The Science of Warehouse Storage: Why Used Pallet Racks Work

There’s a science to an efficient warehouse. You need everything placed strategically to optimize your storage, workflow, processing, and safety. The layout patterns you choose, the way you use space, and the material handling equipment you use all make a big difference.

The more efficient things are, the lower your operational costs and the higher your throughput will be. When you consider that labor costs consume between 50% to 70% of operational costs, efficiency is central to controlling costs.

Types of Pallet Racks Used or New

The pallet racking used is key and must be designed for storage in an organized, easily accessible manner. There are several types of pallet racks for handling different types of material and storage needs, including:

  • Selective Pallet Racks: The most common type, allowing direct access to each pallet. Ideal for businesses with varied inventory that requires frequent rotation.
  • Drive-In/Drive-Through Racks: Designed for high-density storage, these allow forklifts to enter the rack structure to retrieve pallets, maximizing space.
  • Push-Back Racks: Enable pallets to be stored on inclined rails, where they are pushed back as new inventory is added. Best for last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory systems.
  • Flow Racks: Incorporate a gravity-fed system where pallets move automatically from the loading area to the retrieval end. Ideal for first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management, commonly used in food and beverage industries.
  • Double-Deep Racks: Store two pallets deep per slot, effectively doubling storage density in the same footprint. These are a great option for warehouses looking to optimize space while maintaining a moderate level of inventory accessibility.
  • Cantilever Racks: Designed for long or bulky items such as lumber, pipes, or furniture. These racks feature arms extending from a central column, providing open storage that accommodates oversized goods.

Why Used Pallet Racks Are a Smart Choice

Used pallet racks can be a good alternative to new ones, especially if you’re looking to lower upfront costs. When you find good used material handling equipment from a reputable supplier, you can often reduce your costs by 30% to 50% without compromising on quality or safety.

Cost-Effectiveness

pallet racks can represent a significant upfront expense, especially for small to medium-sized businesses or startups. Used racks, however, provide the same core benefits at a fraction of the cost.

Durability and Structural Integrity

Pallet racks are typically constructed from high-quality steel and built to last for years. Used pallet racks that are inspected and maintained regularly can perform as well as new ones.

A reputable supplier can make sure used racking maintains its structural integrity to meet load-bearing requirements for your use.

Availability

When you buy new pallet racks, there’s often lead time necessary for manufacturing or customization. Used pallet racks are generally available right away. The secondary market typically offers a wide variety of rack types and configurations, so it’s typically easy to find what you need.

Flexibility for Expansion

Used pallet racks also provide flexibility, especially for businesses with growing or changing storage requirements. As your warehouse evolves, used racks can be repurposed, expanded, or replaced without the expense of buying whole new systems.

Supporting Sustainability

Choosing used pallet racks aligns with sustainable business practices. You can extend the lifecycle of existing materials to reduce waste and avoid the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new racks.

Buying Used Pallet Racks

Used pallet racks strike a balance between affordability, functionality, and sustainability. For many businesses, they are a practical solution to getting the pallet racking they need without breaking the bank.

However, you need to be selective. Before committing to a purchase, you need to focus on a few key factors.

Inspections

This is the big one. You need racks that have the structural integrity for how you want to use them. Look at their load capacity and ensure they meet your storage requirements. Ask for documentation or maintenance records, if available, as well.

Look specifically for:

  • Signs of damage
  • Wear and tear
  • Rust or corrosion
  • Bent supports
  • Missing parts

Compatibility

If you’re adding to your existing layout or replacing racks, make sure they will integrate with your storage systems and layout. You’ll need to verify measurements, upright heights, and aisle space to make sure any pallet racking used in your operations will work.

Supplier Reputation

Always work with a reputable supplier that inspects equipment and is transparent about condition and pricing. You need to know exactly what’s available and any potential areas of concern before investing.

You can trust Conesco Storage Systems for all of your material handling needs. As one of the nation’s largest liquidators, we have access to a broad variety of used and almost-new pallet racking to outfit your warehouse.

Call Conesco Storage Systems at (303) 690-9591 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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Ted Hodges

Ted Hodges is the Founder and CEO of Conesco Storage Systems, a company he started in 1986 to provide turnkey warehousing products and services, including the repurposing of quality, used material handling equipment. With over 40 employees across the country, Ted and his team serve customers of all sizes throughout the different stages of the warehousing lifecycle. Learn more about Teddy.

“Over the past few years Conesco has proven to be valuable partners for our growing company. They understand their market and the priorities of our business, often helping us stay ahead of changes in demand for new and used racking so that we can get what we want when we want it.  It is good to have a partner that can anticipate your needs and stay ahead of them, that is the level of service that Conesco has demonstrated on a regular basis.”
~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Company
“Working with Conesco was great. They asked the right questions, understood what we needed and our Denver Facility went in under budget. Good guys, good prices, and good services.”
~ Multinational Grocery Supply Company
“We have worked with Conesco for over 8 years, they are leaders in the Racking Industry, exceptional customer service and great in every aspect to work with. I refer them to anyone I know with racking needs.”
~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Customer

MATERIAL HANDLING SOLUTIONS EXPERTS

NEW & USED INDUSTRIAL PALLET RACK

“Conesco gave us the top dollar cash offer for our standing pallet rack. They also provided the crew to tear it down and get the material out of our building within the tight time-frame that we had to be out. Their team was very helpful throughout the process. We recommend working with them.

~ National Beverage Distribution Company

TALK WITH AN EXPERT. CONTACT US.

Conesco can help. Complete our contact form or call us directly at: (303) 690-9591.

“Working with Conesco was great. They asked the right questions, understood what we needed and our Denver Facility went in under budget. Good guys, good prices, and good services.”
~ Multinational Grocery Supply Company
“We have worked with Conesco for over 8 years, they are leaders in the Racking Industry, exceptional customer service and great in every aspect to work with. I refer them to anyone I know with racking needs.”
~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Customer
“Over the past few years Conesco has proven to be valuable partners for our growing company. They understand their market and the priorities of our business, often helping us stay ahead of changes in demand for new and used racking so that we can get what we want when we want it.  It is good to have a partner that can anticipate your needs and stay ahead of them, that is the level of service that Conesco has demonstrated on a regular basis.”
~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Company

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