Effective warehouse management relies heavily on optimizing storage space and maintaining accessibility to products. Two common methods for attaining this balance are drive-in and drive-through pallet racking systems. Both systems deliver distinct advantages and meet different warehouse requirements, but they share a common goal of boosting storage density by cutting down on aisle space. Grasping the distinctions between these systems is crucial for businesses aiming to enhance their warehouse operations.

Drive-In Pallet Racking Systems

Drive-in racking solutions are defined by their deep storage lanes that permit forklifts to drive directly into the rack structure to retrieve palletized goods. These systems are designed for high-density storage of homogeneous goods with lower turnover. Drive-in racks include continuous rows of rails and uprights, with each lane accommodating multiple pallets placed one behind another.

The key feature of drive-in configurations is that they have a single access point at the rack face, where lift trucks ingress and retrieve pallets. This configuration enables a last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory plan, where the most recently stored goods are accessed first, making drive-in racks best suited for stocking products without expiration dates.

Drive-Through Pallet Racking Systems

Drive-through pallet racking systems share similarities with drive-in systems but they have access points on both faces of the rack instead of just one. This allows forklifts to enter from one aisle to store or retrieve pallets and egress from the other side. Unlike drive-in systems, drive-through racks facilitate a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management system, where the oldest goods are retrieved first. This makes them suitable for warehouses with a rapid turnover rate or for warehouses that prioritize stock rotation.

Increasing Warehouse Storage Density

Both drive-in and drive-through racking solutions are great for increasing storage density by cutting down on the need for aisle space. Conventional storage designs need expansive aisles for lift truck maneuverability, but drive-in and drive-through systems can reduce the number of aisles needed in a typical storage operation. By enabling lift trucks to access goods from inside the rack structure, these configurations optimize the use of the addressable capacity within the warehouse.

The reduction in aisle space translates to enhanced storage potential within the same cubic footage. Warehouses can stock a larger volume of products without expanding their physical capacity, making drive-in and drive-through pallet racking options cost-effective solutions for businesses aiming to boost their storage capacity.

Choosing the Right System

When deciding between drive-in and drive-through racking options, warehouses should take into account factors such as inventory characteristics, turnover rate, and inventory handling needs. Drive-in racks are perfect for storing larger quantities of homogeneous products with infrequent rotation, while drive-through options are suitable for warehouses with a higher inventory turn rate or those that seek product rotation.

Drive In / Drive Through Rack Near Me

To learn more about your options, reach out to a warehouse design professional at Raymond West today.

Raymond's Portland service operation includes all of Western Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Oregon City, Gladstone, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Gresham, Troutdale, Woodburn, Salem, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Longview, Kelso and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Portland Material Handling Equipment Supplier

3148 NE 181st Ave
Portland, OR 97230
(800) 675-2500