The right rack can double your usable storage and cut picking time. The wrong one wastes space and creates safety risks. Use these five questions to decide.
1. What are you storing?
Pallets usually work best with palletized or drive-in racks. Long items like pipes and rods fit cantilever racks. Cartons and small parts often suit long span or slotted angle racks.
2. How heavy is each load?
Note the weight per level and per bay. Heavy-duty racks are built for high loads; slotted angle racks suit light to medium loads.
3. How will goods be handled?
Forklift, stacker, pallet truck or by hand decides aisle width and rack height. The handling method must match the rack design, otherwise access and safety become difficult.
4. How much height do you have?
With good ceiling height, a mezzanine floor or multi-tier shelving adds a full extra level. This is often the simplest way to increase storage without changing the building footprint.
5. Any special conditions?
Cold storage needs racks with suitable finish; food and pharma may need stainless steel. Some materials require easy cleaning, corrosion resistance or better load distribution.
Rack types at a glance
| Rack | Best for |
|---|---|
| Heavy Duty | Heavy loads, bulk goods |
| Palletized | Pallets with forklift |
| Drive-in | High-density same-SKU pallets |
| Cantilever | Pipes, rods, sheets |
| Long Span | Cartons, medium loads |
| Slotted Angle | Light loads, flexible layouts |
| Mezzanine | Adding a second floor |
Get a free layout suggestion
Share your floor size, ceiling height and load details with AEM and we will suggest a racking layout. The best storage solution is not always the cheapest per bay; it is the one that supports safe handling and future growth.
