Our Helpful Buying Guide: Pallet Racking

In logistics and warehousing, the efficiency of your storage solutions such as pallet racking can improve productivity immensely. Pallet racking systems can assist many industries, offering a versatile and scalable approach to storage management. But with various types and configurations available, how do you choose the right one for your business needs? With BiGDUG’s Ultimate Guide to Pallet Racking, you can gain insights and tips to help you make informed decisions. Learn how pallet racking can optimise your logistics and warehousing operations.

What is Pallet Racking Used for?

Pallet racking is a great storage solution for warehouses, industrial settings, and retail units to store large quantities of palletised goods. They are designed to hold pallets stacked with products to make inventory management and item access easier.

Benefits of Pallet Racking

Pallet racking offers many benefits that your business can capitalise on from the day it is installed. From maximising vertical space use to increasing safety within the warehouse, these are just a few of the benefits you get with specialised pallet racking storage solutions.

Maximise Warehouse Space

Pallet racking utilises vertical space, saving warehouse space and allowing for higher storage density. Maximising the space, and storing stock on multiple secure levels, leads to other benefits such as structured storage that is scalable while remaining easily accessible. Make complete use of the space, and improve operational efficiency by saving costs and making the most of the square footage available.

Convenient Organisation & Accessibility

Storing goods in a vertical layout provides a structured framework for the systematic storage and retrieval of goods. This keeps stock organised by allowing you to categorise products based on size, demand, SKU, and more. By keeping specific products grouped, you reduce the search time. Another feature of warehouse racking is the easy access it offers. It simplifies the loading and unloading of items.

Improved Inventory Management

Pallet racking enables better tracking and control of goods, optimising inventory management. By partnering pallet racking with other efficient logistic methods such as barcode scanning or RFID technology, your business can effortlessly monitor the flow of inventory in real-time. Prevent stockouts and overstock situations by being proactive with your inventory management. Reduce waste stock waste, avoid needless holding costs, and maintain product quality standards to drive customer satisfaction and profitability.

Vertical Scalability

Easily expand storage operations with vertical scalability. In hand with optimising the use of warehouse space, you can accommodate a growing inventory without any significant modifications. Add additional racks, shelves, and aisles of pallet racking without the need for major structural alterations. Simple additions like shelves and racking protection are cheap and are worth the extra investment!

Safety

Pallet racking systems contribute to workplace safety by providing proper load placements, keeping aisles clear, and ensuring secure storage of goods. Engineered to support specific weight capacities, workers are guided to stack pallets within these parameters to maintain safe practice. Reduce the likelihood of accidents and collisions by keeping aisles clear. While improving warehouse navigation at the same time!

Pallet racking provides many logistical and warehouse benefits. Their scalability which continues to save space while optimising inventory management, makes their integration into any business vital. Streamline your operations with these affordable, scalable storage solutions. Prioritise the management of stock for better customer satisfaction, and in turn, increased profitability!

Key Considerations When Selecting Pallet Racking

Identifying the pallet type, size, and weight capacity is important. Additionally, understanding how pallets will be loaded and the specifications of your forklift trucks ensure continuous operations. Determining the required number of pallet spaces and available height will also help you maximise your storage efficiency.

What Are the Different Types of Pallets?

EUR1, EUR2, and EUR3 pallets dominate European and UK markets, each with unique dimensions.

EUR1 or Euro-Pallets

  • Common Pallet Size in Europe
  • Stored on Beams with 800mm Width Front Facing
  • 1200mm Deep, Stored Using 1100mm Deep Frames

EUR2 or UK/Industrial Rotated Pallet

  • Common Pallet Size in the UK
  • Stored on Beams with 800mm Width Front Facing
  • 1200mm Deep, Stored Using 1100mm Deep Frames

EUR3 or UK/Industrial Pallet

  • Same Size as EUR2 Pallet But Rotated for Loading
  • Stored on 1000mm Width Front Facing
  • 1200mm Deep, Stored Using 1100mm Deep Frames

What Is the Best Material for Pallets and What Is the Standard Weight?

The pallet material that you need will depend on what you need to use it for, as well as the environment, storage, transportation and cost.

Wood pallets are the most commonly used and are readily available and generally affordable. They are great for heavy loads and can be used in warehouses, shipping and general storage. You can expect empty wooden pallets to weigh around 13-22kg with softwood pallets being lighter than hardwood.

Plastic pallets are resistant to rot, moisture, and certain chemical damage. Due to their non-porous qualities, they are easy to clean and sanitise, meaning they are ideal for food or pharmaceutical industries. Empty plastic pallets are often lighter than their wooden counterparts, weighing in at around 7-13kg.

Structural Integrity

Understanding the role of posts, bracing, footplates, fixings and beams is vital. These components dictate the strength and stability of your warehouse pallet racking. Investing in heavy-duty pallet racking options ensures durability and safety.

Posts

  • The main components of the frame are used in pairs to carry the load.
  • More beam levels and greater loads require a greater frame load capacity.
  • Standard-duty and heavy-duty posts are available from BiGDUG.

Bracing

  • Secondary frame component that provides structural rigidity between posts.
  • Horizontal and diagonal bracing is bolted into posts.
  • Bracing sizes determine the frame depth.

Footplates and Fixings

  • Steel plates spread the vertical load acting on the floor.
  • Floor fixing anchors.
  • Holes provide floor fixing positions.
  • Shim plates stacking under the footplate ensure the frames are vertical.

Beams

  • Beams are horizontal components that create levels.
  • Always use in pairs front and back to support pallets.
  • Load capacity is dependent upon beam length and profile.
  • Beam sections are available in various thicknesses at BiGDUG.

Box Section Beams

  • Decking materials are optional with this type of beam.
  • Box beams for pallet storage stocked in various lengths at BiGDUG.

Z-Section Beams

  • Z-Section beams must be fitted with shelf decking for hand-loaded storage only.

Security Pins

  • Beams locate easily into tapered post slots.
  • Beam security pin is fitted at each connection.
  • Pins minimise accidental dislodgement of beams.

Installing Pallet Racking and Ensuring Safety

Pallet racking systems are integral to efficient warehouse operations, but ensuring safety must be the highest priority. From proper installation to ongoing maintenance, adherence to safety guidelines is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries.

Proper Installation

  • Ensure pallet racking systems are installed by qualified professionals following manufacturer guidelines and industry standards.
  • Verify that the floor surface can support the weight of the racking system and its intended load.
  • Use appropriate anchoring and bracing methods to secure the racking system in place.

Weight Capacity

  • Never exceed the maximum weight capacity specified by the manufacturer for each rack level.
  • Distribute loads evenly across beams and avoid overloading individual pallet positions.
  • Regularly inspect racks for signs of overloading, such as sagging beams or bent uprights.

Forlift Safety

  • Train forklift operators on safe loading and unloading procedures for all pallet racking systems.
  • Ensure operators are familiar with rack configurations, load capacities, and aisle clearances.
  • Prohibited unauthorised personnel from operating forklifts.

Load Placement on Your Pallet Racking

Heavy items should always be placed on lower rack levels to maintain stability and prevent the risk of toppling. Stack pallets securely and evenly to minimise the chances of shifting during storage and retrieval processes. To provide additional stability for loads, consider using pallet support bars or decking. These measures not only enhance safety but also help reduce the risk of accidents and damage to inventory.

Popular Pallet Racking Systems at BiGDUG

BiGDUG Pallet Racking System

Featuring heavy-duty uprights and beams, this system provides great strength to support heavy loads with ease. Its modular design allows for easy assembly and customisation to suit specific storage requirements, while adjustable beam heights accommodate varying pallet sizes. With a powder-coated finish for added protection against corrosion, the BiGDUG Pallet Racking System ensures long-lasting performance in demanding industrial environments.

BiGDUG Pallet Racking Kits

These all-in-one kits include everything you need to set up a sturdy pallet racking system quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re expanding your warehouse or setting up a new storage area for inventory, BiGDUG Pallet Racking Kits provide a reliable and efficient solution for maximising storage capacity and improving workflow.

Heavy-Duty Rack End Protectors

With these heavy-duty rack end protectors you can safeguard your systems and prevent damage from forklift collisions. Made from durable steel, these protectors protect rack ends, minimising the risk of costly repairs and downtime due to accidental impacts. With a high-visibility yellow powder-coated finish, they also serve as a visual deterrent, helping to improve warehouse safety by alerting operators to the presence of racking structures.

Racksack Waste & Recycling Sacks

These reusable sacks are designed to hang securely from various surfaces, including warehouse pallet racking. With colour-coded options available for different types of recyclable materials, such as paper, plastic, and glass, these sacks promote easy sorting and collection of waste.

Sturdy Support and Decking Options

BiGDUG provides a variety of pallet supports and decking materials to enhance functionality and safety. Whether it’s wire mesh, timber, chipboard, or galvanised steel panels, there’s an option to suit every requirement.

Wire Mesh Decking – Ideal for damp or temperature-controlled environments.
Chipboard Decking – Suitable for hand-loaded storage or non-palletised goods.
Galvanised Steel Panels – Perfect for storing liquids with easy assembly.
Open Timber Decking – Ideal for supporting undersized or un-palletised loads.

Why Choose BiGDUG for Warehouse Storage Solutions?

In the dynamic environment of warehouse management, the right pallet racking system is indispensable. With insights from BiGDUG’s comprehensive solutions, you can optimise storage operations for maximum efficiency. Invest in quality pallet racking today and discover the full potential of your warehouse space.

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