saw blades - what you need

Posted on: 4 November 2019

Pallet racking is essential when you start storing away hundreds of products on pallets. When pallets arrive at your warehouse, having a strong racking system will not only give you somewhere to put the pallets, but will also ensure that your warehouse is better organized too. The racking system you put together needs to support your pallets and products well, so consider these rack tips.

Choose Material Carefully

Most racks and racking systems are done in either wood or metal. Wood is usually more affordable and simple systems can be put up almost immediately. However, wood has a tendency to warp, rot and break over time. That's why metal, particularly steel, could be a better long-term option. Steel is an especially durable material that can stand for many years as you stock products and load racks.

Get More Than You Imagine is Needed

Thinking ahead is wise, but especially so when it comes to the racks you'll use. You may only be adding a certain amount of pallets today, but if business improves, you might not have the downtime to add more racks. Not only that, but if you get a good racking system that will accommodate future needs, you won't have to worry about putting new racks on an old system or whether everything will fit properly.

Get Rack Protection

Racks aren't the only thing to puchase when you want a system that will last. Post protectors and frame guards will prevent a lot of damage from happening to the racks you put in. Therefore, ask the installer for recommendations specific to the racks you have. The guards will block forklifts from getting too close and nicking or denting the racks.

Remember Weight Limits

Even if you went with steel racks, it's important for employees and managers to remember what weight limits exist. The weight limit should be posted prominently and care should be taken during loading to ensure that each rack isn't overloaded. Overloading them can create enormous problems over time. Excessive weight disturbs the stability of the racks, and if a rack collapses, that could mean hundreds of dollars in product damage that you'll have to deal with. Workers can also be struck by collapsing racks or flying boxes.

Rack systems are important for any product warehouse. With these tips, selection and structure maintenance is easy; you can then put your focus back on your team and your products.