Engineering Smarter Warehouses: The Role of Pallet Racking in Modern Material Handling

In the world of warehousing and distribution, the efficiency of your storage infrastructure directly impacts throughput, accuracy, and safety. Pallet racking is more than just steel uprights and beams—it’s a system engineered to support dynamic inventory strategies, high-density storage, and evolving operational demands.

At G&H Distributing, we understand that designing a pallet racking system requires more than estimating pallet counts. It’s about aligning storage infrastructure with SKU velocity, equipment constraints, and long-term facility planning. For operations professionals, engineers, and warehouse managers, this means analyzing the load characteristics, flow models, and material handling interfaces that shape day-to-day activity.

System Types: Matching Design to Operational Needs

The most common racking system used today is selective pallet racking, favored for its flexibility and accessibility. This configuration offers direct access to every pallet position and works well in environments with high SKU variety or frequent pallet turnover. While it may not provide the highest storage density, selective racking is cost-effective and easy to scale or reconfigure.

In contrast, high-density systems such as drive-in or push-back racking prioritize space efficiency by minimizing aisle space. These systems are best suited for storing large volumes of identical SKUs, often in LIFO (last-in, first-out) workflows.

Pallet flow racking, which uses gravity rollers to advance pallets through lanes, enables true FIFO (first-in, first-out) rotation and is ideal for time-sensitive or perishable inventory.

For facilities that handle long, non-palletized items like pipe, tubing, or lumber, cantilever racking provides horizontal accessibility without vertical obstructions—perfect for irregular shapes or oversized materials.

Engineering Factors That Can’t Be Ignored

But the design process doesn’t end with selecting the right system.

Key engineering factors such as beam load capacities, seismic zoning requirements, flue space regulations, and slab integrity all play critical roles in safe and compliant installation.

Clearance standards must be carefully followed, especially in facilities governed by OSHA and NFPA codes. Forklift maneuverability, turning radius, and lift height must be considered during layout planning to ensure that racking enhances—not hinders—equipment efficiency.

Future-Proofing Your Storage Infrastructure

Another essential consideration is the modularity of your racking system. Warehouses often undergo reconfiguration due to seasonal demand, SKU shifts, or automation upgrades. Choosing a flexible racking system that supports easy expansion or adjustment helps protect your long-term investment.

Avoiding overly customized or proprietary components ensures future compatibility and reduces downtime during transitions.

How G&H Distributing Supports Your Operation

At G&H Distributing, we focus on supplying high-quality new and used pallet racking that fits your operational goals and budget. Our knowledgeable team can help you determine the right racking style, capacity, and configuration to meet your warehouse’s technical requirements.

Whether you’re building out a new section of your facility or replacing damaged racking, we’ll help you source reliable components—fast.

Start Your Storage Optimization Today

Let G&H Distributing help you engineer a smarter, safer, and more scalable storage environment.

Explore pallet racking solutions at https://ghmaterialhandling.com, or connect with our team to get started on your next project.