Storage racks are the core equipment for storing goods in warehouses. Different types of racks are suitable for different goods characteristics, storage needs, and operation modes.

1. Beam-type rack (pallet rack)

The most common type of storage rack consists of a frame made up of columns and beams, with trays placed on the beams.

Goods suitable for full pallet storage, especially those with a medium variety and large batch sizes.

Flexible access, allowing direct access to any pallet with a forklift, and both "first-in first-out" and "first-in last-out" can be achieved; the storage height can be flexibly adjusted to accommodate goods of different heights; strong load-bearing capacity (typically 500-3000kg per pallet), suitable for heavy goods; not suitable for manual handling, requiring forklift cooperation.

Heavy-duty beam-type storage rack

2. Through-type racks (drive-in racks)

The shelves have no horizontal spacing, forming continuous "aisles", allowing forklifts to drive directly into the interior of the shelves to access and retrieve goods.

It is suitable for storing goods of the same variety in large quantities, especially for "first-in, first-out" storage requirements.

High space utilization rate (with fewer aisles, the utilization rate reaches 60%-80%); suitable for high-density storage, reducing forklift operation paths.

Low flexibility in storage and retrieval, requiring high driving skills for forklifts.

Through-type rack (drive-in rack)

3. Shuttle racking

Composed of shelves and shuttle cars, the shuttle cars run on the shelf tracks, replacing forklifts to access and retrieve goods from the interior of the shelves.

Suitable for goods with large batches and few varieties, supporting "first-in first-out" or "first-in last-out".

The space utilization rate is high, eliminating the need to reserve forklift lanes; the degree of automation is high, reducing the intensity of forklift operations and lowering labor costs; and the risk of forklifts colliding with racks is avoided, ensuring excellent safety.

Intelligent shuttle-type storage rack

4. Loft-style Rack

Build multi-tiered lofts (typically 2-3 tiers) on top of the existing warehouse space, connected by stairs or lifts, with each tier allowing for flexible arrangement of beam-type and shelf-type racks.

It is suitable for light and medium-sized goods in small batches and multiple varieties, especially for warehouses with high ceiling heights (over 4 meters), making full use of vertical space.

The space utilization rate is doubled (turning single-layer space into multi-layer space); it allows for partitioned storage of different types of goods, facilitating management; the structure is flexible, allowing for adjustments to the number of mezzanine levels and shelf types according to demand.

The lighting at the bottom level may be affected; access requires stairs or lifts, resulting in lower efficiency compared to single-tier racks; and the load capacity is limited (typically ≤500kg/㎡ per tier).

loft-style shelving

5. Cantilever Rack

Consisting of a column and a cantilever beam (a horizontally extending "arm"), the cargo is placed directly on the cantilever without obstruction from a crossbeam.

Suitable for long, strip-shaped and irregular goods (such as steel pipes, lumber, plastic pipes, and rolls of fabric).

It is highly targeted and capable of stably storing long/large items, preventing deformation. It is convenient for storage and retrieval, as it can be directly lifted by a forklift or crane.

The space utilization rate is relatively low (operation space needs to be reserved between cantilevers); the load-bearing capacity is moderate (the load-bearing capacity of a single cantilever is usually 500-2000kg).

Cantilever Racking

6. Flow-through racks (sliding racks)

The shelf boards are inclined (at an angle of 3°-5°), and the surface is equipped with flow strips (roller tracks). Goods automatically slide from higher to lower pickup points by gravity.

Suitable for small items with fast turnover (such as automotive parts and small e-commerce items), strictly following the "first-in, first-out" principle.

High access efficiency (goods can be directly taken from the pickup end without the need for a forklift); implements "first-in, first-out" to avoid overstocking and expiration of goods; suitable for picking scenarios, and can be assisted by electronic tags for picking. Disadvantages: only suitable for light and medium-sized goods (single-location load capacity ≤500kg); requires high flatness of the bottom of the goods (able to slide on the flow strip).

Flow Rack

7. Palletized storage racks

It consists of columns and layers (steel plates, wooden boards, or grid plates), with goods directly placed on the layers without the need for pallets.

Suitable for small items and bulk goods (such as snacks, cosmetics, and small tools), commonly found in supermarket warehouses and e-commerce sorting warehouses.

The structure is simple, the cost is low, and it is easy to install and disassemble; the shelves are adjustable to accommodate goods of different heights; it is suitable for manual storage and retrieval, without relying on forklifts; the load capacity is relatively low (usually ≤500kg for a single layer); and the space utilization rate is moderate.

Layered shelf

8. Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)

It consists of high-level racks (typically 10-30 meters), stackers (automated storage and retrieval equipment), and a control system, achieving automated storage and retrieval of goods entirely through computer scheduling.

Application Scenario: Suitable for warehouses with high turnover rates and high precision requirements (such as pharmaceutical, electronics, and tobacco), especially in areas with high land costs (using height to save space).

The space utilization rate is extremely high, with vertical height maximized, achieving a utilization rate of over 80%. High automation reduces human errors and enhances storage and retrieval efficiency. It can be integrated with WMS (Warehouse Management System) to achieve full-process digital management.

The initial investment is large (equipment, system, and site modification); maintenance costs are high; and there are strict requirements for standardization of goods specifications.

Automated three-dimensional warehouse racks

9. Steel platform racks

Constructed with high-strength steel as the supporting framework, it is assembled through precision welding and high-strength bolt connections. The overall structure is an independent multi-tier platform, and shelves such as beam-type and laminated-type shelves can be arranged above the platform according to specific needs.

It is suitable for warehouses with high ceiling heights and a large amount of storage space, and is well-suited for storing heavy or medium-sized goods (such as machinery parts, large industrial equipment accessories, etc.). It is particularly widely used in industries such as third-party logistics and machinery manufacturing.

By extending to high altitudes, it can fully utilize the vertical space of the warehouse, increasing effective storage area; it has strong carrying capacity, stable structure, and long service life; it is highly flexible, facilitating cargo handling and storage, and enabling easy classification management of goods.

There are certain requirements for the load-bearing capacity of the warehouse floor; the space on the ground floor may be partially obstructed, affecting natural lighting and the convenience of certain operations.

Steel platform racks

How to choose the type of shelf?

According to the characteristics of goods: long strips should be stored in cantilever racks, small loose items should be stored in pallet racks, and full pallets should be stored in beam racks

Based on space requirements: For high space utilization, choose through-type, shuttle-type, three-dimensional warehouse, or steel platform;

According to automation requirements: manually select beam-type and laminated-type for manual operations, and choose shuttle-type and automated warehouse for automation;

Based on cost budget: choose laminated or beam-type shelves for low cost, and automated shelves for high budget and efficiency.

By combining multiple types of racks according to actual needs (such as "mezzanine + shelving" or "beam + flow-through"), storage efficiency can be further optimized.