There are many pallet rack and shelving solutions available, each designed to be utilized with different 
storage applications. Racking comes in a variety of sizes, capacities and configurations. It can be used independently or linked together to form an entire racking system.
storage applications. Racking comes in a variety of sizes, capacities and configurations. It can be used independently or linked together to form an entire racking system.- Pallet Flow Rack
- Selective Rack
- Double Deep Rack
- Rack Supported Buildings
- Static Shelving
- Drive-in/Drive-Thru
- Carton Flow Rack Pick Systems
- Cantilever Rack
- Push Back Rack
- Pick Modules
When selecting rack and shelving, it’s vital to consider the physical characteristics of your product such as:
- Weight
- Size
- Packaging
- Height
- Method of loading and unloading
Static shelving is one of the most common sorting and shelving solutions for totes and individual products. Typically, these shelves hold a few hundred pounds and are between 12″-36″ deep and 3′-6′ wide, and no more than 7 feet high since they are most often handled manually. Wide spread shelving is designed for heavy duty shelving–upwards of 1,000 pounds–with heights of up to 20 feet and widths anywhere from 8′-12′.
Equally important, however, are non-physical considerations. The popularity of the product is important in that highly active product must be stored in such a way that it is readily accessible and in sufficient volume to meet activity requirements. Unique product must always be accessible since it is the only SKU of its kind in a given facility, whereas multiple loads of the same SKU do not require that all loads be readily accessible.
Lastly, the storage and picking methodology affects the storage mediums. Product stored in a forward pick 
area will normally use a different storage medium than product used as backup storage. Forward pick areas have high degrees of picking activity so the storage medium must compliment that. Backup storage tends to be handled in larger unit volumes and therefore has lower and different storage needs.
