High Density Pallet Systems For Warehouse Storage

High-density pallet racking is a warehouse storage solution that conserves space for many warehouse operations. Sometimes called horizontal pallet transfer or dynamic storage, high-density racking provides a system of moving and retrieving stored inventory that is more safe, efficient and cost effective. This system works best when the warehouse is storing fewer products (SKUs), rather than a diversified inventory.

Multiple pallets of the same SKU are not always handled well by gravity flow systems, especially if they are very heavy, because they tend to gain speed and can lose balance as they travel down a ramp. With pallet racking systems, stored materials are kept at a minimal incline while being transferred. In warehouses with gravity flow systems, there is always the potential danger of runaways, which means that inventory must be moved more slowly to maintain safety. Pallet racking allows the warehouse to transfer merchandise quickly while eliminating the wasted space of gravity systems.

When Should You Use a High Density Pallet Racking System?
When you have more storage of a particular SKU that can be handled by traditional push back racks or gravity flow systems, high density pallet racking is the best solution. Because the incline on high density pallet racks can be significantly reduced, warehouses will save space and gain the ability to store more. Not only can more racks be placed vertically, but each rack can hold more.

High density systems allow warehouses to join drive-in and push back racking, creating a system that safely pushes multiple pallets forward. Without the system, the number of pallets in a rack would be limited to six or so. This is because a fork lift while amazingly strong and versatile, is not as strong as the mechanical controls that move pallets in a high density racking system. Rather than depending on braking systems that can fail, these systems hold pallets to a rail where they can be manipulated with more precision. This lets warehouses store racks of ten or more pallets each, and place more racks within the storage space because of the reduced incline.

Used High Density Pallet Racking Systems
There are some businesses that specialize in used pallets for multiple types of storage systems. Since the economic downturn, many warehouse types of facilities have failed, which has produced a substantial inventory of used storage systems on the market. High-density systems are a great option in warehouses where space is costly, such as refrigerated storage. More efficient storage saves money for warehousing operations. Businesses can save even more by purchasing used pallet racking systems, where the savings can be as much as 40 to 80 percent of the cost of a new system. Companies looking to purchase used pallet racking should be certain they are working with a reseller with a deep understanding of the equipment and RMI (Rack Manufacturer's Institute) standards. While no board certifies used rack dealers, the RMI ensures that racks are built to certain safety specifications. In many cases, used pallet racking can take as much as 50% more than the manufacturer's load limit without failing.