What Is Push Back Pallet Racking

Push Back Pallet Racking is a high-density storage system designed to operate on a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) basis. This system is ideal for warehouses storing bulk goods, fewer SKUs, and slow-moving inventory. It is widely used in industries such as food & beverage, manufacturing, and retail.

Structure and Working Principle

Push Back Pallet Racking consists of upright frames, inclined rails, and nested carts. It utilizes gravity to facilitate automatic pallet movement, reducing forklift travel time and increasing operational efficiency.

① Inclined Rails & Nested Carts

• The system features slightly inclined rails, allowing carts to slide smoothly under gravity.
• Each storage lane can hold 2 to 6 pallets, with each pallet placed on an independent cart (except for the last pallet, which sits directly on the rails).

② Loading & Unloading Process

• Loading: The forklift places a new pallet at the front of the system, pushing existing pallets backward onto nested carts.
• Unloading: When the front pallet is removed, the next pallet automatically slides forward due to gravity, making retrieval quick and easy.

Key Advantages of Push Back Pallet Racking

Push Back Pallet Racking offers five major advantages:

① High Storage Density & Better Space Utilization

Compared to standard selective racking, Push Back Racking stores more pallets per bay, reducing the number of aisles required and maximizing warehouse capacity.

② Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) Storage System

This system follows the LIFO storage principle, making it ideal for low-turnover goods, long-shelf-life products, and seasonal inventory.

③ Multi-SKU Storage for Greater Flexibility

Unlike Drive-In Racking, Push Back Racking allows multiple SKUs per lane, making it more adaptable for warehouses storing a variety of products.

④ Faster Forklift Operations & Reduced Travel Time

• Forklifts only need to access the front of the rack, improving efficiency.
• Since pallets automatically slide forward, forklift operators do not need to drive deep into the storage lanes, reducing handling time.

⑤ Strong & Safe Design

Push Back Racking is built with durable steel structures and safety stops, minimizing the risk of pallet falls and ensuring warehouse safety.

Ideal Applications for Push Back Pallet Racking

Push Back Racking is well-suited for five key warehouse scenarios:

① Warehouses Requiring High-Density Storage

It is ideal for warehouses with limited space but a need for high storage capacity, such as cold storage and retail distribution centers.

② Warehouses with Multiple SKUs but Large Batch Sizes

Industries such as food & beverage, consumer goods, and automotive parts often store multiple SKUs but in large quantities, making Push Back Racking an efficient solution.

③ Storage of Low-Turnover or Seasonal Inventory

Since this system operates on a LIFO basis, it is best for products that do not require frequent access, such as holiday merchandise, long-term storage items, or backup stock.

④ Warehouses Looking to Reduce Forklift Travel Time

Push Back Racking reduces forklift movement, making it ideal for operations focused on speed and efficiency.

⑤ Cost-Effective Alternative to Automated Systems

Compared to Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), Push Back Racking offers a lower investment cost while significantly improving storage efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for small and medium-sized businesses.

Comparison with Other Racking Systems

Conclusion: Is Push Back Pallet Racking Right for Your Warehouse?

Push Back Pallet Racking is an efficient and flexible high-density storage solution ideal for warehouses that store low-turnover, high-volume, multi-SKU products. If you are looking to reduce forklift travel time, increase storage efficiency, and lower operational costs, this system could be the perfect fit.

Looking for a customized racking solution? Feel free to contact us for expert advice!