Many storage facilities can benefit from the use of drive-in racking. Here’s what to know about this style of racking before deciding whether it is right for your distribution center:
Types of Drive-In Racks
Both drive-in rack and drive-thru rack options are available.
Drive-in racks allow forklift access from only one side. In this format, the first pallets that are placed in the racking is the last to be removed (LIFO).
Drive-thru racks allow forklift access from either side of a storage rack. This allows for the first pallet in the rack to be the first removed (FIFO).
Use for Drive-In Racking
Why use drive-in racks? Applications most suited to drive-in racks are those where there is a low amount of SKU’s. What drive-in rack lacks in selectivity, it makes up for in density. Of conventional pallet racking solutions, it allows for the greatest use of cubic footprint.
Advantages of Drive-In Racks
There are some big benefits when choosing drive-in racks. Some of these advantages include:
- Keeping expensive frozen or cold storage space to a minimum while delivering maximum use of that space.
- Best possible use of space in storage facilities with limited floor space.
Drawbacks of Drive-In Racks
While drive-in racking is a great solution for some storage facilities, it isn’t the perfect choice for all of them. Some disadvantages of using drive-in racking may include:
- High SKU counts cannot be stored in drive-in rack. All pallet positions vertically must contain the same SKU.
- Low selectivity. Pallets must be picked from the racking in a specific order for safe operation.
Take all of this into account before choosing a racking system for your facility. There are advantages and disadvantages of every style of rack, so choosing the right type for your facility comes down to your company’s needs and budget. Speak with an expert today at Frazier Industrial Company.
