Pallet storage is a material handling solution designed to help efficiently store materials across multiple rows and levels. There are hundreds of storage facilities and warehouses across the UK, so it is important to find warehouses that can accommodate palletised goods and meet your specific requirements. There are several pallet storage methods you can choose from, as listed below.
Standard Pallet Racking
Standard pallet racking is the most common method of warehouse racking, as it can accommodate pallets stacked up to 30 metres high with a maximum bay load of 30 tons. This ensures there is space to move around while still making the most of the available floor space. This form of pallet storage is simple and efficient, making it ideal for light, medium and heavy loads.
Narrow Aisle Racking
Narrow aisle pallet storage is the ideal warehouse racking system for locations with limited floor space that still need to store large quantities of goods. This storage method allows for pallets to be stored within a smaller space, thus reducing the storage cost per pallet. However, narrow aisles may feel claustrophobic for some workers and can be more difficult to manoeuvre around for those with less experience. This may be a reason to select the standard pallet storage method over narrow aisle types.
Drive-In Racking
There are two different operating systems for this type of pallet storage unit; drive-in and drive-through. Both allow access to rows of pallets, but drive-in is only accessible from one side of the pallets, whereas the drive-through system is accessible from both sides. The benefit of this pallet storage method is that it eliminates the need for operating aisles to access individual racks.
With this pallet storage method, a forklift can be used to access a whole bank of pallets at once, rather than just one. This is an efficient solution for all warehouses where there are banks of pallets of the same item stored together.
Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking storage is specifically for long products such as timber, piping, and rods, as well as scrap metals or plastic extrusions. These are items that are commonly difficult to store in warehouses without taking up more space. Therefore, this storage method is an excellent option, offering two-sided racking solutions that provide more storage without compromising easy access.
Pallet Flow Racking
Pallet flow racking utilises sloping racks and a first-in/first-out loading system. New pallets are added at the higher end and removed at the lower end. Once a pallet is removed, the next pallet moves into the position of the previous one. This pallet storage method is ideal for warehouses with high output, such as food distribution centres and consumer goods, as it helps improve speeds as the goods move forward of their own accord. This does however make it a more expensive investment than the options mentioned above.
Here at Welch Transport, all of our customers’ goods are handled safely, reliably, and cost-effectively. We offer warehousing services, with competitive rates, for on-site warehousing and third-party warehousing to fulfil any storage needs you may have. If you’re interested in how Welch’s can improve your transport process through warehousing, get in touch with our friendly, professional team today.