Jun. 30, 2025
When you are deciding what racking system will work best for you, there are a lot of things you need to take into consideration. If you are tight on space a drive-in pallet racking system may be a good choice for you. It allows to store a large number of pallets by having fewer aisles.
Standard pallet rack or selective racking only allows you to store pallets one deep. Drive-in systems or drive-thru systems increase your storage density by storing pallets in lanes as deep as you want. The forklift operator will take the first pallet and actually "drive in" the system with the pallet in the desired lane. When they get to the back of the system the pallet will either be put onto the floor or rest it on the steel rail.
The high-density storage system is unloaded the same way, with the forklift truck going into the system, picking up the pallet and reversing out of the system.
Pallet Rack Uprights: The uprights provide vertical support for the rack system and are what the drive in rails hang from. The uprights can be made from roll formed or structural steel.
Guide Rails:The guide rails and continuous rails and are what the pallets rest on and run from the front of the system to the back. The guide rails can be made from roll formed or hot rolled c-channel.
Horizontal Rails: The horizontal rails or beams are at the back and top of the rack system for drive in. For drive thru they are only at the top of the system. These beams are what hold the system together and keep it from swaying from left to right.
The main difference between these racking systems is drive-thru racks can be services from both sides of the system, whereas drive-thru racks can only be service on one side. Both are very similar high-density storage solution. Drive-thru pallet rack systems just give you a little more flexibility.
A drive in pallet rack system has beams across the back of the system at all pallet levels, that the last pallet can rest on. This horizontal beam across the back of the drive-in rack system keeps the forklift drivers from being able to drive through the back of the system. This makes drive in a FILO (first in last out) system where drive-thru rack systems can be a FIFO (first in first out) or a FILO.
Drive-in pallet racking is best suited for slower moving products that do not go bad due to the fact that the first pallet you put into the system, will be the last one you take out. Drive-thru pallet racking is better suited for quicker moving sku's as you can access the pallets from either side of the system.
Both systems are an excellent solution to increase floor space and storage space in your facility. These rack systems are commonly seen in cold storage applications because of the fact that freezer real estate is so valuable. The storage capacity of either type of system can be customized to fit your needs.
Drive-in pallet racking is a high-density storage solution designed to maximise storage space while maintaining efficient access to palletised goods. In this system, pallets are stored on rails that run the depth of the racking, allowing forklifts to drive directly into the storage bays to load and unload products.
View Drive-in Pallet Racking Solutions
This guide provides an in-depth look at drive-in pallet racking and its many advantages for warehouse operations.
Drive-in racking systems typically require fewer components than some other storage solutions, such as selective or cantilever racking. This means that drive-in racking is often a more affordable option, which is useful for businesses wanting to minimise upfront capital investments for their warehouse setup or refurbishment project.
While drive-in racking primarily follows a last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory management system, it can be advantageous for items with longer shelf lives, as products with similar expiration dates are grouped together. This can help businesses better manage their inventory rotation and prevent spoilage.
Drive-in racking systems can be easily expanded or modified to accommodate changes in inventory levels or storage requirements. This allows businesses to adapt their storage solution as they grow or as their needs change, without the need for a complete warehouse overhaul.
In temperature-controlled environments such as cold storage facilities, drive-in racking helps to reduce energy consumption by minimising the amount of open space that needs to be cooled or heated. This can lead to significant cost savings in energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable operation.
UNISTAR supply professional and honest service.
Drive-in racking can be customised to fit various warehouse layouts and storage needs. It’s an excellent option for maximising the use of space within a warehouse, and can be used to improve storage efficiency in a number of ways:
As there is no need for separate aisles between each row of pallets in a drive-in system, a higher density storage layout can be achieved. By consolidating storage space and minimising unused areas, drive-in racking can significantly increase the number of pallets that can be stored within a given warehouse footprint.
Drive-in racking systems can be designed with multiple vertical storage levels, allowing businesses to take advantage of the full height of their warehouse. This is particularly beneficial for companies with limited floor space.
Implementing a double-entry drive-in racking system, where two rows of racking share a common centre wall, can further enhance space utilisation. This configuration reduces the need for additional support structures and increases storage density, making it an even more space-efficient solution.
Drive-in racking systems can be tailored to fit a variety of warehouse layouts and specific storage requirements. This includes accommodating different pallet sizes, adjusting the height and depth of the storage bays, and designing the system to fit around existing structures or obstacles within the warehouse.
Drive-in racking systems enable the efficient organisation of items with similar characteristics or expiration dates. By grouping these items together, businesses can streamline their inventory management processes and reduce handling times to optimise the use of available space.
By significantly increasing storage density and optimising the organisation of products, drive-in racking systems can help businesses reduce their overall storage footprint. This can lead to cost savings on real estate and energy expenses, as well as contribute to a more sustainable warehouse operation.
Drive-in racking can be more flexible and adaptable, as it can be modified to accommodate varying pallet widths and depths. Additionally, drive-in racking can be converted to drive-through racking by removing the backstop and creating an opening on the opposite side of the storage bay.
Drive-through racking, while offering the advantage of a FIFO inventory management system, is less flexible in terms of adapting to different pallet sizes and depths. It requires a more uniform layout and more careful planning during the design phase.
Drive-in racking systems may result in slower retrieval times due to the LIFO inventory management system. Forklift operators may need to move several pallets to access the desired item, which can affect operational efficiency.
Drive-through racking systems generally offer faster retrieval times, as the FIFO inventory management system allows for quicker access to the oldest stock items.
Properly trained forklift operators are essential to maintaining a safe working environment in drive-in racking systems. Ensure that all operators have completed the necessary training and certification, and that they are familiar with the specific requirements and restrictions of the drive-in racking system in use.
Forklifts and other material handling equipment should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the specific requirements of the drive-in racking system. This includes adhering to speed limits, following established traffic patterns, and using caution when entering and exiting storage bays.
Keep aisles and pathways clear of debris, spills, and obstructions to ensure the safe and efficient movement of forklifts and personnel within the warehouse. Regularly clean and maintain these areas to prevent accidents and promote overall safety.
Establish clear emergency procedures and ensure that all warehouse staff are familiar with them. This includes identifying emergency exits, providing adequate lighting and signage, and conducting regular drills to practise and reinforce emergency response plans.
Ensure that all warehouse staff wear the appropriate PPE, such as safety shoes, high-visibility vests, and hard hats when necessary. This can help to minimise the risk of injuries in the event of an accident.
The company is the world’s best drive in racking system supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Previous: Choosing the ideal system for storing pallets - Interlake Mecalux
Next: Understanding Multi Tier Mezzanine: Benefits and Design Insights
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )