When it comes to storing in warehouses, pallet storage comes right into play. Pallets can be stored by various methods. Besides, depending upon the situation along with the things that are stored, the storage of pallets varies. Some of these pallet storage types give some benefit over others while they have their weaknesses in the process too. Hence, you have to decide according to your requirements what to fit where.
Block Stacking: It is one of the most common pallet storage methods among others, which may include stacking frames, drive-in rack, pallet flow rack, etc. In the case of block stacking, the stacking takes place in one specific direction. The units are placed on top of each other and that’s how they are stacked in the form of storage. The limit will depend upon various factors though the common factor is the height. As it is evident, greater the height is further, it will be difficult to stack. Hence, there will be a chance of falling down.
- Benefit: Though the block stacking type of storage pallet comes with disadvantages, it comes with some benefits too. For example, this method is simple, and you can use it anywhere in an open space. This method is also cheaper than the other methods.
- Disadvantage: This type of pallet storage has its own disadvantages also. The empty spaces, which will occur after removing some units, can’t be filled up until the whole lane is empty.
Stacking Frames: Here, decks and posts are used, by which a frame is erected and stacking of pallets occur in those frames. The beneficial aspect about this kind of storage pallet is, it can be moved around as and when necessary easily and does not require much effort as compared to the other methods.
- Benefits: The stacks can be made higher than block stacking. Since it is temporary, you can move it around easily. This is particularly useful when the units are difficult to stack.
- Disadvantages: Just as block stacking, similar kinds of disadvantages also occur in case of stacking frames. For example, when there is an empty space, it is difficult to fill up that space until the whole lane is empty.
Single Deep Pallet Rack: This pallet storage has an advantage against the ones that were mentioned above for the fact that, in case of deep pallet rack, access to each pallet in the rack is possible. Hence, when a pallet is removed, you can fill it with another one, which is not possible in case of stacking frames or block stacking where, in order to fill up space, the whole line needs to get emptied first. Another major advantage of this pallet storage is that, you can configure it to various heights depending upon the needs.
In case of single deep pallet rack, the drawbacks appear, as it needs a certain amount of space in order to accommodate, which may not be possible in all cases.
Double Deep Pallet Rack: You can think of it as two single deep pallet rack placed together though there is deeper incorporation involved here. In case of deep pallet rack, the advantage is evident that, it can accommodate twice the pallet storage against single deep pallet rack, but it comes at the cost of a hindrance that will occur in order to fill up the gaps when a unit is removed.
Drive in The Rack: Drive in the rack is another type of pallet storage where 5-10 pallet similar to double deep pallet rack is provided. There is access for the forklift to lift and put down the stock in different places, but the movement is also limited.
There are also other kinds of pallet storage such as pallet flow rack, push back, which provides different types of pallet storage. You can choose depending on your needs.
