The pallet rack has become a ubiquitous sight in most warehouses and storage facilities, simply because it is the best option. Consisting of a set of upright frames, pallet racks are interconnected by horizontal beams that conveniently store pallet or non-palletized products. What a pallet rack holds is determined by the rack configuration and the kind of beam supports used.

Pallet racks that are widespread in use are of two kinds: the Drive-in Pallet Rack and the Drive-Thru Pallet Rack. The main variation between both these racks is their entry and exit points. Pallet racks are large! Their storage depth allows them to hold large mechanical components and other such bulky cargo, which is why warehouses are not shy about investing in them.

Take a detailed trip about how, why and where you should consider using Drive-In and Drive-Thru Pallet Racking and make the best of these racks for your storage.

Drive-In/Drive-Thru Racks: A Detailed Introduction

What are they?
A Drive-In pallet racking system has a single entry, where both man and machine can access the cargo through one entry point and leave through the same. By the nature of its infrastructure, a drive-in rack automatically uses the Last In, First Out or LIFO inventory system.

A Drive-Thru rack has an entry and an exit point, thus allowing the free flow of forklifts and workers. This type of pallet racking system allows the FIFO or First In, First Out system.

Where are they used?

If you have limited space in your warehouse, Drive-In racks are your best choice. They are ideal for storing non-perishable goods like electronics, machinery, spare parts, and plastics. But did you know that drive-in racks are also used in cold storages where the temperature has to be constantly maintained at a certain temperature? Slow-moving fragile products can also find a safe haven with drive-in racks.

The use of Drive-Thru racks is the stark opposite of Drive-In racks because they are ideal mostly for warehouses that store perishable goods, excluding the cold storage products.
If you are endowed with enough space and looking for easy loading and unloading, then the Drive-thru rack is a good pick.

Also Read: Benefits Of A Multi-Tier Racking System In The Industrial Warehouse

What are the benefits?

Here’s an entire list of benefits:

• The storage capacity is seven times more than that of floor stacks and three times more than traditional pallet racks!
• Both drive-in and drive-thru racks can withhold heavy cargo for a long period without buckling under the weight.
• As a comprehensive and economical solution, they make maximum use of your storage space.
• Highly durable as long as loading and unloading are done in an orderly fashion without compromising the structural integrity of the entire rack.
• Multiple configuration options like FIFO and LIFO.
• Better control over entry and exit loading.
• Ability to store large amounts of similar products due to increased density.
• A wide option of height and depths to meet any storage requirement.
• Conducive for using trucks and forklifts.

Aspects that matter while choosing pallet racks

Pallet racks are versatile storage solutions. You can just install any type of pallet rack and profit from it. However, the wise thing to do will be to analyze your organizational requirements and that will help you shortlist your choices. There are different factors that come into play:

• The storage capacity of your warehouse or factory.
• Availability of extra space that can be used to accommodate certain types of pallet racks.
• Ample space for loading and unloading.
• Choice of perishable and non-perishable goods for storage.
• The duration is taken to unload a typical order of the pallet rack.
• Alignment of expenses with the business objectives.
• Budget allowance for forklifts and manpower.

At the end of the day, you only need to ask yourself if your choice of pallet racking is suitable for your business.

What to expect when using drive-in/drive-thru pallet racks

The aim of this blog is to effectively cover all the aspects of drive-in/drive-thru pallet racks. Hence, it is only just that we give you a glimpse of the downside of using these racks to prepare you to handle any challenge that might arise.

Be prepared to:

• Employ expert forklift drivers who can weave their way in and out of the maze of racks without causing any accidents.
• Install high-quality pallets that will withstand the weight of the stored products.
• Be aware of inaccessibility to internal pallets that might lead to unretrievable products.
• Once installed with a specific size, pallet racks cannot be modified to accommodate bigger or smaller pallets.
• Keep in mind your inventory loading and unloading processes.
• Implement a forklift safety protocol for rack maintenance and the safety of your employees and the stored products.
• Establish the compatibility of the forklifts with the structural dimensions.
• Strict adherence to safe loading and unloading practices.
• Check on the safety aspects every now and then.
• Repair even the minutest of faults like damaged frames and loose anchors.

Drive-In/Drive-Thru Pallet Racks: A smart choice and a wise investment

If you are a stickler for streamlined warehouse procedures, drive-in and drive-thru racks are the perfect choice for you. Installation of either of these racks invariably calls for systematic loading and unloading, which helps you keep track of what comes in and what goes out of your warehouse. But what’s best about drive-in/drive-thru racks is their reasonable cost as a space-saving storage solution. Most warehouses opt for these pallet racks because they provide dense pallet storage.

Donracks, the top-notch rack manufacturer in Vijayawada, is the go-to place for all your queries regarding pallet racking. From manufacturing to installation and post-installation services, we offer you a bounty of benefits when you team with us. Our products are in a league of their own when it comes to durability, functionality and affordability. Talk to our team today and gain insightful details about Drive-in/Drive-thru pallet racks. Talk to us @ 91-8008100633.