What Is Selective Pallet Racking?

If you want maximum flexibility with your warehouse pallet racking, selective pallet racking is worth investigating.  In this article we’ll cover how selective pallet racking is laid out in the warehouse, its benefits and drawbacks, as well as the level of investment required.

Selective pallet racking is possibly the most widely used storage system for goods that are stored on pallets.

Selective Pallet Racking Warehouse Layout

Selective Pallet Racking consists of rows of pallet bays within the warehouse. For each bay there are vertical uprights, positioned at distances in alignment with the measurement of the product and pallets to be stored but also with reference to the weight of the product and the length of beams available.

Bays that are next to each other will share vertical uprights. Beams are attached between each vertical to hold the pallets. Beams are available in various lengths and can be positioned at different heights, depending on the final height of a fully loaded pallet.

The ability to create a multi-level storage system is one of the main benefits of selective pallet racking as it maximises the efficiency of the warehouse where multiple types of goods are being stocked.

This type of pallet racking can be set out either in single aisles or back to back.

Benefits of Selective Pallet Racking

• Possibly the most important advantage of selective pallet racking is the cost. That this type of racking generally requires a smaller investment than other types of pallet racking is one of the reasons this is the most widely used type of warehouse storage.
• Selective pallet racking allows for both FIFO and LIFO inventory systems.
• All pallets are accessible and can be removed without having to move other pallets.
• Allows for multiple forklift trucks in the aisles which can help efficiency.

Disadvantages of Selective Pallet Racking

• The main disadvantage of this type of pallet racking is the low storage density. If you have very high volumes of stock, selective pallet racking may not be right for your particular application.
  
• Selective pallet racking has a limited storage height of around 40 metres. If you have warehouse space with very high ceilings, you may find that this is not the right storage solution for you.

There are many types of pallet racking systems available and as a result, it can be difficult to work out which type of system would be right for your specific needs.

If you are considering a new pallet racking system, we can help you work out how to maximise your warehouse space.

Contact us now to find out more about our second hand, high quality pallet racking and safety accessories or how we can help you design your extra space.