Tag Archive for: pallet racking

push back pallet rack system

To put it simply, it depends! Lots of factors come into play when deciding what type of pallet rack best suits your operation.

  1. Cost
  2. Size of the facility
  3. The clearance height of the facility’s ceiling
  4. What type of product is stored
  5. Size of pallets used
  6. What is the product turn around
  7. What kind of forklift truck used

Knowing this information can help you determine what solution will work best in your facility. 

Pallet Rack 101:

Roll Formed and Structural

A roll-formed pallet rack is the most common construction of racking. It is usually manufactured in the “teardrop” style; teardrop referring to the teardrop-shaped holes on the uprights column. It is cold rolled and typically has a rivet connection. There are few circumstances when roll-formed has a bolted connection. This type of pallet rack also tends to be less expensive because it is comprised of less steel than structural. Roll-formed uses mounting clips that can easily be adjusted to different heights according to load size, which is beneficial for warehouses that store a wide variety of product sizes.

Structural pallet rack is hot-rolled. Its components are almost always bolted together, which can easily spot structural versus roll-formed pallet rack. The horizontal load beams connect to the uprights with bolts, which increases the rack’s weight-bearing capacity. The structural pallet rack is made of thicker steel c-channels, making it the more expensive but durable pallet rack option. It is most commonly used in warehouses where inventory has a quick turnover because durability is a huge factor when accommodating heavy forklift traffic.

Uprights

  • Vertical bracing columns
  • Depth determined by product size
  • Height determined by clear height in building and forklift capabilities
  • Column size determined by capacity needed
  • The capacity of uprights determined by the spacing of beams – spacing beams far apart can create bends in the uprights, closer together makes it stronger
  • Gauge determined by capacity needed

Beams 

  • Horizontal load supports
  • Length determined by product size
  • Height determined by capacity needed
  • Gauge determined by capacity needed – lower gauge means thicker steel and higher capacity
  • Deflection in beams is how much the beam is designed to bend – deflection is typical!

Row Spacers

  • Flue space connector
  • Layout determines the length of the row spacer
  • Length determined by flue space dimensions
  • Type determined by upright to be connected to
  • Some row spacers are not interchangeable, so be aware when selling used equipment

Pallet Supports

  • Load supports connecting front and back beams
  • Length determined by the depth of upright
  • Style and gauge determined by capacity needed

Wire Decking

Wire decking is used in pallet racks and other types of storage racks. Made from steel wire, wire decking gives you the flexibility to store a variety of pallet sizes. It provides a stable surface while also maintaining an open surface, which improves fire safety by enhancing your overhead sprinkler system’s performance. Wire decking is easy to install and is virtually maintenance-free.

If you have additional questions, give us a call at 866.474.2001 or contact your sales representative!

Teardrop Pallet Rack

Recently, Storage Solutions posted a blog called All You Need To Know About Pallet Racks, which overviews different designs we have in stock at our warehouse in Westfield, IN. This blog will go more in-depth on the Teardrop Pallet Rack design.

The Teardrop Pallet Rack is constructed of cold-rolled steel, which is commonly referred to as “roll-formed steel.” The racking structure involves an upright with open holes on its face that are shaped like “teardrops.” The structure also has beams that have connectors with “rivets” that slide into place in the teardrop punch on the face of the uprights. This type of structure allows for the simple connection of beams and uprights.

Take a look at our visual glossary to see the Teardrop design as well as others we keep in stock.

Benefits of Teardrop Pallet Rack

The Teardrop design is the most common design in the industry. Because the style is ubiquitous, beams and uprights are often interchangeable and compatible with other manufacturer designs. Therefore, it allows peace of mind when buying additional racking for your growing facility. Also, when compared to the heavier design of structural racking, the teardrop rack is the most economical.

Storage Solutions stocks Teardrop Pallet Racks that utilize a spring-activated safety lock. This lock prevents the beam from dislodging from the upright during loading and unloading. We prioritize safety in our warehouse and we want to ensure the same in your facility.

Teardrop Pallet Racks can be used to fit your specific needs and can be equipped with custom accessories to fit any function. This racking design has a wide variety of colors, sizes, and capacities so you can find the right one for you.

In addition to selling new equipment, we also sell used pallet rack beams and uprights. Check out the advantages of buying used equipment here.

Want more information on Teardrop Pallet Racks? Give us a call at 317.449.8726 or contact us here. Our team is happy to help you!

Rialto California Project

We’re always up for a challenge when it comes to new facility installation! This 100,000 square foot facility in Rialto needed new material to prepare for new product and increased shipping volume in its current layout. We took on the task of installing new racking and removing old material while the facility was fully operational.

This 3-month long project revolved around the replacement of the existing equipment while working around the “operational areas”. This took a lot of coordination between the SSI Project Manager and the team on-site. Everything needed to be completely planned out so the removal and installation could be completed by the scheduled time. We were able to sequence the installation to allow the customer the necessary operating space while giving ourselves ample room to finish the project without delay.

Need some work done on a new or existing facility? Our project management team is here to help you get the job done right.

Click Here to View the Case Study
IFDA

IFDA
It’s almost time for the IFDA Conference in National Harbor, MD at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, and Storage Solutions will be there!

What is the IFDA Distribution Solutions Conference?

The conference is ultimately about helping foodservice operations management work smarter, better, and faster! This conference provides resources and insights to improve your operations, addresses key people issues. Furthermore, it helps you get your head around the latest professional procedures and technologies.

IFDA describes itself as a place to see the latest technologies and hear the latest best practices in food distribution. In addition, attendees will gain insights on issues from warehousing and transportation to human resources and regulatory compliance.

So what does this mean for Storage Solutions? Well, SSI has been attending the IFDA conference since 2012 in order to learn more about the industry’s best practices. We will also have two employees at the show this year, (Aaron Resiak and Brian Blanner) so make sure to come see them!

Will you be at the trade show? If so, stop by Booth #362 and say hello! Storage Solutions representatives will be on site for the entirety of the show; Sunday (10/15) through Tuesday (10/17).

Is the deal too good to be true?

Everyone loves a good deal, but nobody likes unpleasant surprises. As consumers, we are always trying to save money while still getting the most bang for our buck.  It’s part of a good business strategy.  However, it’s also important to remember that if something looks too good to be true; it probably is.

We recently had a customer who thought they were getting a good deal, but instead ended up with a very nasty surprise. This customer ordered some pallet rack from another supplier at a very low cost point. The customer planned to install the pallet rack themselves but had NO IDEA how much work that would be. When the pallet rack arrived they only received the various deconstructed components to make the upright frames, instead of assembled uprights as they had expected. (see photo)

Deal too good to be true?

Some equipment providers may cut corners to provide customers with the lowest cost point. As a customer, this can be dangerous financially and structurally if you don’t fully understand what you’re getting when you sign on the dotted line.

At Storage Solutions, we only work with top quality equipment manufacturers for our new equipment & promise to never leave our customers with this type of unpleasant surprise. If you purchase used equipment from us you can do so with the knowledge that we only bring in the highest quality pre-owned equipment & it is stored indoors and out of the elements. When you purchase from us, you can do so with the knowledge that you will get what you’re promised, and what you pay for.

What To Look For:

  • Prices that are unbelievably low sometimes means product quality is low for new equipment or product condition is less than desirable for used equipment
  • Suspiciously low prices may also mean product features are missing (ie. assembled uprights) or specs & capacities won’t meet your expectations
  • RMI product certification shows that the product has been tested & is in accordance with current building codes & safety standards – if the product is not RMI certified it is not from a quality equipment manufacturer & doesn’t meet any current building code.

If you have any questions about our equipment, feel free to reach out to an experienced member of our team!

Visit our buy equipment page to learn more about all of our quality products!

labor day

Labor Day: What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is a yearly nationwide tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

So before the realization that the end of the summer sets in, we encourage you to use this three-day weekend to take advantage of the great weather! Whether you decide to spend the weekend grilling by the lake or staying close to home, we hope you enjoy the long weekend!

In honor of Labor Day, and to celebrate our Storage Solutions team, our warehouse and offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2017, and will reopen on Tuesday, September 5. So go out and enjoy the beautiful weather and the long weekend!

Storage Solutions has used Sturdi-Bilt Pallet Rack available for sale!

Contact your sales representative or call us at 866.474.2001 for purchasing details and additional information.

 

NOTE: All items are subject to prior sale.

studibilt studibilt

BEAMS

96″ X 4″ with 1-5/8″ STEP | QTY: 110 | ORANGE

102″ X 4 – 5″ with 1-5/8″ STEP | QTY: 3,279 | ORANGE

108″ X 5″ with 1-5/8″ STEP | QTY: 20 | NAVY BLUE

120″ X 4-3/8 – 6″ with 1-5/8″ STEP | QTY: 84 | ORANGE

UPRIGHTS

30″ X 289″ STURDIBILT UPRIGHT – 3″ X 3″ OPEN COLUMN | QTY: 56 | GRAY/BLUE

34″ X 289″ STURDIBILT UPRIGHT –  3″ X 3″ OPEN COLUMN | QTY: 105 | GRAY/BLUE

42″ X 289″ STURDIBILT UPRIGHT –  3″ X 3″ OPEN COLUMN | QTY: 67 | GRAY/BLUE

ROW SPACERS

14-1/2″ STURDIBILT ROW SPACER | QTY: 639 | GALVANIZED

pallet rackFor those of you that don’t know, yesterday, Sunday, June 3rd was National Repeat Day (yes, I said Repeat Day). National Repeat Day is a day for everyone to go out and do the things they love over again.  Go fishing for two hours instead of one, ride your bike in the morning then again in the evening, or eat your favorite dessert twice!

Well, one thing we love here at Storage Solutions is pallet rack, so to celebrate Repeat Day we are re-posting a previous Term of the Week blog.

This week’s re-term of the week is Pallet Rack!

Pallet rack is a structural storage system that is used to support high stacking of items or palletized loads. This storage system is designed to store materials on pallets.

There are many types of pallet racking but all types allow for the storage of palletized materials. In order to use the pallet rack system you need to have access to forklift trucks so that you can place the loaded pallets onto the racks for storage. Pallet racks are an essential element in most modern warehouses, manufacturing facilities, retail centers, and other storage and distribution facilities.

We use many types of pallet racking in our own warehouse. We also buy and sell new and used pallet rack beams and used pallet rack uprights.

If you are in need of pallet racking make sure to check out the clearance section of our website for more product availability, or contact our online sales team at 866.474.2001, and one of our knowledgable team members will be able to help you get what you need!

Source:  wikiMHEDA/Pallet Racking

“Do you know anything about material handling or pallet racking?”

In my first interview, I was asked this question.  Now, in most interviews, you might consider that a make it or break it kind of question.  And in most interviews, I would have an answer prepared for this sort of inquiry.  After all, why would I be sitting in an interview if I didn’t have the first clue about the industry in which the business operates… Right?  Wrong.

A Day In The Life Of A Rookie“Actually, no.  I don’t have any previous knowledge or experience with material handling.”

I was positive this sort of response was going to hurt me, but luckily, my interviewer, Nate Storey, said, “That’s okay. Almost no one comes into this business knowing anything about pallet racking or material handling.  It usually takes about 6 months for people to understand everything.”

Phew.  Really?  Well, sign me up, I thought.

After a second interview, and much deliberation, I decided to accept the job with Storage Solutions.  Before starting, I decided to do more in-depth research on the industry so I could get a head start before my first day.  During my research, it occurred to me that this business isn’t extremely difficult.

So going in to my first day I knew:

  1. A pallet is a pallet.
  2. A beam is a beam.

Six months to learn everything.  How difficult could it really be, right? Wrong.  Again.

It occurrs to me early on that material handling and pallet racking is much more detailed than it appears.  A pallet isn’t just a pallet and a beam definitely isn’t just a beam.  Connections, uprights, braces, shelving, decking… there’s A LOT to learn.

The type of business Storage Solutions does was best described to me by CFO Bill Beeker when he said,

pallet rack“This isn’t a sexy business, but it’s still needed.”

This made sense to me.  The type of work Storage Solutions does isn’t flashy or noticeable… but it’s important.  We provide something certain companies have to have.

Now, my first eight days have gone by and I’ve learned a lot about the industry but have still barely scratched the surface.

Other Things I’ve Learned In My First 8 Days:

  1. Ball State University alumni rule this office, with Wabash coming in a distant second!
  2. A few employees of Storage Solutions were actually in the same fraternity at BSU. (Sigma Chi)
  3. I work with friendly, helpful people who want this business to succeed and grow.

I still have a lot more to learn, and who knows, maybe six months from now I’ll look back on this first blog and realize I was wrong about even the small things I thought I knew! I guess we’ll see…