Any warehouse or distribution business needs to build into the budget the pricing and costs of storage racks. Industrial racking not only offers storage solutions but also improves efficiency, product safety, inventory tracking and many other needs. Industrial storage racks will be a large portion of a budget for new businesses and those that are revamping storage.

As with any product, it may be advantageous for you to purchase used storage systems to save money. Used storage systems offer the same convenience of new systems at a fraction of the price. Whether you are outfitting a warehouse with pallet storage racks or a medical office with record storage, consider the following:

1. Factor the cost of new and used pallet racking systems.

2. Budget for industrial storage racks for warehouse storage and organization.

3. Plan a budget for storage racks for office storage and organization.

Action Steps
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Get estimates for new and used pallet racking systems

Pallet racking systems are by far the most expensive type of industrial shelving. Because each company has such different needs and configurations of this type of rack, the only way to get an accurate estimate is to contact companies with your industrial shelving needs and specifications. Purchasing used racking systems will be much less expensive than purchasing new systems.

I recommend: Yankee Supply specializes in the resale of used warehouse storage racks. Browse its inventory online and contact its specialists for price quotes. SpaceRak sells new industrial storage racks. It has several options for pallet storage.

Get price estimates for heavy storage rack systems

Warehouse shelving undergoes much more wear and tear than typical storage shelving. Heavy-duty, industrial racking is critical for warehouse use. Durable shelving is safer and lasts longer than standard storage shelves. The price of steel storage racks varies depending on the size of the shelving; one set of steel shelving can cost from $120 to $500.

I recommend: Gilmore-Kramer sells a wide variety of industrial shelving racks. Choose from its inventory of steel, wide-span, wire and bin shelving options. Uline Shipping Supplies is another vendor of industrial storage racking. It carries bolt-less shelving that assembles in minutes, along with additional supplies such as casters and extra shelving.

Find storage racks for your office

There are many solutions for office storage and record filing needs. Manufacturers typically make storage cabinets and shelving for office storage from steel or wood. Office storage racks and shelving systems range from $150 to $700 per shelf.

I recommend: AnytimeProducts is a storage shelving specialist. It has a solution for every storage need. Ergo In Demand is another provider of metal storage racks and other shelving systems. It specializes in media and office filing systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are a variety of storage options for warehouse and office storage. To find the best solution for your business, consult with an expert at an industrial racking vendor.

Industrial storage racks are the cornerstone of any warehouse or distribution center system. With the right warehouse racks, pallet racks and shelving racks, you can ensure the safety of your products, facilitate storage and retrieval needs, increase efficiency, improve inventory tracking and lower your overall storage costs. Proper storage equipment also helps keep your employees safe when storing, retrieving or moving materials and merchandise.

When shopping for warehouse racks, keep the following in mind:

1. The size and weight of the items you'll be storing on your storage racks.
2. The length of time items will be stored on the warehouse racks.
3. The configuration of industrial storage racks and how they will fit within your space.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Invest in industrial storage racks

Warehouse settings are more harsh than retail or office environments and demand heavy-duty industrial storage equipment. Wire shelving and storage racks come in a vast array of sizes and strengths to accommodate the toughest warehouse needs.

I recommend: For heavy-duty industrial storage racks, you'll find a good supply at the Gilmore-Kramer Company. For a variety of pallet rack solutions, including push-back, pallet flow and drive-in racking, check out SpaceRak or Mecalux.

Basic storage racks

Offices and retail stores also need shelving racks to store files, office supplies, merchandise and more. For basic office storage, look for light-duty, medium-duty or heavy-duty storage racks in standard sizes and configurations.

I recommend: If your storage needs are simple, consider basic wire shelving and storage racks from major supply companies, such as Shelving Direct, Global Equipment Company Inc. or Uline.

Used storage racks

Warehouse racks, pallet racks, shelving racks - the cost of storage racks can start to add up, especially if you're configuring a large warehouse or distribution center. To keep costs to a minimum, opt for used storage racks when possible.

I recommend: Midwest Rack Mfg. and Rack Express offer a great supply of different types of used storage racks, including tear drop pallet racks, deluxe shelving racks, T-bolt pallet racks and more. SJF Material Handling Equipment also stocks used storage racks and pallet racks.

Custom storage racks

If you need to store items that are extremely heavy or that come in odd sizes, you may require custom industrial storage racks.

I recommend: Fab-Master manufactures custom structural steel storage racks that can accommodate the most demanding loads and can be configured to fit non-standard sizes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Dozens of types of pallet racks are commonly used in warehouses. Ask vendors to help you choose the best type for your needs.
• •  Drive-in storage racks provide high-density storage with more storage capacity per square foot than other storage options.
• •  Cantilever storage racks can be either single-sided or double-sided and can come with additional uprights, cross braces and arms.
• •  If you do a lot of picking from inventory, consider carton-flow storage racks. With these warehouse racks, you stock from the back and retrieve from the front.

Industrial racking comes in many shapes and sizes. A shelving configuration that works for one company may prove to be all wrong for another. Understanding storage racks basics will help you to choose the industrial storage racks that best suit your business.

You can break down metal storage racks into three basic categories: pallet racks, heavy storage rack systems and light-weight storage racks. Manufacturers use steel to create the strongest and most durable racking systems. Because steel is so durable, there is no need to worry about the durability of used storage racks. Consider the following warehouse storage racks for your business:

1. Choose the best pallet storage rack for your warehouse.

2. Store small goods on steel warehouse storage racks.

3. Use wire-racking systems for light warehouse and indoor storage.

Action Steps
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Incorporate pallet storage racks

Choosing the configuration of warehouse storage racks is an important task. The right racks and set up will make or break your distribution services. The right system will speed productivity by allowing workers to perform more efficiently, helping to keep employees safe and increasing your ability to monitor your inventory. There are a variety of pallet racks to choose from, such as drive-in racks, cantilever racks and flow racks.

I recommend: Research pallet rack configurations at Knol. It provides an article that breaks down the basics of pallet racks, including their design, configuration and construction. Midwest Steel & Rack Supply is a good resource for purchasing pallet racks. It sells both new and used storage racks for pallets.

Use solid steel storage racks for small goods warehouse storage

Heavy duty steel storage racks are a good option for storing large warehouse goods. Industrial steel storage racks are generally able to hold around 1,000 pounds. Steel storage racks are a good permanent storage solution. Choose solid shelves for warehouse storage, as they are more sturdy and durable than wire shelving.

I recommend: Beacon Industries sells both single- and double-sided steel storage racking systems. You can add to its shelving to increase storage as your business grows. Material Flow & Conveyor Systems is another company that sells steel storage racks. It has several sizes and options of industrial warehouse shelving to choose from.

Store lighter items on wire storage racks

Industries like restaurants and health care utilize wire storage racks. Wire storage racks are versatile and durable, making them the perfect solution for many lighter weight storage needs. Be sure to look at the weight limit of each shelf before deciding whether these will work for you.

I recommend: House Way hosts an informational site designed to help consumers choose the best type of wire shelving. It will help you determine a shelving unit based on your needs for storage, durability, space and any other special considerations. Gilmore-Kramer is a retailer of wire shelving units.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Obtain space measurements before searching for and purchasing any type of industrial racking.
• •  Consider the assembly of storage racks before purchasing them. Find out if the retailer offers on-site assembly.

If you're in a business that calls for you to store products in a warehouse, chances are you'll be using some sort of storage racks to keep this area in order. To ensure you're using the correct storage racks system for your particular materials, it might help to become familiar with some storage rack key terms. From basic hand stand or hand stack storage racks to drive-in/drive-thru racks, you'll find it helpful to define the different types of storage racks available.

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Hand stand or hand stack

Hand stand or hand stack storage racks are racks used to store large or bulky items that cannot be kept in bins. Hand stand or hand stack storage racks are also used when large quantities of a product need to be stored.

I recommend: Find a detailed description of hand stand or hand stack storage racks at Siggins.

Double-deep

Double-deep storage racks are generally used when a large quantity of the same stock is stored. Pallets or boxes are placed on the shelves, then another box or pallet of the same product is stored directly in front of it.

I recommend: Ridg-U-Rak explains double-deep racking and the positives of using such a racking system.

Push-back

Push-back storage racks are similar to double-deep racks, but they're automated. When a pallet is removed from a push-back storage rack, the pallet or pallets behind that one automatically move forward.

I recommend: Warehouse Equipment Store explains push-back storage racks and supplies a picture of this type of rack.

Drive-in/drive-thru

Drive-in/drive-thru refers to two types of storage rack systems. Both are spacing-saving storage racks that employ depth and height. Drive-in storage racks are loaded and unloaded from one side, while drive-thru racks are accessible from two sides.

I recommend: Unarco provides photos and detailed descriptions of drive-in/drive-thru storage racks.

Cantilever

Cantilever storage racks are used for long products such as pipes, furniture or lumber that needs to be stored. Cantilever racks use arms, rather than shelves, and provide easy access to stored materials.

I recommend: SJF Material Handling fully describes the cantilever storage rack system.

Row spacers

Row spacers are attached between the uprights of storage racks and are used to keep storage racks evenly spaced and straight. They also provide extra strength and stability to storage racks.

I recommend: You'll find a brief description and picture of how row spacers work at Cisco-Eagle.