How Does a Push Back Rack Work

Time:5/13/2025

Push-back racking is a type of high-density storage system that uses a gravity-fed mechanism to allow multiple pallets to be stored deep per rack level, while still enabling Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) inventory retrieval. Here's how it works:

How Push-Back Racking Works

Inclined Rails with Carts

Each lane in a push-back racking system has slightly inclined rails and a series of nested carts (or shuttles) that move along the rails.

Loading the First Pallet

The first pallet is placed on the top cart closest to the aisle.

Loading Additional Pallets

When the second pallet is loaded, it pushes back the first pallet (on its cart), exposing the second cart for loading. This continues until the lane is full (typically 2–6 pallets deep).

Unloading

When the front pallet is removed, the remaining pallets automatically roll forward due to gravity, bringing the next pallet to the pick face.

Key Features

Storage Depth: Typically supports 2–6 pallets deep per level.

Forklift Access: Only the front of the rack is needed for loading and unloading.

Inventory Method: Operates on a LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) system.

High Density: Maximizes space by reducing aisles.

Ideal Use Cases

Warehouses with low SKU count and high pallet quantity per SKU

Cold storage or freezer applications

Operations needing faster picking access than drive-in racks

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