Question 1

How do you use drive in racking safely?

Accepted Answer

Safe use relies on trained forklift drivers following the correct entry and exit procedure for each lane. Trucks must approach square to the lane, maintain steady travel speeds and avoid contact with uprights or pallet rails. All pallets must be in good condition, with consistent dimensions and adequate strength to sit correctly on the support rails. Load notices must be followed at all times, and housekeeping around the racking must be maintained to ensure clear access. Regular SEMA-standard rack inspections are essential to identify impact damage, rail deflection, upright distortion or loose fixings so corrective action can be taken before safety is affected.

Question 2

Is drive in pallet racking suitable for cold stores?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Drive in racking is one of the most common systems used in chilled and frozen environments because it supports high density storage, which helps reduce the volume of air that needs cooling. The compact design is efficient in both blast freezers and long-term cold storage areas. Materials can be specified with appropriate coatings to prevent corrosion, and the system performs well with standard cold store forklift types, including reach trucks and articulated trucks.

Question 3

How much space can a drive in racking system save?

Accepted Answer

Drive in racking can achieve up to 85 percent utilisation of available cubic space, depending on lane depth, pallet dimensions and the building’s clear height. By replacing multiple aisles with high density lanes, warehouses gain significantly more pallet positions compared with selective racking. Higher utilisation is typically seen in operations with uniform pallets and long lane depths.

Question 4

How is drive in racking installed?

Accepted Answer

Installation involves assembling frames, bracing, guide rails and support components on site, then securing the structure to the warehouse floor using appropriate fixings. Each lane is set out to precise tolerances to ensure correct forklift clearance and even pallet support. Installation must be carried out by experienced teams who follow SEMA and manufacturer guidelines, including torque checks, plumb alignment and load notice placement. Once installed, the system must be inspected and signed off before operational use.

Question 5

Can drive in racking be adapted later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Drive in racking can be modified if your stock profile changes. Lane depths can be increased or reduced, guide rails can be adjusted, and additional levels can be added, subject to structural analysis. Any changes must be reviewed by a competent racking engineer to ensure the uprights, bracing and floor slab can support the revised loads. This flexibility allows businesses to extend capacity without replacing the entire system.

Our Company Overview

Our Pallet Racking Manual

Our Company Overview

Our Pallet Racking Manual