Understanding the Basics of Pallet Rack Capacity

Safety and efficiency. Both are guiding principles for a smooth-running warehouse. These two terms cover every aspect of warehouse operation, including the weight capacity of your pallet racks. While it may seem straightforward, many operations either do not understand or choose to ignore this critical rack specification.

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Not all pallet rack systems are created equal when it comes to capacity.

The challenge is knowing what works for your situation.

Pallet rack weight capacity requires an understanding of several aspects related to the rack and items stored.

The first thing to consider is the load (pallet and what&#;s on the pallet) and its dimensions. Is it heavy, light or in between? Load distribution is important. Pallet racks require evenly distributed loads.

How tall is the load? How deep is the load? The combination of height, weight and depth play a significant role in determining capacity and the rack beam.

The right beam is essential

A pallet rack beam must support the weight of the load and desired dimension of the pallet load. Determining the dimensions can be a little confusing. Some companies talk about beam width while others talk about length.

The reality is both are the same.

For example, if you want to place two 40&#;x 48&#; pallets side by side, you multiply the load width (40&#;) times two, then add 12&#; more.

The result is 80&#; plus an addition foot, or a beam width of 92&#;. Of course, you will need to check with your supplier on available sizes.

Why the extra foot? Safety and fire codes require additional space between pallets; and the added space makes it easier for loading and unloading.

Now that you have the beam width appropriate for your product/load, it&#;s time to discover the capacity of that pallet rack beam. Load capacity for pallet rack beams are based upon a per pair load on the rack.

For our purpose, let&#;s say we will place two pallet loads of lbs each side-by-side on the rack. Therefore, you need a rack beam with a capacity of at least lbs per pair to support the load safely.

Rack manufacturers provide charts to help select the appropriate beam. You should refer to these charts when selecting a specific beam.

If you&#;ve purchased a used racking system, ask your supplier to provide capacity information.

Uprights also affect capacity

Pallet rack beam capacity is important but not the only information you need to understand pallet rack weight capacity. Rack height also determines its capacity.

How many bays (levels) will the rack have? Will each bay have the same height dimensions or will those dimensions vary to handle multiple product loads?

The more distance between each rack beam, the less weight the pallet rack uprights can support. You must also include an extra six inches of height for each bay (again, for safety and code purposes).

If you want to learn more, please visit our website how much weight can a pallet rack hold.

For purpose of example, let&#;s take the information from above on the beam capacity. We want a rack with four bays with each bay having the same vertical dimension of 46&#; and a load capacity of lbs. The vertical frame (upright) must support 16,000 lbs and a 46&#; vertical beam spacing.

Again, rack manufacturers provide charts to help determine which rack equipment meet your criteria.

You&#;re almost ready to select the right pallet rack once you know the pallet rack&#;s weight capacity. However, there are other items to consider before making your selection. These include seismic requirements, condition of the floor, damage potential your rack could incur and more.

Want to understand how to calculate pallet rack load capacity? The best next step you can take is talking with a professional who can tailor the perfect rack system for your application and help you understand what it can hold.

Companies, warehouses, and facilities always look for efficient ways to store their goods. Fortunately, pallet racking is an easy choice; it is a strong, convenient, cost-effective option for stocking and organizing items. Whether you are in the market for new or used pallet racks, selecting the right products for your business is essential. Look through the top ten questions below to help you choose the best pallet racking.

1. What Kind of Racks Do You Need?

Choosing the right type of pallet rack for your specific storage requirements is important. To make an informed decision, you must consider factors such as what items you will be storing and their size, weight, and volume. Depending on your needs, you may require specialized equipment like cantilever racks for large and lengthy items, pushback systems for cubes, or wide-span shelving for medium to large storage.

2. Who Is the Manufacturer?

When you are buying new or used, it may be easy to find the original manufacturer. However, if you are buying used pallet racks, spend time checking compatibility. Accordingly, you can look forward to a smooth and seamless installation, plus you can take advantage of manufacturer maintenance and repair guides.

3. What Is the Total Weight Capacity?

Your storage systems should hold the weight of your items for an extended period. Likewise, if you plan to store items with varying weights and sizes, your storage solutions should be able to evenly distribute the total weight. Ultimately, you want to invest in a storage system built to last and remain sturdy for many years.

4. How Tall Is the Pallet Racking?

Another critical factor to consider is the height of the equipment. Ideally, it will fit your facility and hold your total volume of goods. You can also accommodate future storage needs by installing full vertical pallet racks or leaving room for add-on parts.

5. Is It New or Used?

Companies looking for pallet racks can choose between new and used options. They both offer distinct advantages that can make one more appealing than the other. Some businesses prefer the convenience and confidence of choosing a brand-new storage system. Others do not mind spending a little more time evaluating and selecting the right used solutions to save money.

6. What Is the Condition?

Buying used doesn&#;t keep you from getting the best pallet racking you possibly can. However, if you&#;re buying used pallet racks, assessing their condition beforehand is essential. While reputable suppliers typically do not sell low-quality pallets, the state of used pallets can vary from fair to like-new. It is best to stick with your preferred condition across all selected products, ensuring maximum stability and structural integrity.

7. Do You Need Safety Accessories?

Safety should always be a priority when selecting pallet racking; your team will work around and with your storage, so you want to ensure everyone is protected. One way to do this is by verifying whether the storage system you&#;re considering has any safety features. Additionally, consider purchasing accessories like rack guards, rack enclosures, shield panels, or industrial safety guardrails to further enhance the safety of your storage system.

8. What Is the Cost?

When selecting suitable warehouse storage, your budget is a critical factor. However, choosing a supplier you can trust and high-quality products is equally important. If you want to save money, buying used pallet racks is worth considering. You can still find racks in excellent condition that suit your needs perfectly.

9. What Are the Delivery and Installation Services?

Selecting a supplier that offers a full delivery and installation package is helpful. It ensures that your pallet racks are correctly set up and secured, giving you complete peace of mind. Many teams will also offer advice and suggestions to help you keep your storage systems in excellent condition.

10. What is the Supplier&#;s Reputation?

Finally, it is crucial to look into your pallet rack supplier. It&#;s always a good idea to research and read reviews from other clients to better understand the quality of their products, level of service, and customer care.

Choose the Best Pallet Racking with Pallet Rack World

Asking the right questions to find the best pallet racking is essential to making the best decision for your business. Doing so lets you choose a storage system that fits your needs, maintains its quality, and lasts for a long time. So, take the time to ask the above ten questions and make an excellent, informed decision.

When you need high-quality pallet racks, there is no better place to turn than Pallet Rack World. We have a large selection of pallet racks, parts, and add-ons that allow you to create your ideal storage system. Likewise, our professionals are always ready to help you make an informed choice. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!

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