Storage Solutions Blog

Used Pallet Rack

Hello again, and welcome back to the Storage Solutions weekly blog.  This week, I would like to focus on new versus used pallet rack.  As an integral aspect of any warehouse dynamic, we’d like take a few minutes to discuss the benefits of buying used pallet rack.

WHAT IS PALLET RACK?

Standard selective pallet rack is designed for the purpose of the bulk storage of palletized goods and equipment. 

• Pallet rack is typically found in warehousing operations.
• Consists of uprights, beams, and wire decks.
• Uprights are the vertical pieces of these storage units which are typically anchored to the floor and provide the support for the racking system.
• Beams clip into the uprights and provide the horizontal supports in these units.
• Wire decks are the final element of these units which sit on top of the beams and create the shelf that the pallets and/or goods sit on.

WHY BUY USED PALLET RACK?

• Used pallet rack is less expensive— Since the global economy has fallen off the proverbial deep end, businesses everywhere are looking for new ways to save money.  So, it is easy to see why purchasing used pallet rack has become a more popular route for businesses trying to save a little extra money on their warehousing operations. 
  
  
• Avoid manufacturers’ lead times—When pallet rack manufacturers are busy, it can take them as long as 8-10 weeks before they are able to fabricate your equipment.  Used pallet rack, on the other hand, is available immediately.  The time saved by avoiding manufacturers' lead times could be crucial if you are working on a project with a very short deadline.

WHAT’S OUR BEST TIP FOR PURCHASING PALLET RACK?

Be sure to purchase equipment that has been stored indoors.—Many used pallet rack dealers store their equipment in a field, leaving it exposed to the elements.  Rusty uprights, beams, and wire decks are the number one reason people complain about buying used pallet rack. 

Here at Storage Solutions, we pride ourselves on the fact that every single pallet rack you purchase from us has been stored in a temperature-controlled setting.  With the recent addition of space, our 330,000 sq. ft. warehouse provides an ideal environment for storing new and used pallet rack.  Rust can develop on the insides of beams that have been exposed to the elements, so merely looking on the surface isn’t enough. 

 

Well, that just about wraps up another Storage Solutions blog session.  But don’t forget to check out the clearance section of our website.  We are constantly adding new equipment so be sure to take a few minutes to see if there is anything that catches your eye

Material Handling Terms and Definitions

Hello again.  In this week's blog, we are going to cover a few basic terms and definitions as they apply to the material handling industry.  Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding material handling equipment.

Dedicated Aisles-  An aisle in a warehouse serving only one function. This aisle can be for order selection, product storage, or both.

Buffer Storage-  The part of a warehouse in which back-up or reserve stock is stored awaiting transfer into active storage.

Belt Conveyor-  A continuous fabric, rubber, plastic, leather or metal belt operated over a suitable drive and tail end, and over belt idlers or slider bed for handling materials, packages or objects placed directly upon the belt.

Pallet Rack Shelving-  Standard pallet rack can be equipped with shelf panel inserts so that pallet rack can be used for storing binnable, rackable or palletized materials as needs change.

Pallet Loader-  An automatic or semiautomatic machine consisting of synchronized conveyors and mechanisms to receive objects from a conveyor(s) and place them onto pallets according to a prearranged pattern.

On behalf of all of us here at Storage Solutions, thanks for stopping by.  Don't forget to join us again next week!

Speedrack: Tubular and Structural Pallet Rack

Storage Solutions is proud to be partnered with Speedrack.  Speedrack has been at the forefront of the storage products industry for more than 50 years, and they have been responsible for a number of revolutionary designs for racking equipment.  From designing the first totally tubular selective rack to the first free standing drive in rack, Speedrack has set the bar high for racking design. 

Storage Solutions is committed to providing our clients with industry leading materials and equipment.  We are a proud vendor of Speedrack's selective rack, cantilever rack, and drive-in/drive-thru rack.  Together, Storage Solutions and Speedrack help to save you time and money on all your pallet racking needs. 

Material Handling Definitions

For those of you who don't know a lot about pallet rack, here are some helpful terms and definitions:

Double-Deep Racks - Usually two rows of selective racks, one placed behind the other, on which pallets may be placed two deep by a double-deep reach truck. Fifty percent of all loads are immediately accessible and, in the worst case, it is necessary to remove the front pallet on any level to have access to the one immediately behind it. Applies to a storage requirement for many pallets of few SKUs.

Automated Storage/Retrieval System (AS/RS) - A combination of equipment and controls, which handles, stores and retrieves materials with precision, accuracy and speed under a defined degree of automation. Systems vary from relatively simple, manually controlled order-picking machines operating in small storage structures to computer-controlled storage and retrieval systems, totally integrated into the manufacturing and distribution process.

Material(s) Handling - 1. An aspect of materials management relating specifically to the physical transfer of materials.  2. The movement of materials (raw materials, scrap, semi-finished and finished) to, through and from productive processes; in warehouses and storage; and in receiving and shipping areas.

Pallet Rack Shelving - Standard pallet rack can be equipped with shelf panel inserts so that pallet rack can be used for storing binnable, rackable or palletized materials as needs change.

Mezzanine - (pictured right) A platform supported with structural members, used for storage or operations; constructed at a height which permits movement of people and equipment below.

Used Equipment Packages

Storage Solutions has two used equipment packages available, arriving at our facility in Westfield, IN this week! Drive in pallet rack, selective rack and wire decking! Some of the specific items are:

• (1,200) 96" x 4" Teardrop Beams
• (1,300) 96" x 3" Teardrop Beams
• (2,700) 96" x 4-1/8" Mecalux Teardrop Beams
• (230) 42"D x 144"H Mecalux Teardrop Uprights
• (350) 42"D x 216"H Mecalux Teardrop Uprights
• (250) 42"D x 216"H Teardrop Uprights
• Over (2,000) pallet positions of drive-in rack

For more information including pictures, capacities, and colors please call 866-474-2001 or e-mail AJ at andrew@storage-solutions.com.

Pallet Rack Definitions

We want to educate you with some Pallet Rack definitions: 

Pallet Storage Rack - A structure composed of two or more upright frames, beams, and connectors for the purpose of supporting palletized materials in storage. Among the common methods of assembly are welded, bolted, or clipped.

Selective Rack - Pallet rack that is one load (single) pallet deep. Implies all loads are equally accessible from the (fork truck) aisle. Contrast with Double-Deep Racks.

Cantilever Rack (pictured right) - A rack consisting of arms cantilevered from columns. Most useful when there is need for a full clear shelf that can be loaded from the front without obstructing uprights.

First-In, First-Out (FIFO) - An inventory valuation method, in which costs of material are transferred in chronological order.

Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) - An inventory valuation method, in which costs are transferred in reverse chronological order.

If you have questions about these terms or would like our help on an upcoming project, let us know!