Drive-In/Drive-Thru Pallet Racking

Drive-In/Drive-Thru Pallet Racking

Drive-in and Drive-through (sometimes spelled Drive-thru) are storage rack configurations that allow the forklift to drive directly into the lane of stacked rows (called a bay). The difference between a drive-in and a drive-thru pallet rack system is simply whether the bays have an entry at only one end, or at both ends. Designed for high volume storage with easy access to pallets and most suitable for business with high storage racking units. It is one of the most cost-effective ways of stocking goods and is profitable for industries that need to store and distribute batch deliveries.

Drive-in rack systems use a common entry and exit, while drive-thru systems have entry points at either end of the bay. Because a drive-in racking system has only one entrance, it uses what is called a LIFO (last in, first out) storage method. With only one entrance, the last pallet put into a row is necessarily the first one to be taken out.

Drive-In Pallet Racking System Benefits
Efficient Storage Solutions

Drive-in pallet racking systems offer exceptional efficiency in space utilisation making them a perfect choice for warehouses where floor space is a premium. They can minimise the need for multiple aisles and allow forklifts to enter the racking system to load or unload pallets increasing storage density within a smaller footprint. Drive-in pallet racking is ideal for businesses looking for a more bulk based and streamlined warehouse operation.

Reduced Risk of Product Damage

With drive-in pallet racking being designed for pallets stored in a continuous block and handled less frequently, there’s a lower chance of damage during handling. The design minimises the risk for forklifts to manoeuvre between racks – reducing the likelihood of accidental bumps or jostles that can occur in more open racking systems. Additionally, as pallets are supported along their length the risk of pallets or products shifting is greatly reduced, protecting products and maintaining quality whilst also minimising losses due to damage.

 

Enhanced Safety

Drive-in pallet racking systems are designed with safety as a paramount concern. They reduce the need for forklifts to drive into the racking areas, minimising the risk of accidents and damage to the racks. The structure of drive-in racks is robust and stable, offering a secure environment for storing heavy and bulky items. The design limits the number of aisles needed which reduces forklift traffic and associated risks and the layout also ensures pallets are stored in a way that prevents them from falling – all of which features contribute to a safer workplace and reduce the likelihood of workplace injuries or damage to goods.

High Storage Capacity

Optimised for space efficiency, drive-in pallet racking offers high storage capacity in a dense configuration which maximises the footprint of the warehouse. This is particularly beneficial for warehouses with limited floor space but a high volume of stock. Drive-in racks enable more pallets to be stored per cubic metre than other conventional pallet racking systems. For organisations who need to maximise their storage capabilities, without expanding their physical footprint by extending or relocating, a drive-in pallet racking system is the most cost-effective solution for the highest possible storage capacity.

Food and Drink

Food and Drink – drive-in pallet racking is highly beneficial for the food and drink industry, especially for storing bulk quantities of perishable goods. The ability to organize products in a FIFO (First In, First Out) manner ensures optimal product rotation, reducing spoilage and waste.

Heavy Commercial – for the heavy commercial industry, drive-in pallet racking is exceptionally suitable for storing bulky and heavy items. Its robust design supports the weight of heavy commercial goods like machinery parts and building materials, optimizing space and ensuring safety.

Pharmaceutical

Drive-in racks allow vehicles to enter the storage area to place pallets in a back‑to‑front arrangement. This first in, last out inventory management design requires the operator to back out of the rack after pallet placement. It eliminates aisles between shelves and admit as many references as load lanes.

Drive in Drive Through Racking

The Drive in and Drive Through Racking System is a high density storage solution that maximizes available space and height in the warehouse by reducing the forklift operating aisles.

Compact racking can be either Drive in racking, with only one access aisle, where the last load in is the first one out, or Drive through racking, with an entrance and exit, where the first load in is the first one out.

It is the optimal solution and most common pallet storage system when you need to store homogeneous products with a large number of pallets of the same reference.

A drive-in pallet rack system uses the same entry and exit point for each storage bay, providing last in, first out access while the drive-thru pallet rack system is loaded on one side and unloaded from the other for first in, first out flow, the company explains. The drive-in racking features unlimited storage depth and is ideal for high-traffic and cooler/freezer installations.

Drive in racking system

A Drive-In System is a type of pallet racking system designed to maximize storage capacity by allowing forklifts to enter the racking structure to load and unload pallets directly. This system is widely used in warehouses and distribution centers where space utilization is critical. Here are the key features and advantages of a Drive-In System:

Features:

  1. High-Density Storage: One of the primary features of a Drive-In System is its ability to store a large number of pallets in a compact space. By eliminating aisles between racks and utilizing vertical space efficiently, it maximizes storage density.

  2. Drive-In and Drive-Through Design: Drive-In Systems can be configured as either drive-in or drive-through. In a drive-in system, forklifts enter from one side of the rack and retrieve pallets in a last-in, first-out (LIFO) manner. Drive-through systems allow forklifts to access from both ends, enabling a first-in, first-out (FIFO) retrieval method.

  3. Support for Homogeneous Products: Drive-In Systems are ideal for storing large quantities of homogeneous products with low turnover rates. This makes them suitable for items with long shelf lives or bulk storage needs.

  4. Structural Integrity: These systems are built with durable materials like high-strength steel, ensuring structural integrity and safety for heavy loads.

  5. Adjustable Design: Many Drive-In Systems feature adjustable pallet rails and beam levels, allowing for customization based on pallet sizes and load requirements.

Advantages:

  1. Space Efficiency: The primary advantage of a Drive-In System is its space efficiency. By eliminating aisles and utilizing vertical space effectively, it maximizes storage capacity compared to traditional racking systems.

  2. Cost-Effective: The high-density storage offered by Drive-In Systems reduces the need for additional warehouse space, resulting in cost savings on building expenses.

  3. Improved Inventory Management: Drive-In Systems facilitate better inventory management by grouping similar products together and providing easy access for inventory checks and stock rotation.

  4. Enhanced Safety: With proper design and installation, Drive-In Systems ensure safe handling of pallets and reduce the risk of accidents in the warehouse environment.

  5. Flexibility: These systems are versatile and can be adapted to different warehouse layouts and product storage requirements, offering flexibility as business needs evolve.

In conclusion, a Drive-In System offers a combination of space efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improved inventory management, making it a valuable asset for warehouses seeking to optimize storage capacity and operational efficiency.