Pallet Racking vs. Industrial Shelving. Which One Do You Need?

When you are trying to organize a warehouse, it can be hard to know what type of storage system you actually need.

Should you use pallet racking, industrial shelving, or maybe a combination of both?

They may look similar, but they are used for different types of inventory. The best choice really depends on what you are storing and how your employees handle it every day.

What Is Pallet Racking?

Pallet racking is made for inventory that is stored on pallets.

It is usually found in warehouses that use forklifts or reach trucks to move larger and heavier products. It also allows you to store inventory higher instead of using up all of your floor space.

Pallet racking may be the better option if you are storing:

• Full pallets
• Heavy products
• Bulk inventory
• Large quantities of the same item
• Products moved with a forklift

One thing we like about pallet racking is that it can be adjusted. The beams can be moved to different heights, and you may be able to add more levels later if your warehouse has enough space.

What Is Industrial Shelving?

Industrial shelving is better for smaller products that employees need to pick by hand.

Instead of removing an entire pallet, employees can grab individual boxes, tools, parts, or supplies directly from the shelves.

Industrial shelving works well for:

• Small parts
• Tools and supplies
• E-commerce inventory
• Replacement parts
• Boxes picked individually
• Maintenance areas

It is a simple way to keep smaller products organized and easier to find.

Which One Holds More Weight?

Pallet racking is usually made to hold heavier loads than standard industrial shelving.

That does not mean every pallet rack system has the same weight capacity. The capacity can change depending on the size, manufacturer, condition, and way the system is installed.

You should always check the weight capacity before loading either system. Never assume something is safe just because it looks strong.

How Do You Handle Your Inventory?

A simple way to decide between pallet racking and shelving is to think about how your inventory is picked.

If your products arrive and leave on pallets, pallet racking will probably make more sense.

If your employees are picking individual items or smaller boxes throughout the day, industrial shelving may be easier to use.

You should also keep the products you use the most in areas that are easy for employees to reach.

Think About Your Warehouse Space

Pallet racking is great for using the height of your warehouse, but you also need enough aisle space for your forklift to move safely.

Industrial shelving can fit better in smaller or narrower areas where forklifts are not being used.

Before buying anything, make sure you measure your ceiling height, floor space, aisle width, doors, columns, and anything else that could get in the way.

Can You Use Both?

Yes, and many warehouses do.

You can use pallet racking for full pallets and industrial shelving for smaller products that need to be picked by hand.

Using both can help you stay organized while making the most of your warehouse space.

Which One Is Right for Your Warehouse?

Pallet racking may be the better choice if you store heavy products on pallets and regularly use a forklift.

Industrial shelving may be better if you have smaller items that employees need to grab by hand.

There is no single storage system that works for every warehouse. It really depends on your inventory, your available space, and the way your business operates.

At Herdzco Industrial, we offer new and used pallet racking, industrial shelving, wire decking, and other warehouse equipment. We can also help with delivery and installation.

Not sure which option is right for you? Contact us and tell us what you are storing. We will help you find a setup that makes sense for your warehouse and your budget.