
A buyer’s guide to used pallet racking.
Pallet rack systems have become a ubiquitous element of most modern warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other storage and distribution facilities yet the cost associated with the racking increases with increased storage density to get the right pallet rack for your warehouse.
Compared to other forms of storage such as cabinets or shelving units, pallet racking can be expensive so, if you’ve decided to take the used pallet route rather than new pallet rack, here are some pallet rack buyer’s guide to find the right used pallet rack system:
1.Measuring the Available Space
Used pallet racks don’t come straight from the production line, so measure your warehouse and determine the dimensions of any current pallet rack system. Make sure you know the exact measurements and how many pieces do you need in what sizes as there’s no guarantee that an inspector checks every beam and wire decking. You don’t wanna get caught with a bundle full of beams hiding mismatched sizes of wrong rack accessories and industrial shelving for your warehouse.
2. Load Capacity
To support the weight that will be placed on each level the pallet rack system must be of perfect proportions, quality and steel thickness. If you don’t know the load capacities of your racks, consult the supplier, manufacturer or a pallet rack buying guide. Using racking systems without this information is a significant safety hazard. Do not estimate how much your inventory weighs. Different pallet racks can hold various weights and pallet sizes, meaning you must know your exact weights and configuration for the proper pallet support. When you purchase a used pallet rack system, getting to know these things from the seller is critical.
3. Find a Reliable Supplier
Buying a used pallet rack system or any second hand equipment comes with a risk of being damaged or worn racking which may be hard to spot at a glance. Worn equipment is likely to need replacing much sooner than brand new pallet rack so, taking steps to inspect your pallet rack systems for potential damages due to forklift collisions or other impacts can give you a peace of mind that you’re buying a quality used system with a credible history. Here are some things you need to ask after you find a reputable used pallet rack system seller:
- Consider freight cost (where are they located).
- Structural integrity of the pallet rack.
- To know safety considerations before purchasing industrial shelving, row spacer or any rack accessories.
- Understanding your inventory management system.
You can buy several used pallet rack accessories to augment your used pallet rack, improving their function and safety. The types of pallet racking you choose can depend on the size of your facility, inventory management system, pallet support and the types of products you store on the industrial shelves and row spacers. So, inspecting the used racking systems including the beams, wire decking and locking systems ensuring they meet industry safety standards is a good idea while choosing the right pallet rack.
Choosing the right pallet for your warehouse.
Pallets are the primary interface, portable platform, usually designed to be easily moved by a forklift, on which goods can be stacked. Pallets are an essential part of warehouses, industries, and trades but choosing the right pallet can be a difficult task as several factors have to be considered.
For instance, a pallet’s size, weight, capacity, material, compatibility, price as well as the retrieval system used can make the process of running your warehouse smoothly and efficiently. But with so many different types of pallet racking available on the market, it can be difficult to choose from. Therefore, here are some tips to help you choose the right pallet for your warehouse.
- Selective pallet rack: Selective pallet racks are the most popular type of racking as it provides highest density storage and is compatible with a wide range of forklifts. They are the most versatile racks which provide efficient use of space and can be adjusted to accommodate different size products.
- Drive- in pallet rack: Drive pallets have high-density storage and provide access for the forklift to place and remove stock. However, the forklift has a limited space to stack which increases the time required to place and remove pallets.
- Push-back pallet rack: Push back rack is a LIFO stock solution combining the density of drive-in rack. Push-back racks are ideal for high- volume low- SKU inventory. Typically it provides 3- to 4- deep pallet storage but only has a single aisle access.
- Pallet flow rack: Pallet flow is a first- in/ first- out (FIFO) loading system and has a storage capacity of double or triple compared to drive- in or conventional pallet rack systems and is suitable for warehouses that have high throughput.