Pallet Rack Key Terms

Get to know some key terms for pallet rack structure and use

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN

The vast majority of warehouse spaces that operate forklifts and other machines to stack product or inventory make use of pallet racks. These steel structures provide a shelving system for palletized goods. They have standard sizes and shapes that conform to what forklifts and other pallet vehicles generally handle. When it comes to safety and utility in installation and use, managers and business leaders can find out about some of the basic key terms for pallet racks and understand what the market for these structures looks like.

Cantilever pallet rack

Cantilever pallet rack structures allow for stacking longer items that will not fit in one pallet space. A cantilever rack is a rack with arms that adjust to hold bundles of long products.
Try: Find a definition and visuals on cantilever pallet racking from Got-Rack.

Pushback racking

A pushback system allows for product to be "stacked" horizontally. Pallets or units get pushed back by new additions, in a "first on, last off" setup.
Try: Find more on pushback racking from Cisco-Eagle.

Capacity plates

Capacity plates are parts of the setup that specify weight restrictions. Experts recommend installing these for the benefit of all present and future users.
Try: Find visuals and details on capacity plates and a lot more safety info for pallet racks at Material Handling Blog.

Column guards

Column guards are structures that fit around the steel support beams of pallet racks. They are designed to protect pallet racks from damage due to vehicles colliding with the rack. Some are built to fit onto beam structures, others are more in the form of "cages" that surround a beam.
Try: Find info on column guards and other kinds of heavy-duty barriers at Warehouse Rack and Shelf.

Safety bars

Also called supportive beams or crossbars, these additions to pallet racks provide more weight and structural support. This is great way to stabilize a pallet rack system to handle more weight as needed.
Try: Find a definition and details on types of safety bars, as well as much more on pallet rack design, fromClayton Supply.

Concentrated or point load

This term comes in handy for dealing with stacked merchandise or inventory on pallet racks. What concentrated, or point load, means is that there is more weight resting on a specific section of a rack area.
Try: Find the definition of point load (click on blue script for expanding terms definitions) from Material Industry Handling Association.