What are Selective Pallet Racking Systems?
Selective Pallet Racking
What is Selective Pallet Racking and how can you use it in your warehouse?
Selective pallet racking is a material handling storage aid system that provides efficient use of storage space for palletised loads. It is the most common pallet racking system in use today.
Pallet racking allows the storage of materials in horizontal rows with multiple levels.
Erect-A-Rack carries a wide range of selective pallet racking components and can design a selective racking system to tailor fit your specific space and budgetary requirements.
Our selective racking systems are compatible with all types and sizes of pallets (or skids) and may be used with any type of handling system.
Erect-A-Rack recommends selective pallet racking for clients looking to implement an inexpensive storage system with a high throughput rate and FIFO inventory management for many SKUs and low pallet quantities.
(If you need to accommodate trucks, please see the Erect-A-Rack selective pallet racking truck specifications outlined below.)
SELECTIVE PALLET RACKING SUITS:
- Low volumes (up to 3000 pallets)
- Large range of Stock Keeping Units (SKU)
- Low land cost
- Direct access to every pallet in storage
- Multiple access (more than one truck in same aisle)
What are the different types of selective pallet racking?
The selective pallet racking system is quite popular, and it’s a flexible system that provides quick and simple access to any pallets stored there. Selective pallet racking comes in a few distinct types, as listed below:
- Selective Pallet Racking: The most common and versatile type, adjustable pallet racking uses forklifts to store pallets on horizontal beams. It provides direct access to all pallets and is easy to configure for different storage needs.
- Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Racking: VNA racking is a compact version of adjustable racking that reduces aisle width to maximise storage density. It requires specialized narrow-aisle forklifts to operate in the tight spaces.
- Push-Back Racking: Push-back racks use carts on inclined rails to store multiple pallets deep. Forklifts push new pallets in, displacing the ones already loaded. This LIFO system is ideal for storing large quantities of the same product.
- Pallet Flow Racking: Pallet flow racks use gravity-fed roller tracks to automatically rotate inventory. Pallets are loaded from one side and gravity pulls them to the unloading side, enabling FIFO management. It provides high-density storage with easy access.
What to Consider Before Choosing Selective Pallet Racking?
Selective pallet racking is very popular – it is one of Erect-A-Rack’s top selling storage solutions. In deciding whether it’s the right storage solution for you, you’ll need to consider some of the following factors:
Your desired storage density
The amount of floor space and your building height
The placement of your building doors and columns
Inventory accessibility requirements
Inventory rotation requirements
Item/load size and weight
Optimal storage design
Cost of materials and installation
Selective Pallet Racking Advantages & Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| No special trucks required | Large land area required |
| Low cost racks and trucks | High storage cost when volumes are medium and above |
| High throughput rates | Limited storage height (12m) |
| FIFO inventory management | Medium to wide aisles required for handling |
| Floor level is not critical (front loaded) |
Selective Pallet Racking Specifications and Dimensions
(Cubic capacity is based on pallet height and available clear storage height). Whilst Rack and Truck costs are lowest, storage unit cost is highest when building, racks and trucks are taken into consideration. Talk to one of the expert teams at Erect-A-Rack to learn more about selective pallet racking solutions or click on the button below to get a fast quote.
FOR REACH TRUCKS (WIDE AISLES FOR MEDIUM VOLUMES)
| Aisle widths | Storage Area | Operating aisle area | Lift height | Through-put rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 to 3.2m | 45% | 55% | up to 10.5m | 16 – 20 pallets per hour(pph) |
FOR COUNTERBALANCED TRUCKS (WIDE AISLES FOR LOW VOLUMES)
| Aisle widths | Storage Area | Operating aisle area | Through-put rate | Lift height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 to 5.5m | 35% | 65% | 20 – 24 pph | up to 8m |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a selective pallet racking system ideal for Australian warehouses?
A selective pallet racking system provides 100% direct access to every pallet position without moving neighbouring stock. It is particularly cost-effective for Australian facilities handling high SKU counts, fast product turnover, and first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management.
Are selective pallet racking systems compatible with standard Australian pallets?
Yes. Selective pallet racking systems can be fully customised to support standard Australian CHEP and Loscam pallets (1165 mm × 1165 mm), as well as custom skids, drums, or bulk containers using wire mesh decks and support bars.
Which forklifts can be used with a selective pallet racking layout?
Selective pallet racking works with standard material-handling machinery across Australia. Counterbalanced forklifts typically require aisle widths between 3.8 m and 5.5 m, while reach trucks can operate efficiently in narrower aisles ranging from 2.8 m to 3.2 m.
Does selective pallet racking comply with Australian safety standards?
Yes. Commercial selective pallet racking systems supplied and installed in Australia comply with AS 4084 standards. Each installation includes certified beam connectors, floor-mounted anchor bolts, and safe working load signs to meet local WorkSafe requirements.
