Lets talk about Pallet Racking...
Pallet racking is a type of industrial storage system designed to efficiently store and organize palletized goods in warehouses, distribution centers, and other commercial settings. It consists of a series of horizontal beams supported by vertical upright frames, creating multiple levels of storage space. Pallets containing goods are placed on these horizontal beams, allowing for easy access using forklifts or other lifting equipment. Pallet racking maximizes storage capacity, enhances accessibility, and aids in the systematic management of inventory. It's a common solution for businesses needing to store large quantities of goods in an organized manner while optimizing space utilization.
Sometimes our customers get a little confused about product names and how to talk about specific parts of the racking system. To help you understand the basics of Pallet Racking lingo, here are some common terms and simple explanations. If it still feels a bit overwhelming, don't worry. Just give a call to your local United Racking branch, and we can go through it together.
Upright Frame, or sometimes called Pallet Racking Frame, is the vertical part that holds the beams in place. It's made up of two channels and bracing. When you get these frames from United Racking, they're already put together and ready for installation.
​
Horizontal Beam, sometimes known as Pallet Racking Beam, is the horizontal piece that holds up pallets. It links to the upright frames and makes the shelf where you store stuff. You can move these beams around to fit various sizes of loads.
​
Base Plate, also called Frame Base Plate, is the flat part at the bottom of the upright frame. It provides stability and helps distribute the weight of the racking system evenly. This plate is typically anchored to the floor for a secure foundation.
​
Beam Locking Pin, often referred to as Safety Pin, is a simple yet crucial component. It's a pin that fits into the holes on the upright frame to secure the horizontal beams in place. This keeps the beams from accidentally dislodging and ensures the stability of the racking system.
​
Base Plate Anchors are essential elements that provide stability and security to your racking system. These anchors attach the base plates of the upright frames to the floor, preventing any unwanted movement or shifting. They play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the entire setup. Typically a 12x75mm Dana-Bolt is used but the new "Screw Bolts" are becoming very popular as they cause less damage to the concrete and are easily removed when relocating a racking system.
​
Pallet Racking Safety Sign, also called a Load Sign, is like a visual guide that shows you how much weight a specific racking area can handle safely. It usually has info about the maximum load the racking can take and tips on how to load it right. These signs are super important to make sure things don't get overloaded and everyone stays safe.
​
Bay / Run of Pallet Racking, Think of a standalone bay of pallet racking like a single module. It's made up of two vertical frames with beams in between to hold your stuff. A "Run" of joining bays is like putting these modules together side by side to make a longer storage area. The frames are shared between adjacent bays, and the beams connect them all. So, you get a continuous "Run" of storage space for more pallets or items.
In short, a standalone bay is a single bay, and a run of joining bays is a bunch of these bays linked together for larger storage areas.
​
Bay Width, Pallet racking bay width is basically how wide each storage section is between the two vertical frames. It's like the space you have to put your stuff on. If you need to store big things, you'd want a wider bay width. But if you're dealing with smaller items or want more levels for storage, then a narrower bay width could be better. Picking the right bay width is important because it decides how well you can arrange and get to your stored stuff.
​
Bay Height, in pallet racking is just how much vertical space you have between the floor and each level of storage. It's all about how high you can stack your stuff within a single section.
If you have big items or want to stack things high, you'd go for a taller bay height. But for smaller items or easy reach, a shorter bay height works better.
Remember, bay height affects how much you can store vertically and how easy it is to get to your stuff.
​
Beam Levels, also knwon as shelves or picking levels, are like the different shelves you create by putting the horizontal bars on the upright frames. They decide where you can put your stuff in each bay. If you want to store things at different heights, you adjust the beam levels. More levels mean closer storage, and fewer levels give you space for taller stuff. So, beam levels basically determine how you use the vertical space in a storage section. Remeber to talk to a United Racking expert when setting up your beam levels so that you have a design that is safe and to standards. Beam levels are a key factor to consider when designing a safe racking height and there are strict guideline you will ne to follow with beam heights and spacing between beams.
​
Back-to-Back pallet racking is like setting up two rows of storage racks facing each other. It's a clever way to use space because the frames are shared between the rows. This is great for fitting more stuff in while still keeping things accessible.
In this setup, items can be stored on both sides of the racks, and it's handy when you have limited space but need to store a lot of things. It's especially useful in tight spaces where you need to move around with equipment, like forklifts.
​
​
I hope this information has been useful in helping you understand the "Pallet Racking Language." However, if things are still a bit unclear, feel free to reach out to us at United Racking. We're here to assist you and clarify any questions you might have.
​