The Top 7 Things to Know Before Purchasing Pallet Rack
The Top 7 Things to Know Before Purchasing Pallet Rack
All Pallet Rack is NOT Created Equal &#; Use Your Capital Wisely with These Buying Tips
Pallet rack is often the most cost-effective way to store inventory while maximizing your warehouse space. Rack systems are configured to take advantage of otherwise unused cube space while keeping SKUs organized and safe from damage. With a wide variety of manufacturers, systems designs, capacities, and materials, choosing the best pallet racking for your facility will take careful consideration&#; and some helpful advice. Here are 7 Buying Tips that our warehouse storage system experts recommend.
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Pallet Rack Buying Tips
Tip #1 &#; Buying Based on Price is Very Risky &#; for so many reasons, this is a necessary caution. At a minimum, your pallet rack must be configured to withstand your expected inventory capacity, warehouse activity, and climate/wash down requirements.
A less costly rack may have a smaller price tag for any number of reasons, such as:
It&#;s manufactured with less steel which increases the chance for damage
It&#;s made for lighter inventory
It comes without safety features
It could be susceptible to moisture due to the paint process
It may have blemishes due to the paint process
It may have longer lead times
It may require more expensive freight
All that being noted, it doesn&#;t mean you can never choose the least expensive option; just be sure you know what you are getting and that it meets your warehousing needs.
Tip #2 &#; Material Quality and Interchangeability &#; pallet rack is manufactured from steel, but there are different types of rack resulting in a discernible difference in steel thickness. Rack systems are either manufactured as structural or roll-formed. Structural steel rack is formed from hot rolled channel steel. It is very durable and can withstand more abuse than its lighter weight and very popular roll-formed rack counterpart. Roll-formed is molded by feeding steel through dies to form a particular shape. Roll-formed systems are typically manufactured from 12 &#; 16 gauge steel making them lighter and less expensive to ship. While they can withstand significant load capacities like structural systems, they are more vulnerable to damage from equipment and harsh conditions.
Tip #3 &#; Seismic Considerations &#; there are seven seismic zones (A-E) in the United States. Depending on which zone you are building in, your rack system must meet the requirements of that region and particular zip code, which can include using heavier gauge steel, larger baseplates, anchoring modifications, different bracing, etc. This is one area of rack purchasing where consulting with an expert will save you significant time and expense purchasing unsafe racking. The WOI team will help you understand the seismic requirements for your area to ensure a safe design and installation.
Tip #4 &#; Be Selective&#; or Be Dense &#; selectivity vs. storage density is an important distinction for your rack system. For example, a selective rack system provides 100% accessibility to every pallet, but it is only one pallet deep, meaning that every pallet must have its own SKU face. If your inventory comprises a significant number of low-volume SKUs, that is an excellent option for you. If you have fewer SKUs with a high volume of each, you will want a dense storage solution to consolidate your rack footprint.
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Tip #5 &#; Use a Reputable Rack Manufacturer &#; this is an area where reputation really does matter. Leading rack manufacturers have a lot riding on the success of their rack systems. An established rack manufacturer relies on strict quality controls, conditions, and safety checks. They will also provide warranty and expert service technicians, engineering, and field support. International manufacturers, by comparison, may not meet U.S. quality regulations or RMI standards, and you may have difficulty with installation, service, certificate of occupancy, and/or rack safety. This is one area where &#;Go with what you know&#; is the right answer. Asking for references is always a good practice.
Tip #6 &#; Used Rack Risk &#; Used rack systems are abundant. What is less abundant is often the information specific to each rack system, i.e., manufacturer, gauge, specifications, stresses from the original installation, etc. Again the initial price point can be very tempting, but with the work that you have to put into gathering specs, producing engineering plans for approval, reconfiguring to meet your inventory requirements, perhaps replacing base plates or refurbishing components, and potential installation difficulties, you have to seriously consider the projected final costs of a custom-designed new system to a reconfigured used rack system.
Tip #7 &#; Is Appearance Important? &#; most likely, you will choose colors to paint the components of your rack system, but is paint just paint? We suggest looking for a powder coat finish over other popular options. It is more durable, able to withstand washdown, and has a nicer overall finish. A galvanized coat will add a moisture barrier to protect the rack against corrosion. A little expense upfront can save you down the road in repairs and replacement.
Find a Dealer You Can Trust
There is a lot more to purchasing pallet rack than looks and cost. These systems last for many years, so a smart investment should check off your inventory needs for today and as much as you can anticipate into the future. Working with an experienced, professional dealer like Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. (WOI) will get you the most cost-effective result.
The WOI team will walk you through every stage of the process. We strive for nothing less than expert customer service to deliver outstanding results and peace of mind. We call it our 5-Step Total Satisfaction Experience&#;.
WOI will:
Listen to your needs
Execute your project with special attention to your unique application
Stick to project timelines
Ensure a safe environment
Pay close attention to the detail of the finished product
Call WOI today to discuss your inventory storage rack needs. Call (865) 540- for a prompt response. We proudly serve customers throughout the Southeast, including KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA, ALABAMA, AND FLORIDA.
Want more information on wholesale pallet racking? Feel free to contact us.