Pallet racking types play an important role in optimizing warehouse space and improving storage efficiency. This article from DNC Automation will help you understand the most popular racking systems today and how to choose the right type for your business’s warehouse needs.

What Is Pallet Racking?

Pallet racking is a storage solution that uses racks designed to hold pallets of goods horizontally and vertically.

This is a popular solution in warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing plants to optimize storage space and improve warehouse management processes.

Pallet racking systems help to import and export goods by forklift or automatic equipment faster and more efficiently.

Depending on the type of goods, load and usage needs, pallet racking has many different designs to suit each warehouse model — especially warehouses that integrate automation solutions.

Why Choosing the Right Pallet Racking System Matters?

Choosing the right pallet racking system not only affects the storage capacity, but also determines the operational efficiency, labor safety and the ability to integrate automation in the warehouse.

• Optimizing storage space: Each racking system is designed to suit a different warehouse layout. Choosing the right type of rack helps to maximize the floor space and warehouse height, thereby increasing capacity without expanding the space.
• Increasing the efficiency of import and export: When the racking system is suitable for the operating process, accessing and retrieving goods becomes quick and accurate. As a result, the time for import and export of goods is shortened, minimizing congestion and improving warehouse efficiency.
• Reducing operating and maintenance costs: Using the right type of racking helps to minimize equipment wear and tear, avoiding unnecessary collisions with forklifts or goods. As a result, the cost of repairing and maintaining the warehouse system is also significantly reduced.
• Ensuring safety for people and goods: A shelf system designed with the right load capacity and suitable for the type of goods will minimize the risk of goods falling and shelves collapsing. This not only protects the goods but also ensures the safety of employees during operation.

Choosing the right pallet racking system help the operational efficiency, labor safety

5 Most Common Types of Pallet Racking Systems

Each type of rack will have its own structure, operating principle and purpose, suitable for each warehouse model and different goods characteristics. Below are the 5 pallet racking systems that are most trusted by businesses in both traditional and automated warehouses.

Selective Pallet Racking

This is the most popular type of rack in warehouses today. Selective racks allow direct access to each pallet, helping the import and export of goods to take place quickly and flexibly.

This is an ideal choice for warehouses with many items with high rotation frequency. In addition, this type of rack is easily combined with forklift systems or automatic robots.

Drive-In Pallet Racking

Drive-In racks are suitable for homogeneous goods that need to be stored at high density. Forklifts can go deep into the rack to pick up or place orders, helping to save significant floor space.

However, the LIFO (last in, first out) storage method is not suitable for goods that require strict shelf life management.

Push Back Racking

Push Back Rack allows storage of 2 to 6 pallets on the same row of shelves. When a new pallet is pushed in, the previous pallets will slide back thanks to the slide rail system.

This type of rack combines high storage density and relatively flexible accessibility, suitable for warehouses with medium to high traffic.

Pallet Flow Racking

Also known as gravity flow rack, using an inclined conveyor system to automatically slide pallets forward.

This is an ideal system for the FIFO (first in, first out) management model, often used in cold storage, food or pharmaceuticals – where strict shelf life management is required.

Double Deep Racking

Double Deep Rack has a structure of two rows of shelves stacked next to each other, increasing storage capacity without expanding the warehouse area. However, to get the pallets at the back, it is necessary to use a specialized forklift with extended forks. This is a solution that balances space optimization and investment costs.

5 Most Common Types of Pallet Racking Systems

How to Choose the Right Type of Pallet Racking for Your Warehouse?

Choosing the right pallet racking system not only helps optimize warehouse space, but also contributes to increasing operating efficiency and reducing long-term costs. Here are some important criteria that businesses should consider:

• Warehouse area and height: If the warehouse has a high ceiling but limited floor space, racking systems such as Double Deep or Drive-In will help increase storage density according to height. On the contrary, with large spaces and needing quick access to goods, Selective racking is the optimal choice.
• Type of goods stored: If goods have a shelf life that needs to be stored according to FIFO, Pallet Flow racking should be used; for homogeneous goods that change little, Drive-In racking can be used to save space.
• Frequency of goods import and export: If goods have a high turnover frequency, you need a type of racking that allows direct access to each pallet such as Selective racking or Push Back racking. On the contrary, if it is a long-term warehouse, you can prioritize a denser storage solution. 
• Investment budget: Each type of shelf has a different investment cost, from simple (Selective shelf) to high-end (Pallet Flow shelf, mobile shelf). Businesses should balance the initial investment cost and long-term benefits of storage and operation.

How to Choose the Right Type of Pallet Racking for Your Warehouse?

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of pallet racking not only helps businesses optimize storage space but also significantly improves warehouse operating efficiency.

Each racking system – from Selective racking to Drive-In, Push Back or Pallet Flow racking – has its own advantages, suitable for different types of goods, rotation frequencies and warehouse sizes.

Before investing in a racking system, businesses should carefully evaluate the warehouse area, product characteristics, operating needs and future development orientation.

If you are looking for a suitable pallet racking solution for a traditional or automated warehouse, do not hesitate to contact DNC ​​Automation for detailed advice and a free survey.