Drive-In Pallet Racking FAQs

We’ve answered some of the most popular questions about drive-in pallet racking below.

For any other queries or to get a quote for drive-in pallet racking, please call us on 0845 689 1300.

What Is Drive-In Pallet Racking?

Drive-in pallet racking is a high-density storage system that allows forklift trucks to drive directly into the racking structure to load and retrieve pallets. Unlike selective racking, there are no aisles between each lane, which means more of your warehouse floor space is used for storage rather than access.

How Does Drive-In Pallet Racking Work?

Pallets are stored on continuous rails that run the depth of each lane. Forklifts enter the lane from one end and place pallets on the rails at progressive heights as they reverse back out. The system operates on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis, meaning the most recently stored pallet is the first to be retrieved.

What Is The Difference Between Drive-In And Drive-Through Racking?

Drive-in racking has a single entry and exit point at one end of each lane, following a LIFO stock rotation. Drive-through racking has an opening at both ends, allowing forklifts to enter from one side and exit from the other, which supports a first-in, first-out (FIFO) stock rotation. Drive-through is better suited to date-sensitive or perishable goods.

What Products Are Best Suited To Drive-In Pallet Racking?

Drive-in racking works best for businesses storing large quantities of the same SKU, where stock rotation is not time-critical. It is commonly used for products such as beverages, building materials, frozen goods and seasonal stock. If you handle a wide variety of product lines with different rotation requirements, selective racking may be more appropriate.

How Much Space Can Drive-In Pallet Racking Save Compared To Selective Racking?

Based on industry averages, drive-in racking can increase storage density by up to 80 per cent compared to conventional selective pallet racking. By eliminating the access aisles between each bay, you can store significantly more pallets within the same warehouse footprint, making it one of the most space-efficient racking solutions available.

What Are The Weight Limits For Drive-In Pallet Racking?

Weight limits vary depending on the specification of the system, including the gauge of the uprights, the rail configuration and the depth of the lane. Logical Storage Solutions will carry out a full structural assessment and load calculation as part of the design process to ensure your system is rated for your specific pallet weights and forklift equipment.

Can Drive-In Pallet Racking Be Installed In A Cold Store Or Freezer Warehouse?

Yes. Drive-in racking is a popular choice for cold store and freezer applications because its high-density configuration makes the most of expensive refrigerated space. Logical Storage Solutions can supply racking specified for low-temperature environments, with appropriate finishes and fixings to withstand the conditions.

How Do I Know If Drive-In Racking Is Right For My Warehouse?

The key factors to consider are your product mix, stock rotation requirements, forklift type and available floor space. Drive-in racking is most effective when you have a small number of SKUs in large quantities and can operate on a LIFO basis.

Our team at Logical Storage Solutions can assess your warehouse and recommend the most suitable storage solution for your operation. Should it be the case that drive-in racking isn’t an ideal match for your requirements, we can offer you a vast range of alternative storage solutions instead. Please head over to our main pallet racking page or get in touch to learn more.

Where Do You Install Drive-In Racking?

Logical Storage Solutions offers UK nationwide coverage for all of our pallet racking services, including drive-in racking.

This includes areas such as Aberdeen, Barnsley, Basildon, Bedford, Birmingham, Bolton, Bradford, Bristol, Corby, Coventry, Crewe, Dartford, Derby, Didcot, Doncaster, Dundee, Durham, Edinburgh, Ellesmere Port, Falkirk, Gateshead, Glasgow, Goole, Grangemouth, Hemel Hempstead, Hull, Kettering, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Livingston, Luton, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Motherwell, Newcastle, Northampton, Nottingham, Peterborough, Preston, Redditch, Rochdale, Rotherham, Rugby, Sheffield, Slough, Spalding, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Swindon, Tamworth, Teesside, Thurrock, Tilbury, Wakefield, Warrington, Wigan and Wolverhampton.

Is your warehouse or storage facility located outside of these areas? Please contact us on 0845 689 1300 as we may still cover your location.