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Many companies store their products on pallets in warehouses. There are a number of pallet storage methods that allow the warehouses to store pallets more efficiently. Here are a number of the pallet storage systems that are commonly used.
- Block Stacking
- Stacking Frames
- Single-Deep Pallet Rack
- Double Deep Rack
- Drive-In Rack
- Pallet Flow Rack
Block Stacking
Block stacking refers to unit loads stacked on top of each other and stored on the warehouse floor in lanes or blocks. The pallets are stacked to a specific height based on a number of criteria such as pallet condition, weight of the load, height clearance and the capability of the warehouse forklifts.
The pallets are retrieved from the block in a last in, first out (LIFO) manner. This does not allow for removing stock based on date basis or FIFO. Removal of stock can cause honeycombing to occur where empty spaces occur that cannot be filled until the whole lane is empty. This method is cheap to implement as it involves no racking and can be operated in any warehouse with open floor space.
Stacking Frames
Pallet stacking frames are made up from decks and posts that can be erected and moved if necessary. The stacking frame allows pallets to be stored several high and are particularly useful when the pallets to be stored are not stackable.
Many companies will use stacking frames in the warehouse when they need temporary racking during period busy periods. With stacking frames the issue of honeycombing exists similar to block stocking.
Single-Deep Pallet Rack
Single-deep pallet racking provides access to each pallet stored in the rack. This gets around the honeycombing issues of stacking frames and block stacking. When a pallet is removed the space is immediately available for a new pallet to be placed in that space. This type of racking can be configured in any number of ways with various heights. Most warehouses today have this type of racking in use. The major disadvantage is that the racks require significant floor space for suitable aisles.
Double-Deep Pallet Rack
The double-deep pallet rack is a variant on the single-deep rack that incorporates two single racks that are placed together. This reduces the number of aisles required but this type of racking is susceptible to honeycombing, so may not be as efficient as single-deep racking. In addition a double-reach forklift is required to place and remove pallets from the racking.
Drive-In Rack
Drive-In racks provide five to ten pallet load spaces similar to the double-deep racking. The drive-in lanes provide access for the forklift to place and remove stock. However the forklift has a limited space to maneuver and this increases the time required to place and remove pallets. The drive-in rack is similar to block stacking as the LIFO principle is used for pallet retrieval.
Pallet Flow Rack
The pallet flow rack operates whereby the load is moved from one end of the rack on a conveyor that allows the pallets to be removed in a FIFO manner. Once a pallet is removed the next pallet moves into the position of the pallet that was removed. This racking solution is suitable for warehouses that have a high throughput, but is an expensive option.
