Drive-In Racking Systems

Let’s compare drive-in racks and push-back racks:

Drive-In Rack:

• Loading/Unloading: Pallets are loaded and unloaded through the same aisle.
• Storage: Pallets are placed on rails or beams within the structure.
• Access: Forklifts enter the structure to access the pallets.
• SKU Handling: Typically stores a single SKU per lane.
• Density: High-density storage due to fewer aisles.
• Ideal Usage Area: Warehouses with a small number of SKUs and a high quantity of pallets per SKU.

Push-Back Rack:

• Loading/Unloading: Pallets are loaded from one side and pushed back by the next pallets.
• Storage: Pallets rest on nested carts or rails.
• Access: Forklifts access the pallets from the front.
• SKU Handling: Multiple SKUs can share the same lane.
• Density: Medium density; more aisles than cart-based racks.
• Ideal Usage Area: Warehouses with a medium level of SKU variety and varying pallet quantities.

In summary, the drive-in racking system maximizes space for a single SKU, while the push-back racking system allows for mixed SKU storage. Each system has its advantages depending on specific warehouse needs.