What are the Different Types of Pallet Racking?
Pallet racking is a system of beams and uprights used to support pallets in a warehouse. It is really hard to imagine a warehouse without these helpful shelving to place products and things. For those of you who are new to the term, just imagine ordinary shelves but bigger, taller and wider because it has to be placed in a warehouse where things are bigger and comes by the thousands.
There are a number of versions of pallet racking to accommodate the numerous needs and set-up of warehouses. The most common is adjustable racking (APR), but other types exist, including drive-in racking, push back racking, pallet mobile racking, pallet live storage racking and narrow aisle racking. But just to differentiate them, let’s see what types of pallets are available according to the materials used to make them.
Wood pallets:
The first pallets ever made were made of wood many years ago. Until now wood remains the most common pallet material today in the United States, the UK and the rest of the world.
Plastic pallets:
About two to three percent of pallets being made today are made of plastic. Although they are usually made from HDPE and PVC, plastic pallets cost several times more to make than wood pallets. But because of the environmental concerns of cutting trees and other concerns, plastic pallets came into existence. They are not only durable but easy to clean as well. They are also long lasting.
Paper pallets:
Yes, there are pallets made of paper. It’s hard to think that heavy products can be put into paper shelving. But there are really pallets made of paper but they make up less than one percent of the pallet market. Paper pallets include those made of corrugated cardboard and moulded wood pulp. Paper-based pallets are lightweight, easy to maintain and most importantly easy to recycle.
Metal pallets (wire mesh pallets):
Metal pallets like paper pallets also make up less than one percent of the pallet market. They are usually made with steel and aluminium. They are also easy to clean and maintain and are long lasting.
If you want to know more about pallets and pallet racking, you may go online and simply search for them. There are a lot of information available and a lot of suppliers to choose from as well.