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Two very similar systems in the storage world include drive-in and drive-through pallet racking. They both feature high racks that can handle heavy items and awkwardly shaped items with ease. Choosing between the two pallet rack options will depend on your industry, the type of products you are storing, and your budget. Optimizing your warehouse storage is a wise investment because it can increase your storage capacity by over 20%. No matter what option you choose, both provide benefits to those who utilize the warehouse daily.
Components Of Each System
While drive-in and drive-through pallet racking will look similar, the major difference between the two lies in the unloading capacity. Drive-in will only be able to be accessed and unloaded by a forklift from one side, while drive-throughs are able to be unloaded from both sides.
Drive-in pallet racking has upright frames, brackets that hold storage rails in place, and pallet guides to help forklift operators place the products appropriately. These will also have a backing or safety backing that keeps the items from falling out of the back of the storage unit.
Drive-through pallet racking has a loading and unloading side that makes for a more efficient warehouse. The racking will have upright frames and storage rails as well, but will flow through both sides to move product around easily. Aisles on both sides of the racking will require you to have horizontal supports to keep the system stable.
Industries That Benefit From Drive-in Pallet Racking
Drive-in racks are best for high-density storage and are an efficient use of space. These industries can benefit from drive-in options.
- Cold Storage Facilities
- Manufacturing
- Retail Storage or Shipping
- Food and Beverage Industry
- Bulk Pharmaceutical Storage
- Automotive
- Distribution Centers
Those Who Benefit From Drive-through Pallet Racking
Drive-through pallet racking options are created for warehouses that need to rotate products that are perishable or ones that lose value over time. Here are some industries that utilize drive-through options.
- Industries with seasonal products or offerings
- Manufacturing plants
- Cold Storage
- Food Or Drink
- Chemicals that need to follow FIFO rules
Cost Considerations
The smaller drive-in systems are typically more affordable than drive-through systems. Because there are fewer components needed to keep the materials in place. Drive-in racking ranges from $75 to $150 per pallet. While drive-through systems are more expensive, depending on the type of warehouse you own, it could be more cost-effective in the long run. Material, size, and complexity of the system can impact initial costs.
Benefits Of Pallet Racking
No matter what type of pallet racking you choose, it can provide a number of benefits to your business. Let’s look at some of the ways that racking can help with storage capacity and business operations.
Stock Management
Pallet rack systems are used for many different products to help keep your inventory simple and organized. Both pallet racking options can help businesses with stock rotation and product loss that can happen when a company doesn’t follow the first-in, first-out method. Choosing the proper pallet racking option for your business can extend the lifespan of your operations and help with inventory turnover.
Access To Products
Drive-through racking specifically can help warehouse workers have easy access to pallets full of products. Storing items properly and stacking them on durable racking will help them be accessed by forklift operators and get them to their customers quickly. Having quick access to products is especially helpful for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials.
Enhanced Safety
Pallet racks will help you create clear aisles and save space in your warehouse. By having properly maintained pallet racks, you prevent loose items from being on your floor or falling from other storage systems, injuring your employees. Being able to drive or walk safely through your warehouse will help improve your business reputation and make it a great place to work.
Working With BL Pallet Racking
Our pallet racking team offers pallet racks to businesses in Utah and Indiana to help you take better control of your products and inventory. We carry everything you may need in stock, used, and new, which means you can start storing more efficiently right away. Whether you need drive-in or drive-through pallet racking, we can help you find a storage option that fits your needs.
In addition to products, we also offer installation services. BL Pallet Racking can bring the racking you ordered to your warehouse and set it up in a professional manner. If you want to have a durable and flexible storage option, BL Pallet Racking is the best choice. Reach out to us to learn more about our current offers or purchase a new racking system!
