Efficient warehouse management relies heavily on maximizing storage space and ensuring accessibility to goods. Two common methods for attaining this balance are drive-in and drive-through pallet racking systems. Each system provide distinct benefits and meet different warehouse needs, but they have a common goal of boosting storage density by cutting down on aisle space. Comprehending the differences between these categories is essential for businesses seeking to enhance their warehouse operations.

Drive-In Pallet Racking Systems

Drive-in storage systems are characterized by their deep storage lanes that allow forklifts to maneuver directly into the rack structure to access pallets of goods. These systems are engineered for high-density storage of similar products with a low turnover rate. Drive-in racks include continuous rows of uprights and rails, with each lane accommodating multiple pallets situated one in front of the other.

The key advantage of drive-in systems is that they have one access point on the rack face, where lift trucks ingress and retrieve pallets. This layout facilitates a last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory management system, where newly stored goods are retrieved first, making drive-in racks perfect for warehousing products without expiration dates.

Drive-Through Pallet Racking Systems

Drive-through pallet racking solutions are similar to drive-in designs but they have access points on both sides of the rack as opposed to just one. This enables forklifts to ingress from one side to store or retrieve products and exit from the opposite side. In contrast to drive-in solutions, drive-through racks facilitate a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory scheme, where the oldest stock is picked first. This makes them appropriate for warehouses with rapid product turnover or for businesses that focus on stock rotation.

Increasing Warehouse Storage Density

Both drive-through and drive-in racking solutions excel at increasing storage density by reducing aisle space. Traditional pallet racking solutions demand expansive aisles for forklift operability, but drive-in and drive-through designs can cut down on the quantity of aisles needed in a typical storage operation. By permitting forklifts to pick pallets from inside the rack structure, these designs make more efficient use of all possible space throughout the facility.

More efficient aisle space leads to expanded storage capacity within the same area. Warehouses can store a greater volume of goods without expanding their physical capacity, making drive-in and drive-through pallet racking options economical solutions for businesses looking to maximize their storage efficiency.

Choosing the Right System

When deciding between drive-through and drive-in racking options, businesses should take into account variables such as product particularities, product rotation, and inventory management requirements. Drive-in racks are perfect for stocking greater numbers of similar goods with low turnover, while drive-through types are perfect for warehouses with a greater inventory turn rate or those that seek inventory rotation.

Drive In / Drive Through Rack Near Me

To learn more about your options, contact a warehouse equipment specialist at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Los Angeles facility serves much of Los Angeles County, including Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, La Mirada, Downey, Pico Rivera, Los Angeles, Montebello, El Monte, Rosemead, Alhambra, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Westmont, Gardena, Torrance, Carson, San Pedro, La Habra, City of Industry, Walnut, Inglewood, Hawthorne and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Los Angeles Material Handling Equipment Supplier

9939 Norwalk Blvd
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 944-8067