Finding the Best Pallet Storage Warehouse Methods for Your Needs

When entrusting a pallet storage warehouse to store your products, you’ll want to make sure they are out of harm’s way. Knowing exactly how your expensive inventory will be stored is the best way to have peace of mind. FW Logistics uses multiple pallet storage methods at its many convenient nationwide warehouse locations to best fit your needs and ensure the safety of your products.

Understanding Different Pallet Storage Methods in the Warehouse

When storing various types of merchandise, from food products to hazardous chemicals, in a pallet storage warehouse, it’s essential to use the right pallet storage method. These are the different types of pallet storage methods in the warehouse:

•  Block stacking
•  Stacking frames
•  Pallet flow rack
•  Drive-in rack
•  Single-deep pallet rack
•  Double-deep pallet rack
•  Push back rack

Block Stacking

Block stacking is the simplest and most cost-effective pallet storage method. Block stacking is perfect for sturdy products that can be stacked on top of each other without risk of breaking. This method does not require racks or special equipment, which is why it’s ideal for clients who want to store solid products at a low cost. Even though block stacking is inexpensive, it’s not always the most optimal way to store product. When retrieving pallets of merchandise that are block stacked, sometimes areas are created that cannot be filled, resulting in wasted space. Product also cannot be retrieved based on age, making this an inefficient method for inventory with a short shelf life. 

Stacking Frames

For products that can’t be safely stacked directly on top of each other, stacking frames are another inexpensive storage option. Stacking frames are perfect during busy periods when extra floor space is needed, because they allow fragile products to be stacked safely. Stacking frames also maximize floor space by allowing products to be stacked vertically. However, similar to block stacking, space can be created when the product is removed that cannot be refilled until the entire lane has been emptied, making this a less efficient storage method.

Pallet Flow Rack

Pallet flow racks are ideal for warehouses that move a lot of product through on a daily basis, but they are an expensive storage option. This is because pallet flow racks utilize conveyor belts to move inventory. However, this method is ideal for products with a shorter shelf life, because the oldest product is always removed from storage first. Wasted space is not an issue when using this method, because new inventory can always be added to the end of the conveyor belt when old inventory is removed.

Drive-In Rack

The drive-in rack system could be compared to a parking lot—inventory is “parked” in parallel lanes. Forklifts are used to retrieve inventory from its lane, which allows for easy removal and restocking. Depending on the type of drive-in system, merchandise can be removed based on age or how recently it was received. Therefore, drive-in racks are a good option for various types of product.

Single-Deep Pallet Rack

The single-deep pallet rack method is similar to block stacking in that merchandise is stacked, but unlike block stacking, merchandise can be removed from any place in the stack and be immediately replaced with new product. This eliminates inefficiency when working with limited warehouse space. It is also an inexpensive storage method, but costs more than block stacking due to the more meticulous organization of pallets. However, because the product is stored in a single row, more lanes are needed to reach the merchandise. 

Double-Deep Pallet Rack

Double-deep pallet racks use less floor area than single-deep pallet racks because merchandise can be stored in one of two back-to-back rows. The number of rows needed to access merchandise is cut in half compared to single-deep pallet racks, but this method reduces efficiency because it can be difficult to reach and refill empty storage spaces.

Push-Back Rack

This storage method uses new merchandise to “push back” older stored merchandise on a railing system, hence its name. This method ensures easy removal because inventory is always in an optimal spot to leave the warehouse, but is not ideal if merchandise has to be cycled out by age. This is because older merchandise gets pushed to the back and is last to be removed.

Choosing the Right Pallet Storage Warehouse Method

When deciding what pallet storage methods are right for your product, you will want to consider the strength of your product, the cost of the pallet storage method, and your product’s shelf life. FW Logistics can help you decide on the right pallet storage method and which warehouse location will work best for your needs. Contact us now to learn more about our coast-to-coast warehouse locations and storage solutions for your merchandise.