6 Types of Warehouse Storage Solutions

The modern warehouse is a high-tech facility that can be adapted to fit your exact needs, but it also serves many common functions that have mostly stayed the same since ancient times. 

Warehouses are used to store goods, especially large volumes of goods. They’re also a distribution point for shipments sent out from other locations.

In addition, they can be used as a place where finished goods are stored until they’re shipped out again. In this article, you will learn about the different types of warehouse storage solutions ranging from a wire rack shelf to a pallet rack.

Pallet Racks

Let’s start with the most common type of storage solution. Pallet racks are a type of storage system that allows you to store pallets on shelves. They’re used in warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores.

Pallet racks can be fixed or mobile, but they’re usually made of steel. Fixed pallet racks don’t move around the warehouse as other storage systems do—instead, they are bolted down to the floor with their own set number of columns throughout the room.

Mobile pallet racks can be moved around on wheels so you can rearrange your inventory as needed.

Cantilever Racks

Another common type of warehouse storage system is the cantilever rack. Cantilever racks are made of a series of beams connected to form a shelf. 

The beams are anchored to the floor and an overhead beam. This creates an open space between the two structures, allowing goods to be stored on top of them.

In most warehouses, there will be several rows with multiple levels of shelves in each row (also called “aisles”). Such storage solutions are ideal for cargo storage and other large items that need to be stored at a height. 

The downside is that they take up more space than pallet racks, making them less efficient when storing heavy items.

Wire Rack Shelf

Wire racks are a type of shelving that uses steel wire as the main material and can be used for long-term storage. The advantages of wire rack shelves include their minimal maintenance, durability, and easy assembly. Wire rack shelves are used in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.

Wire rack shelves come in different sizes with varying features, such as side flaps and end caps or crossbars, to prevent objects from falling off the shelf.

When selecting a wire rack shelf, you should consider factors such as the weight capacity, working environment (temperature-humidity) required by your products that will be stored on it, space available in your facility, etc.

Push-Back Racks

Push-back racks, also known as gravity flow racks, can store light to medium-weight items. These racks require less floor space than pallet racking, but they can’t carry heavy loads. 

They are easy to install, move, and reconfigure. Push-back racks come in a variety of sizes so that you can find what will work best for your warehouse storage needs.

Steel Racks

Steel racks are a good solution if you store many small parts in your warehouse. These racks are more expensive than other types, but they can be custom-built to meet the needs of your warehouse. 

They’re also easy to move and reconfigure, which makes them versatile for storing items that change frequently or in small amounts.

Drive-in Racks

Drive-in racks are a good choice for storing bulky items like pallets. You can also use them to store other types of items, but they’re most often used in warehouses. 

Drive-in racks are often used when the warehouse has limited space because they take up less room than other types of storage options. They’re also a good option for storing lightweight items because they’re easy to move around and can be positioned anywhere in the warehouse. 

Drive-in racks are made up of two sets of rails on either side of the rack, which allow forklifts to drive through them and access items stored inside.

Final Word

Choosing the right storage solution for your specific needs and environment is important. Many factors go into choosing the right solution for your needs, including size and weight capacity requirements and environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations and humidity levels.

Contact us today for more information on the different types of warehouse storage solutions available and how to choose the right one for your business.