What is a Drive-in Racking System?

A drive-in racking system is a non-conventional form of warehouse racking. It is often found in warehouses, distribution centres and other storage facilities where their stock levels and inventory levels are particularly high or dense. Drive-in racking systems are usually configured in such a way to ensure the optimal use of floor space, providing high-compact storage solutions as a result.

With increasing demand for impressive racking systems, thanks to the additional strain on e-commerce supply and demand, it’s no wonder that more warehouse owners are looking to drive-in racking as an effective storage solution. However, we’ll be delving further into what drive-in racking systems are and what they have to offer in this article.

Drive-in racking systems: design & appearance

When compared to the look and appearance of a tradition, basic type of warehouse racking, drive-in racking systems are considered to be more densely-packed to allow for compact storage solutions. The cubic framework will have deep-running lanes that are positioned alongside each other, but without an access aisle.

This is because the only aisle required to gain access to the drive-in racking is the one that runs along the front of the drive-in racking. Drive-in racking systems are easily identifiable in the warehouse, because instead of the pallets resting on horizontal runners or beams, the pallets will sit upon supported rails that are fitted along the uprights that run the entire length of the lane.

How does a drive-in racking system work?

To load a pallet onto the drive-in racking, the forklift operator will drive the vehicle into the corresponding lane and safely place the pallet onto the rails rather than onto horizontal beams, as previously mentioned. This is just one of the ways in which drive-in racking differs from traditional warehouse racking systems. However, pallets are still stored and displayed in a stacking fashion, but going from front-to-back as well as from top-to-bottom.

Drive-in racking systems offer exceptional storage options, thanks to their extensive square footage of space. In addition, drive-in racking systems will also adopt a first-in-last-out (FILO) process, although there are options for drive-in racking systems to operate on a first-in-first-out (FIFO) basis also, depending on your requirements. Drive-in racking systems can be tailored, to an extent, to meet your individual needs.

What are the benefits of drive-in racking systems?

Drive-in racking systems are incredibly versatile pieces of warehouse storage equipment. Not only can they be tailored to suit your requirements, but they have the ability to store vast amounts of stock and inventory safely and securely. Let’s look further into the benefits of drive-in racking systems for your warehouse, distribution centre or storage facility:

It optimises storage space throughout your premises

Thanks to their impressive storage capacity, drive-in racking systems for your warehouse and other storage premises have the potential to seamlessly optimise the storage space in and around your commercial space. Regardless of the industry or sector you work in, if you’re struggling to store, locate and pick out stock and inventory, because there’s a considerable amount of it, then drive-in warehouse racking is the solution that will effortlessly meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Once you’ve adopted a drive-in racking system in your storage area, it’s unlikely that you’ll look to more traditional storage methods again, such as basic shelving.

You can use the entirety of your drive-in racking system to store your inventory

Drive-in racking systems are able to accommodate the heaviest and bulkiest of inventory items, as well as being able to withstand storing countless items that need to be individually stored and picked. Thanks to their quick and easy operation, allowing every warehouse worker to access the inventory quickly and efficiently, it allows for an increase in productivity levels as well as improved work output.

You may also find that workplace morale is heightened thanks to the newfound hassle-free way of offloading, locating and picking the items they need – all made possible with the features that drive-in warehouse racking systems have to offer. As a result of increased performance in the workplace, your customers will also benefit from your new-and-improved way of working, with faster picking and delivery times.

It’s a cost-effective storage solution for any warehouse

Drive-in racking is the perfect option for warehouse owners alike who are looking to maximise space without breaking the bank financially. Drive-in warehouse racking comes in a variety of different sizes and, as such, there will be a solution that will meet your budget. In addition, the optimisation of storage space also means that you won’t have to worry about moving to a larger premises or face the prospect of having to physically expand your commercial space. If you’re looking to save money but increase efficiency and productivity around the warehouse, then look to drive-in warehouse racking as a cost-effective solution.

They’re fully-customisable

Drive-in warehouse racking is known for being incredibly versatile, meaning that it can be customised to meet your exact needs and requirements. Not only are they available in different sizes, but they can be configured and built in such a way that seamlessly matches the space you have to play with. Being customizable is a feature that sets drive-in warehouse racking apart from other types of warehouse shelving on the market, so if you’re looking for warehouse racking that will be tailored to your warehouse, then choose drive-in racking.

Multy Lift has over three decades of experience in the industry, providing customers throughout the UK with high-quality warehouse equipment, including forklifts, reach trucks, stackers, order pickers and more. In addition, we also have a complete range of used warehouse equipment, for those who are on a budget. If you would like further information about the machinery we have on offer, each one available in different fuel types, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.