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Pallet racking is a reliable and heavy-duty storage solution found in warehouse environments. These storage systems securely store pallets in an organized fashion. There are different pallet racking types, one being pallet flow racking. Pallet flow racking is a dynamic storage system designed for first in, first out (FIFO) product rotation.

This means that these warehouse pallet racks are designed to be loaded from the back and picked from the front. A forklift aisle is then required in the front and the back of the bays, different from how link pushback racking only requires an aisle at the front of the bay. These heavy-duty storage systems are designed to hold 2-20 pallets in a single lane, allowing for extremely high-density storage.

How is flow pallet racking loaded?

Pallets are loaded in the back of the bay on the high side of the slightly inclined gravity roller/wheel lanes. Once placed on the bay, the pallet will slowly roll down the lane. Speed controllers (brakes) are installed to ensure the pallet reaches the front of the bay in a safe manner.

Pallets are loaded on the flow lanes until the row is full. At the front end of each bay, pallet stops are installed to stop the pallet in a safe manner at a place that can be easily picked by a forklift.

When someone removes a pallet from the front end, the pallets will slowly move forward one position, making this an efficient system.

What are these industrial pallet racks used for?

This pallet rack is great for storing inventory that needs to be rotated more frequently than other items. This could be because of expiration dates on the products or if there are perishable items being stored. The FIFO product rotation makes this ideal for products that meet these characteristics.

What are the main benefits of a flow rack system?

Efficient Space: Flow racking systems provide extremely high-density storage, making it perfect for operations with a lot of product. These industrial pallet racks are compatible with having multiple SKUs and all SKUs available in one working aisle, allowing it to be simple to locate. This can save a lot of much needed vertical space in your warehouse.

Faster Picking: These pallet storage racks are designed to make picking more efficient. When a pallet is picked, the next ones behind it automatically slide forward. This makes loading and unloading easier for warehouse workers, reducing the amount of physical labor needed in this operation. All of this contributes to reduced accidents and worker injury as well.

What are the main components of flow racking?

1. Rack
   1. The framing structure of this pushback system is built from structural or roll formed pallet racking uprights.
2. Flow Lanes
   1. You can use different flow lanes for this industrial pallet rack shelving.
      
      1. Steel Skate Wheel Rollers: This system is typically used with standard wood pallets. The pallet rack weight capacity for this system is 2,000 lbs. It’s a cost-effective option and has galvanized wheels for rust and corrosion protection.
         
      2. Magnum Wheel Rollers: This roller has wheels that are manufactured from reinforced resin to prevent splitting and cracking. With a capacity exceeding 3,000 lbs, this is the most durable wheel type available. This roller is especially ideal for freezer environments.
         
      3. Full Width Rollers: This roller is heavy duty and flexible, making it ideal for warehouses with a variety of pallet sizes and types. This can accommodate wood pallets, steel containers, and plastic totes.
         

Now that you know more about these heavy-duty pallet racks, if this system sounds like it would be ideal to help you store products in your warehouse, let us know! Industrial Shelving Systems will be able to help you determine the best design for your space.

Contact ISS at 1-800-875-6201 so we can help you find the best industrial pallet racking systems or warehouse storage system.

Missed our last blog? Go back to the basics where we go over everything you need to know about warehouse pallet racking!