Types of Industrial Racking, and How to Choose the Right One

# Types of Industrial Racking, and How to Choose the Right One Choosing the right industrial racking system is one of the decisions that most affects warehouse efficiency. The wrong choice can mean wasted space, slow handling, or even safety risks. This guide covers the main systems available. ## 1. Selective Pallet Racking The most common system in Saudi warehouses. It gives direct access to every pallet. Ideal for varied goods with medium to high turnover. It may not fully optimise space in very large warehouses. ## 2. Drive-In Racking Lets the forklift drive inside the rack structure. Raises storage density by up to 80%. Ideal for homogeneous, slow-moving goods. Operates on a LIFO basis. ## 3. Cantilever Racking Designed for long materials such as pipes, boards and rebar. No front columns to obstruct loading. Very easy to handle. Common in building-materials outlets and factories. ## 4. Mezzanine Floor Doubles usable storage area vertically. Ideal where the warehouse has sufficient height and horizontal expansion is not wanted. Higher cost, but excellent return. ## 5. Carton Live Storage Cartons roll along inclined roller beds. Enforces FIFO for products with expiry dates. Cuts picking time considerably. Ideal for food and pharmaceuticals. ## How to choose - **Analyse the goods**: size, weight, shape - **Turnover rate**: daily, weekly, seasonal - **FIFO or LIFO**: critical for food and pharmaceutical products - **Warehouse height**: determines vertical potential - **Forklift types available**: sets the required aisle width At RAFY we run a free analysis of your warehouse operations before making any recommendation.