Standard Selective Racking Solutions
Standard selective pallet racking is the most common and easily adaptable type of racking used to store palletized inventory. Horizontal cross beams connect into vertical uprights, which allow pallets to be placed at multiple height levels, freeing up floor space. Standard Selective Pallet Racking can be manufactured for nearly any size and load capacity that is required.
Pallets are loaded and unloaded via a forklift, and is called “selective” because it allows direct access to each pallet without having to move any other pallet. While it’s the least dense pallet racking system, its ease makes it popular with warehouse managers around the world.
Whether you’re looking to install your first racking system or update your existing shelving, the experts at ISS Material Handling can guide you through your project. Contact us and a member of our team of experts will find a custom solution to fit your specific needs.
Selective Selective Pallet Racking: What It Is and What It Can Do for Your Business
Standard selective pallet racking is the most popular racking system used in warehouses today. But is it the best approach for your storage needs? Read on to learn more about how selective racking works and whether it’s right for your warehouse.
What Are the Benefits of Selective Pallet Racking?
Selective racking allows a forklift operator to access any pallet in the warehouse without having to move other pallets out of the way; that’s why it’s called selective. It’s a FIFO (First In First Out) approach that’s ideal if you carry lots of SKUs or SKUs that are perishable or otherwise have a short shelf life.
But that’s just the beginning. Select pallet racking offers the lowest storage cost per pallet. And it improves efficiency since more than one forklift operator can work in an aisle at the same time.
That’s not to say selective racking is the perfect solution for every situation. If you prefer LIFO (Last In First Out) racking or carry limited SKUs, another setup might work better. Still, in most cases, selective racking offers the perfect combination of cost and convenience.
What Goes into a Selective Pallet Rack?
Every rack includes three components: uprights, beams, and decking. Here’s an overview:
- Uprights are the vertical frames that the beams connect to. They can be up to 30+' tall and 48" deep (or even deeper in some cases). That allows plenty of room for standard 40" x 48" GMA pallets. Baseplates/Footplates on each leg let you anchor the rack into the floor.
- Beams, which come in pairs, are the horizontal bars that carry the weight of the pallets. They can be set to accommodate any pallet height—and adjusted later if your storage needs change. The most common lengths are 96", 108", 120", and 144"; 96" beams are popular because they allow two GMA pallets to sit side by side in a single bay.
- Decks are the surfaces your pallets sit on. Most users prefer wire decking, which is easy to install—no hardware required—and lets you store items of multiple sizes on each beam level. But other options are available, including solid steel decking, which is better for storing items that would fall through the wire deck openings.
Each row of racking begins with a starter rack, which is simply a rack with uprights at both ends. After that, add-on racks, which require just one upright each, extend the rack.
What Are the Different Types of Pallet Racks?
There are two main types: roll formed and structural. Here’s an overview:
- Roll formed racking, the most common type, is manufactured from cold-roll formed steel. It’s easy to install because the beams snap into the uprights without requiring bolts. It’s also the most cost-effective option. Roll form uprights can typically support 19,000 to 30,000+ lbs. (when spaced 48" apart); roll form beam capacities range from 2,000 to 8,000+ lbs. per pair.
- Structural racking is built from structural steel and requires bolts and, with heavier loads, bolted beam ties. That translates into higher costs and slower installation, but you get more impact resistance and higher weight loads. Structural uprights can typically support 30,000 to 50,000+ lbs. (when spaced 48" apart); structural beam capacities range from 5,000 to 20,000+ lbs. per pair.
What Else Do We Need to Know?
The way you configure your warehouse will affect both cost per square foot and ease of pallet access. Important factors to consider are aisle width and the presence of obstacles like columns and mezzanines. If you’re considering standard selective pallet racking for your warehouse, the team at ISS Material Handling can help you design and install the best solution for your specific needs.
Installation Services
We have professional material handling equipment assembly and installation crews available to all of our customers. Our crews are ready to get your standard selective racking system up and running. We can work with you and your company, no matter your location and project size.
Contact ISS Material Handling for a Free Consultation
Do you think a standard selective racking system could benefit your operations? Contact us and we can merge our experience and expertise to come up with a solution together. Tell us about your potential project and submit the form below or give us a call at 833-754-2164.
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