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Types of Pallet Racks: Choosing the Right System for Your Warehouse
Time:7/3/202511
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Efficient warehouse operations depend heavily on how well your storage system is designed. Among all the equipment and infrastructure in a warehouse, pallet racking systems play a central role in organizing goods, maximizing space, and improving workflow. But with multiple types of pallet racks available on the market, choosing the right one for your specific needs can be challenging.
This guide will walk you through the most common types of pallet racks, their benefits, and how to choose the best option for your warehouse.
Selective pallet racks are the most commonly used type of racking system. They provide direct access to every pallet and are ideal for warehouses that store a wide variety of products in small quantities.
Advantages:
Easy to install and reconfigure
High accessibility to all stored items
Cost-effective for low- to medium-density storage
Best for:
Warehouses with diverse inventory and frequent stock rotation (FIFO).
These racking systems allow forklifts to drive directly into the rack structure, making them suitable for high-density storage. The difference lies in accessibility: drive-in racks have only one entry point (LIFO), while drive-through racks allow access from both ends (FIFO).
Advantages:
Maximizes floor space by minimizing aisles
Ideal for storing large quantities of similar products
Great for cold storage and bulk storage
Best for:
Businesses with large volumes of low-SKU inventory or seasonal goods.
Push-back racks use a system of nested carts that move along inclined rails. When a new pallet is loaded, it pushes the previous pallets back. This system uses the LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) method.
Advantages:
Increases storage density
Reduces aisle space
Ideal for medium turnover inventory
Best for:
Warehouses where space is limited but product variety is moderate.
Pallet Flow Racks (Gravity Flow)
Pallet flow racks use gravity to move pallets from the loading side to the picking side on a slightly inclined rail. This supports FIFO inventory rotation.
Advantages:
Perfect for high-volume and high-turnover products
Excellent stock rotation (FIFO)
Efficient space utilization
Best for:
Perishable goods, food and beverage industries, or any warehouse requiring strict rotation.
While not a traditional pallet racking system, cantilever racks are ideal for storing long or irregularly shaped items such as lumber, pipes, or steel bars.
Advantages:
Easy loading and unloading
Flexible arm lengths
Open design with no vertical obstructions
Best for:
Industries dealing with furniture, construction materials, or piping.
This is a variation of the selective pallet rack but allows pallets to be stored two deep instead of one. This requires a specialized forklift with extended reach.
Advantages:
Higher storage density than standard selective racks
Reduces aisle space
Lower cost than drive-in or push-back systems
Best for:
Facilities needing increased storage without a complete redesign.
How to Choose the Right Pallet Racking System
Selecting the most suitable pallet racking system depends on several factors:
Inventory Type and Volume – Are you storing a few types of items in large quantities or many types in smaller quantities?
Storage Density – Do you need to maximize storage space, or is quick access more important?
Inventory Rotation Method – Do you follow FIFO or LIFO?
Some racking systems support one over the other.
Available Space – What are your ceiling heights and floor layout constraints?
Forklift Compatibility – Some systems require specific types of forklifts for operation.
Budget and Future Scalability – Do you plan to scale up in the future, or do you need a more temporary solution?
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right pallet racking system can dramatically improve your warehouse efficiency, reduce labor costs, and optimize space utilization. Whether you're operating a large distribution center or a compact storage facility, there’s a pallet rack system that fits your needs.
At Spieth, we offer a wide range of pallet racking solutions customized for different industries and warehouse sizes. Our team of experts is ready to help you evaluate your requirements and find the most effective racking setup for your operations.
Contact us today to discover how you can upgrade your warehouse with the right pallet racking system.