What is Pallet Racking?

Pallet racking systems are a storage method that leverages vertical space to store products and materials, whether single items or palletized loads.
Operators typically use forklifts to place and retrieve pallets and other materials stored on the shelves.

 
A typical warehouse pallet racking setup

Pallet racking as a storage solution is extremely popular.
According to Frank Ceriello, vice president of sales for Aigner Index, some 80% of all industrial materials are stored on pallet racking.

What are the Different Pallet Rack Parts?

There are several pallet racking components that compose the shelving:

•    Upright frames
•    Horizontal beams
•    Braces
•    Baseplates
•    Crossbars
•    Clips

Let’s go through each one.

Upright Frames 
These are the vertical steel posts that connect to the horizontal beams and bear the downward weight on the shelves.

Horizontal Beams 
Beams mount horizontally to the upright frames - one in front and one in back - and compose the shelves.
There are two different pallet rack beam types:

1.    Step beams, which feature a lip on the inside of the beam and support crossbars and mesh decks
2.    Box beams, which do not have the inside lip and are compatible with wire mesh and safety bars

 

Braces 
Braces are the horizontal and diagonal bars, generally welded to the uprights, that support the uprights and provide extra strength.

Baseplates 
Also called footplates or footpads, baseplates connect the upright frame to the floor and are secured with anchor bolts.

Crossbars 
Also called support bars, crossbars are placed between the horizontal beams to support pallets or materials and prevent them from falling through.

Clips 
Also called universal safety drop pins, beam locks, or beam connector locks, pallet rack clips are small fasteners used to secure the horizontal beams to the uprights. 
They prevent the horizontal beams from dislodging during loading and unloading.

 

What are the Benefits of Pallet Racking?

Pallet racking leverages the vertical space in your facility, allowing you to store more products and materials without expanding your horizontal footprint.
Overall, it's a lot like the advantage of building a skyscraper instead of a regular building.
Thus, the benefits of pallet racking include:

•    Saves money by lowering your cost per order
•    Maximizes space utilization by taking advantage of vertical space
•    Keeps you organized
•    Helps prevent damage to products on the ground from pests, moisture, impacts, etc.
•    Allows you to retrieve pallets more quickly and easily