If you are searching for pallet storage methods for warehouses then you might be struggling to keep your warehouse organized with busy shipping and receiving departments. Many companies store their products on pallets in the warehouse. There are a number of pallet storage methods that allow the warehouse staff to store pallets efficiently. This article will examine a number of the pallet storage systems that are commonly used.
Pallet Storage Methods & Racks
Nearly all companies use pallets in their warehouses for storing products or something. Warehouses can use pallets in a number of different ways for storing their products, making their space work more efficiently for them. The use of pallets for a storing system is common practice and this article will explain some of those storing systems.
- Block Stacking
- Stacking Frames
- Single-Deep Pallet Rack
- Double Deep Rack
- Drive-In Rack
- Pallet Flow Rack
- Push Back Rack
Block Stacking
Block stacking means that the loads are stacked on top of another and then they are stored on the floor of a warehouse in either lanes or blocks. Whereas, pallets will be stacked up to a certain height, depending on a number of factors, such as pallet condition, height clearance, and what the warehouse forklifts are able to do. When the pallets are taken from the warehouse they take the last pallet that was out in, referred to as the (LIFO) manner. Which does not allow for the removal of stock based on the date or the FIFO. When pallets are taken out of the warehouse it sometimes creates what is known as honeycombing, which is when a space is left empty and cannot be filled again until the entire lane has been emptied. This is the cheaper way to go about storing in a warehouse, as it is easy to implement and involves no racking. It is a way to go about storing that can be done in any warehouse with an open floor.
Stacking Frames
- Stacking frames for storing pallets are merely decks and posts, which can be picked up with a forklift and moved when needed.
- A stacking frame can be stacked on top of other stacking frames so that storing pallets can go several frames in height, this comes in handy when there is very little space, as it does not take up much room. Also handy for those pallets that are not considered to be stack-able.
- Stacking frames are used by many companies during busy periods, as they are good for temporary racking.
- However, honeycombing (similar to that of block stocking) can exist with stacking frames.
The single-deep pallet rack
This type of storage lets you have access to individual pallets that is being stored in the rack. There are no issues of honeycombing, such as you have with stacking frames and block stacking. Which means that the space is available to be used as soon as a pallet gets removed. With this type of racking you will be able to configure in many different ways using various heights. This is the kind of racking system that most warehouses are using today. This type has the disadvantage of the racks needing a large amount of space in order to have suitable aisles.
The double-deep pallet rack
This type is similar to the single-deep racking system, with the incorporate of two single racks being combined together. The double-deep rack reduces the amount of aisles that will be used, however, honeycombing does exist, which might make it less efficient than the single-deep racking system. Also, this kind of racking system requires the use of a forklift that is equipped with a double reach in order for the pallets to be removed.
The drive-in pallet rack
This type of racking system is similar to the double-deep racking system, in that it gives you 5 to 10 load spaces for your pallets. It has drive-in lanes, which gives forklifts access to put the pallets in and for removing them from stock. Although, since there is limited space for forklifts to get around, it takes more time to get the job done. Similar to the block stacking system, the drive-in racking system uses the principle of LIFO to retrieve the pallets.
The pallet flow rack
The operation of the pallet flow racking system is performed by moving a load on a conveyor from one end of the rack, which lets the pallets be removed in the form of the FIFO. After a pallet has been removed, the next pallet will move into that pallets position. This is an expensive racking system, however, it is suitable for warehouses with a high volume output.
The push back rack
Using the LIFO solution, the push back racking system uses a rail-guided carrier to put a load into storage. Whenever a load is put into the storage it will push the loads a head of it on into the storage area. However, if a load is being removed from the storage area, the load behind that one will move on up and takes its spot, which is saying that the stock in each lane will have a load ready and waiting to be removed. Warehouses that require the FIFO would find this system to be unsuitable.
Pallet Manufacturing & Sales
If your business has pallets that are stacking up or you need a local pallet supplier AAA Pallet Co. is your source for all of your pallet needs. We will remove used pallets you no longer need or we can sell you new pallets or even used pallets. Call us at 602-278-1450 for more information.
