Drive-In Racking System is a high-density pallet storage structure designed for the storage of large volumes of similar products with a low SKU count. Unlike selective pallet racking, which allows direct access to every pallet, drive-in racking operates on a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) basis. Forklift trucks literally "drive in" to the rack structure to place and retrieve pallets on continuous rails, eliminating aisles between every row and dramatically increasing storage density.
Components of Drive-In Racking System
Our robust systems are engineered with premium components for safety and durability:
Upright Frames: Heavy-duty steel frames form the main support structure of the bay.
Guide Rails: Continuous load-bearing rails provide a path for pallets to be pushed into place. These replace the standard beams used in selective racking.
Entry Guides: Robust guides at the entrance of each lane protect the structure from forklift impact and guide the operator in.
Braces & Bracing: Diagonal and horizontal bracing provides critical structural integrity and stability to the entire system.
Base Plates & Anchors: Secure the entire structure firmly to the concrete floor for maximum safety.
Safety Features: Includes column guards, rail end protectors, and signage to protect both the racking and your operators.
Features and Advantages of Drive-In Racking System
- Exceptional Storage Density: By eliminating multiple access aisles, you can store more pallets in the same footprint than with any selective racking system.
- Cost-Effective: Reduces the required warehouse floor space per pallet, lowering overall storage costs.
- Robust Construction: Built from high-grade steel to withstand the demands of forklift traffic and heavy loads.
- Ideal for Bulk Storage: Perfect for storing large quantities of the same product, such as seasonal items, raw materials, or finished goods with a long shelf life.
- LIFO Inventory Management: Suited for product rotation where the last pallet stored is the first to be retrieved.
How does a Drive-In Racking System work?
The operation is specialized and efficient:
Configuration: The system consists of multiple deep storage lanes, each several pallets deep, with access from only one end (Drive-In) or both ends (Drive-Through).
Loading (Putaway): A forklift truck drives directly into the lane, carrying a pallet. The driver places the pallet onto the guide rails, retreats, and then repeats the process, placing the next pallet directly behind the first until the lane is full.
Unloading (Picking): To retrieve a pallet, the forklift enters the lane and removes the last pallet that was placed in (the one closest to the aisle). This is the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) method.
Safety: Operators require specific training to navigate the lanes safely and efficiently.
Applications of Drive-In Racking System
This system is ideally suited for industries and businesses that require high-volume storage of homogeneous products:
Cold Storage & Freezer Warehouses: Maximizes incredibly expensive chilled space by minimizing aisle footprint.
Food & Beverage Industry: Perfect for storing large quantities of canned goods, beverages, or packaged foods.
Bulk Chemical & Pharmaceutical Storage: Ideal for raw materials and products with high volume and low SKU count.
Seasonal Product Storage: Excellent for storing items like holiday decorations, gardening supplies, or seasonal apparel that are shipped in and out in large batches.
Manufacturing & Raw Materials: Optimal for storing large quantities of consistent raw materials needed for production.
Ready to transform your storage capacity? Contact our material handling experts today for a free consultation. We'll help you determine if a Drive-In Racking System is the right solution for your operation and provide a custom design and quote.
