load-bearing strength, and functionality. This includes a site assessment so we understand what you need to store, how pallets will be picked and pulled, and the physical constraints of your space.
• We create design specs based on our findings, specifying the type of racking and the size and configuration of the system.
• Once you have approved the design specs, we order the materials and schedule your installation.
• When the installation is complete, we conduct a full inspection to make sure everything is up to code and installed according to your specifications.

It is important to work with a professional mezzanine company that can evaluate the space and provide a detailed plan for designing and installing a mezzanine that meets your specific needs and requirements.

Our trained, professional pallet racking installers take all appropriate steps to ensure safety in racking system installation.

• Our pallet racking systems are designed and built in compliance with all applicable building safety codes to ensure their safety, and we procure appropriate permitting (where required) before starting construction.
• We use high-quality materials to ensure the long-term strength and durability of your structure.
• We follow OSHA safety rules during the installation to ensure the safety of our people and yours.
• We thoroughly inspect the racking system after installation to make sure it is up to code and there are no material defects or installation errors that will impact safety and structural integrity.

Industrial pallet racking systems must be designed and built according to national, state and local building codes. Common building codes that may apply include the International Building Code (IBC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and local fire codes. The IBC sets out minimum requirements for the design, construction, and installation of buildings and structures, including pallet racking systems. It provides guidelines for issues such as load considerations, maximum allowable deflection, and minimum clearances. These requirements include:

• The racking system must be designed to withstand the loads that will be placed on it.
• The racking system must be constructed using materials that are compatible with the loads that will be placed on it.
• The racking system must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The racking system must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is important to check with your local building department and comply with all applicable codes and regulations when designing and installing a pallet racking system. It’s also important to work with a professional pallet racking installation company that can ensure that your rack meets all codes and regulations.

Spacing and clearance requirements for pallet racking are important safety considerations that can help prevent accidents and injuries. Some common spacing and clearance requirements include:

• Vertical clearance: There should be adequate vertical clearance between the top of the stored goods and the bottom of any overhead obstructions, such as lights or sprinkler heads. This clearance must be maintained at all times, including during the loading and unloading of goods.
• Horizontal clearance:There should be sufficient horizontal clearance between adjacent pallets, between the pallets and the upright frames, and between the pallets and any obstructions such as walls or columns. This clearance helps prevent damage to the pallets and the racking system and allows for safe access by forklifts or other equipment.
• Aisle width: The width of the aisles between the pallet racks should be sufficient to allow for safe and efficient movement of forklifts or other equipment. The width of the aisle will depend on the size of the equipment being used, the width of the pallets, and any other obstructions.

Connecting the pallet rack to building components is not generally recommended. The pallet racking structure is designed to be free-standing and self-supporting. If the pallet rack is connected to walls, ceilings, columns or other building components, the racking may put too much weight and force on building structures. If anchoring is not done correctly, it may cause structural damage to the building.

In some cases, pallet racking may be anchored to the building’s floor or walls for added stability and safety. However, it is important to ensure that the building components can support the weight and load of the pallet racking system. It is recommended to consult with a qualified engineer or other experts to determine the appropriate method of anchoring and ensure that the pallet racking system is installed safely and in compliance with all applicable building codes and regulations.

Yes, load capacity labels must be visible on the pallet racking system to ensure that the weight limit is not exceeded. These labels provide important information about the load capacity of the racking system and must not be removed or covered.

Safety regulations for pallet racking systems are designed to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to the racking system or the goods being stored. Compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure the safety of employees and the proper functioning of the system. Following these guidelines can ensure the safety of your racking system and your employees:

• Safety barriers: Safety barriers such as guardrails, netting, or wire mesh can be installed to prevent pallets or other objects from falling off the back or sides of the racking system.
• Upright protectors: Upright protectors can be installed to protect the racking system from damage caused by forklifts or other equipment.
• Pallet stoppers: Pallet stoppers can be installed at the ends of the horizontal beams to prevent pallets from accidentally being pushed off the racking.
• Load distribution: Pallets should be loaded and positioned evenly on the racking system to ensure that the weight is distributed evenly and that the racking system remains stable.
• Rack repair and replacement: Any damaged or weakened components of the pallet racking system should be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent the risk of collapse or failure.
• Building inspections: Regular inspections of the building and the racking system should be conducted to ensure that all safety regulations and requirements are being met.
• Employee training: All employees who operate forklifts or other equipment in the vicinity of pallet racking systems should receive proper training on safety procedures and protocols.