Warehouse Pallets

Warehouse Pallets

Warehouse pallets have been a staple of most warehouse racking systems since post-World War II. While the product hasn't changed much since that time, there are still questions over what type you should buy and how to move them. Below are some answers to common questions you might have for your storage needs.

While the choice between wooden or plastic warehouse pallets might seem arbitrary, there actually are pros and cons to both. Below are some benefits for each type.

• Wooden pallet: The biggest advantage to this type of shelving system is the cost. Wooden varieties are very low in price compared to their plastic counterparts.
• Plastic pallet: While plastic can be more costly, these pallets also have their own advantages. The biggest one is that they don't have screws and nails that can stick out and potentially be a safety hazard. They also don't break down, and last for a far longer time.

Another question you might have when considering purchasing warehouse pallets is what type of pallet racking system you need. The most common type is a teardrop racking system. This essentially is an industry standard that refers to the hole punched in the pallet rack beams that are shaped like teardrops. This allows for easy assembly for the racking shelves, allowing them to snap in to fit.

While a forklift isn't essential when purchasing warehouse pallets, you might want to consider why they are useful for pallet racks. Below is a description of how they work with your pallet racking systems.

• Mast: The mast is the main component of a forklift that lifts your loads. This can be raised up and down.
• Forks: The forks are what are used to slide into your pallets to lift your loads. These can be widened and narrowed to fit into the slots.
• Turning: One advantage of using forklifts is that they don't have to turn, which means aisles can be narrow for your warehouse.

To decide how many you need to purchase, answer the questions below.

• What is the square footage of your store or warehouse, and how many pallet racks do you have?
• What is the size of loads that you're going to be placing on your shelving?
• How tall is your building, and what is the maximum height of your pallet racks?