Effective warehouse management relies heavily on maximizing storage space and maintaining convenient access to goods. Two common methods for attaining this balance are drive-in and drive-through pallet racking systems. Each system offer distinct advantages and serve different storage requirements, but they possess a common goal of boosting storage density by cutting down on aisle space. Grasping the distinctions between these categories is vital for businesses seeking to improve their warehouse operations.

Drive-In Pallet Racking Systems

Drive-in pallet racking solutions are characterized by their deep storage lanes that enable lift trucks to drive directly into the rack structure to access pallets of goods. These systems are created for high-density storage of similar items with lower turnover. Drive-in racks include continuous rows of rails and uprights, with each lane holding multiple pallets oriented one in front of the other.

The primary benefit of drive-in solutions is that they have one access point at the rack face, where forklifts enter and pick up pallets. This configuration facilitates a last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory scheme, where newly loaded items are retrieved first, making drive-in racks best suited for stocking products without expiration dates.

Drive-Through Pallet Racking Systems

Drive-through pallet racking systems resemble drive-in designs but they have ingress and egress points on both ends of the racking structure as opposed to just one. This allows lift trucks to ingress from one side to store or retrieve goods and egress from the other side. Different from drive-in solutions, drive-through designs enable a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory scheme, where the oldest stock is accessed first. This makes them ideal for warehouses with rapid product turnover or for warehouses that value product rotation.

Increasing Warehouse Storage Density

Both drive-through and drive-in storage solutions are great for maximizing storage density by cutting down on the need for aisle space. Traditional pallet racking designs need expansive aisles for forklift usability, but drive-in and drive-through racks can reduce the quantity of aisles required in a facility. By permitting lift trucks to access pallets directly from within the rack footprint, these systems better utilize all possible space within the facility.

The reduction in aisle space leads to expanded storage ability within the same cubic footage. Warehouses can store a larger number of items without increasing their physical capacity, making drive-in and drive-through racking systems economical solutions for operations looking to maximize their storage capacity.

Choosing the Right System

When deciding between drive-in and drive-through racking options, businesses should take into account variables such as inventory attributes, turnover rate, and inventory management demands. Drive-in racks are ideal for stocking greater quantities of similar products with low turnover, while drive-through racks are ideal for businesses with a higher inventory turn rate or those that prioritize product rotation.

Drive In / Drive Through Rack Near Me

To get more information on your options, get in touch with a warehouse equipment professional at Raymond West today.

Raymond West's Nogales facility serves Santa Cruz County and Pima County, including Nogales, Patagonia, Tucson, South Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and surrounding areas

Raymond West | Nogales Material Handling Equipment Supplier

480 N Mariposa Rd C
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 281-4125