Drive-In Pallet Racking

 

If you have a lot of inventory that ships’ on a regular basis, a Drive-In Pallet Racking system (also known as a Drive-Through Pallet Racking) may be a great high density storage solution for your company.

Using Flow-Rites extensive experience in multi-faceted warehouse racking systems, we will design a Drive-In Pallet Racking solution that incorporates your requirements. From an initial product and warehouse appraisal, we analyse your product types, pallet criteria, material handling equipment, available warehouse space, current pallet racking systems and warehouse shelving. This deeper understanding of your business operation forms the foundation in designing a warehouse storage solution that maximises your warehouse capacity and operational needs.

Please contact us today for a free consulation.

 

What is Drive-In Pallet Racking

While traditional rack storage allows for many rows of pallet racking with aisles between the individual rows, drive-in pallet racking allow for a much denser arrangement of stored product. Drive-in pallet racking systems allow more efficient use of available space than traditional multi-aisle selective racking systems. In fact, when compared to a conventional selective rack system, a drive-in pallet racking system can use up to 80% less space.

High density drive-in racks work by utilizing standard pallet rack uprights in conjunction with rail beams that store pallet loads in a very dense configuration. These unique rails automatically position pallets quickly and safely, eliminating time consuming realignment. The rails also ensure that pallets are presented correctly to the operator, promoting safe handling, ease of use and reducing mechanical damage to the rails and uprights. Furthermore, rails adjust in 3”increments to optimize space utilization.

The key difference between drive-in racks and other racking systems is that the forklift truck operates inside of the rack itself. There are no specified lanes between the rows. Forklift trucks enter the racking bays from one side to load and retrieve pallets, and the bays themselves can be as long or as short as needed.

There are two types of Drive-In Racking systems to consider:

 

 

Single Entry Drive-In Racking System

 

A drive-in pallet racking system whereby forklift trucks access pallets from one side of the racking structure only.

 

 

Double Entry Drive-In Racking System

A racking system whereby forklifts can access both sides of the racking structure and the centre of this structure is held in place by a large beam.

 

Drive-In Pallet Racking can provide very dense storage capacity. Pallets can be stacked up to 10 metres high and occasionally 10 pallets deep. However, the storage system can provide low access and rotation of products if not designed correctly.

When should you use Drive-In Racking

• If you have large amounts of similar products then drive-in racking is probably your best option when it comes to storage

• If you have fragile product loads which cannot be stored in block stacks

What are the advantages of Drive-In Racking

• Decreases storage and retrieval time while increasing efficiency and productivity among workers

• Increases your bottom line by giving you more storage room per dollar spent on racking

• Very energy efficient due to products being densely loaded thus less air to be heated or cooled between your pallets; and your forklifts don’t need to drive as far to pick or place loads thereby using less fuel

• Prevents product crushing, and offers damage free storage

• Floor single or double stacked pallets always accessible

• Our drive-in storage systems are tailored to pallet load size and handling equipment. Picking and replenishment is facilitated by means of conventional forklift trucks, keeping costs to a minimum

What are the disadvantages of Drive-In Racking

• Although Drive-in Pallet Racking systems are designed to provide space efficiency and high volume storage, with easy access to pallets, the storage system can provide low access and low rotation of products if not designed correctly. It is only ideal when the application has few SKU's and high pallet quantities of each SKU.

• Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) racking whereby the last-in or newest products at the front of the rack bay will be used first; therefore, old products at the back of the bay will not be used unless the bay is completely empted.

• Drive-In Racks are more open to misuse, so it’s important that the rack is strong and reliable to ensure long term use.

Flow-Rite Inc., will analyze your needs to deternine if Drive-In Pallet Racking is the right for you.

Please contact us today for a free consultation.