Drive-In/Drive-Thru pallet racking is a warehouse storage system that provides a cost-effective, high-density storage solution. It can be designed to store pallets from 2 to 10 pallets deep. It is primarily used to optimize space for multi-pallet storage of low rotation product. Use of this system allows an overall reduction of square footage requirements by 35% or more, compared to a standard Selective Pallet Rack racking system. Drive-In pallet rack is a (FILO) first in, last out storage system, whereas Drive-Thru pallet rack is a (FIFO) first in, first out system.

How Drive-In/Drive-Thru Pallet Racking Works

Drive-in pallet racking systems stock pallets that are put into the rack system through forklift operators and loaded onto horizontal rails. The pallets are then taken away by forklift operators from the same entry point at which they were driven when it is time to move them. This racking system is usually placed against a wall or is otherwise closed at one end of the system. Drive-thru pallet racking system is based on a similar model but is placed in an open area in order that forklift trucks can drive all the way through the racking system effortlessly.

While Drive-In Racking is great for high density storage, it is not an ideal choice in terms of selectivity or accommodating the requirement for rotating inventory. This is because all product in a particular bay must be unloaded in order to reach the last pallet. One more potential negative aspect is that if you don’t ship an adequate amount of truckloads of like-product, you can get a “honeycomb” effect by not making good use of the particular racking system.

Drive-In/Drive-Thru Pallet Racking Safety

• Maintenance – It is very important to make sure drive-in pallet racking systems remain in good working order as forklift operators are driving inside the rack system itself. Even though very little maintenance is needed in such racking systems, it is highly recommended to carry out safety checks on a regular basis to verify that no damage has been done that could compromise the safety of forklift operator or structural integrity. While carrying out the check, lay emphasis on checking for damaged pallet rails, loose hardware, and damaged frames.
• Safe Loading – With the intention of protecting the racking system, product, and staff, safe loading of every kind of pallet rack system is essential. Forklift operators must enter the system deliberately and slowly and must carefully keep away from hitting the upright frames of the system. It is important to verify that the forklift that will be used is compatible with the dimensions of the racking system.
• Safe Unloading – Safe unloading of drive-in pallet racking is the same as safe loading. Such pallet racking systems can be deep, and forklift operators have to take great care while reversing out of the system.

Advantages of Drive-In/Drive-Thru Pallet Racking

• Offers cost-effective and high-density storage for making the most of cubic space
• Best used for bulk goods of the same type
• Minimizes the number of aisles in the warehouse, resulting in more efficient use of space
• Perfect for cold storage applications
• Ideal for limited stock rotation, specifically appropriate for seasonal goods
• Can be produced in either roll-form or structural steel
• Can be custom-designed for the existing forklift trucks and different pallet sizes
• Utilizes density over selectivity
• Delivers maximum storage density

Frequently Asked Drive-In/Drive-Thru Pallet Racking Questions

How Can I Protect Drive-In Pallet Racking from Forklift Damage?

Since drive-in pallet racking requires forklift operators to drive the forklift into the system itself, these racking systems are particularly prone to forklift damage. The possibilities of forklift damage can be kept in check, however, by considering the following two easy safety measures.

1. Use cant-leg frames or reinforced frames (or both) to provide a more defending angle and a more robust frame structure.
2. Install column guards, rub rails, and entry guides with the intention of protecting frames from potential forklift collisions.

Can I Combine Drive-In rack With Other Racking Systems like Push-Back or Selective?

Blends of drive-in racking systems with other racking systems, mainly push-back pallet racks, are quite common, and can offer a highly tailored blend of selectivity and storage density.

What is the Usual Lead Time from a Drive-In Pallet Rack System?

Lead times usually range from eight to twelve weeks since drive-in racking systems are constructed on a per-project basis. Sometimes there are used options available immediately, but it is critical to make sure they are right for the specific customer application.

Drive-in/drive-thru pallet racking systems are the most complicated storage systems to design. So, let First Access help you by offering turnkey services in designing, engineering, supplying, and installing your drive-in/drive-thru pallet racking and provide your facility with the maximum density industrial storage solutions. Get in touch with us today to get the pallet gliding and improve your pallet storage density to help keep profits gliding as well!