Anyone setting up a warehouse for the first time quickly comes across various terms: pallet racking, shelving rack, wide-span shelving. What do they mean, and which one suits your goods? In this article we explain the main types clearly.
Pallet racking
Pallet racking is the most commonly used system for storing pallets. The goods sit on euro pallets, which are placed on the beams with a forklift.
Suitable for: heavy loads and goods that are supplied and shipped per pallet. Think of wholesale, production and logistics. The load capacity per level is high and the racking can be built quite high to make optimal use of the space.
The shelving rack
The shelving rack uses shelves (platforms) instead of beams for pallets. You place the goods on them by hand.
Suitable for: boxes, smaller parts and goods that are picked individually. Ideal for warehouses with many different small items, archives and shop stock. Access is easy and you do not need a forklift.
Wide-span shelving
Wide-span shelving is an in-between solution: stronger than an ordinary shelving rack, but intended for bulky, relatively light goods that you place by hand or with a pallet truck.
Suitable for: large but not too heavy goods, and situations where you work both by hand and with small equipment. A versatile choice for mixed stock.
How do you choose the right type?
The choice depends on three things: the weight of your goods, the way you place them (by hand or with a forklift) and the available space. In many warehouses, multiple types are combined: pallet racking for bulk stock and shelving racks for order picking.
Not sure which shelving you need?
At Magazijnservice we look at your goods and space and advise which type, or which combination, works best for you. Send us a message via the contact form with a description of what you want to store, and we will gladly think along with you. Or call: +32 451 04 72 96.