QMH Warehouse Solutions & Services
Published by Tony Hysell on , last updated
If you’re in the market for warehouse pallet racking systems for the first time, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that businesses make in their warehouses. With over 25 years experience in the material handling industry, we’ve learned the do’s and don’ts of pallet racking. The following are problems we often encounter and work to avoid for our customers to minimize the potential for costly damages and/or hazards in their warehouse.
Guidelines for Shopping Warehouse Pallet Racking Systems
Make Sure to Buy the Right Size
The size of your warehouse pallet racking can become a big problem if your forklift(s) cannot access the upper levels of your racking. If you’re installing a tall racking system, make sure you have a forklift that will reach every pallet to avoid complications.
Buy More than Enough Racking
Buying just enough pallet racking to suit your current needs will work for the time being. However if your business projects any future growth, it’s important to take this into consideration when picking your pallet racks so that your business is better prepared. If you have the room for it in your facility, install a racking system that has a few extra bays to allow for more pallet storage if needed. Another factor to keep in mind is the holiday season. If you know that your warehouse will need to be fully stocked in preparation for the holidays, having that extra row of racking could really benefit you.
Don’t Ignore Forklift Damage
A small dent or bend from a forklift may seem minor. However if the same area is hit by a forklift again, that can lead to worse and more costly damage. The likelihood of your racking system collapsing increases greatly when you choose to ignore any existing damages.
Don’t Exceed Capacities
It’s a simple rule to follow, but you’d be surprised how many warehouses bend the rules and exceed their storage systems’ capacities. Exceeding recommended capacity may weaken the pallet racking system over time and cause it to collapse, especially in the case of an earthquake. This oversight and negligence can cause very expensive damages and potential danger to your employees. If the products you’re storing vary greatly in weight, it’s best to store the heaviest pallets on the bottom levels and floor, and the lighter pallets on upper levels.
Don’t Assume Used is As Good As New
Used warehouse pallet racking systems don’t offer the same quality and advantages you can expect with a new racking system. If you’re looking for durable, long-term pallet racking, then used is not the way to go. Although used racking is significantly cheaper, it is often in poor condition through years of use. We recommend that you only buy used racking if you’re certain that it’s in great condition. Any type of damage on used pallet racking could cause costly damages to your material if it can’t withstand the weight you plan on storing.
Don’t Overlook the Height to Depth Ratio
The Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) defines a standard height to depth ratio limit for pallet racking. The height to depth ratio should never exceed 6:1. This means that your racking system’s height should never exceed 6 times its depth. Exceeding this ratio makes your pallet racking system less stable and more susceptible to collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common mistake when buying pallet racking?
One of the most common mistakes is buying the wrong size or configuration for the space and inventory, which can lead to wasted space or racking that doesn’t safely accommodate the pallets being stored.
How do I know if my pallet racking exceeds its weight capacity?
Every rack system should have a load capacity plaque or label indicating the maximum weight per level and per bay. If a plaque is missing or capacities are unclear, a qualified rack inspector can help determine safe load limits.
Is it safe to buy used pallet racking?
Used pallet racking can be safe if it’s carefully inspected for damage such as bent frames, cracked welds, or worn connectors before installation. Racking with visible damage should not be reused without repair or replacement of the affected components.
What is the 6:1 height-to-depth ratio for pallet racking?
This is a stability guideline stating that a rack’s height should not exceed six times its depth. Racking that exceeds this ratio may need additional anchoring, bracing, or a wider footprint to remain stable.
How often should pallet racking be inspected for damage?
Pallet racking should be visually inspected regularly by warehouse staff, with a more formal documented inspection performed at least once a year to catch forklift damage, corrosion, or other issues before they become safety hazards.
Need Pallet Racking?
Our team of experienced racking and design experts will design a strong and secure warehouse pallet racking system for you. Our permits department is dedicated to making sure your racking system is installed in compliance with city codes and regulations! Contact us with any pallet racking questions!
Learn more about Warehouse Pallet Racking
Talk to a Material Handling Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Every rack system should have a load capacity plaque or label indicating the maximum weight per level and per bay. If a plaque is missing or capacities are unclear, a qualified rack inspector can help determine safe load limits.
One of the most common mistakes is buying the wrong size or configuration for the space and inventory, which can lead to wasted space or racking that doesn’t safely accommodate the pallets being stored.
Used pallet racking can be safe if it’s carefully inspected for damage such as bent frames, cracked welds, or worn connectors before installation. Racking with visible damage should not be reused without repair or replacement.
Pallet racking should be visually inspected regularly by warehouse staff, with a more formal documented inspection performed at least once a year to catch forklift damage, corrosion, or other issues before they become safety hazards.
This is a stability guideline stating that a rack’s height should not exceed six times its depth. Racking that exceeds this ratio may need additional anchoring, bracing, or a wider footprint to remain stable.
