Racking Types Compared: Which Storage System Fits Your Operation?

The Right Rack for Every Stored Item

Choosing the right racking system is one of the most important decisions in warehouse planning. The right rack significantly increases the efficiency, safety, and space utilisation of your warehouse. But which racking type is suitable for which purpose? We present the most common systems.

1. Pallet Racking – The Classic for Palletised Goods

Pallet racking (also heavy-duty pallet racking) is the most widespread storage system in Germany. It is ideal for storing Euro pallets and industrial pallets.

Advantages:

• Direct access to every pallet (100% selectivity)
• Flexibly adjustable in height and width
• Load capacity: typically 500–4,000 kg per beam level
• Easy assembly and expansion

Disadvantages:

• High space requirement due to wide aisles (min. 2.7 m for counterbalance forklifts)
• Space utilisation rate: approx. 40–50%

Ideal for: Logistics centres, production warehouses, retail – anywhere quick access to different articles is needed.

2. Shelving Racks – Flexible for Small Parts and Manual Storage

Shelving racks are the all-rounders among racking systems. With different shelves (steel, wood, wire mesh), they are suitable for a wide range of stored goods.

Advantages:

• Inexpensive to purchase
• Shelf heights infinitely adjustable
• Also expandable as an add-on rack
• Manual access possible without aids

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for heavy loads (typically max. 250 kg per shelf)
• Limited height (usually max. 3 m without a mezzanine)

Ideal for: Workshops, office storage, spare parts warehouses, archives, manual storage in production.

3. Cantilever Racks – For Long and Bulky Goods

Pipes, bars, wooden plates, profiles – cantilever racks are the first choice for long and bulky goods that find no place in conventional racks.

Advantages:

• No interference edges due to front uprights
• Arm lengths and spacings individually configurable
• Also available as an outdoor rack (galvanised)
• Load capacity up to 1,500 kg per arm

Disadvantages:

• Higher price per storage location
• Loading and unloading often requires special forklift forks

Ideal for: Building materials trade, metal construction, wood processing, pipe storage.

4. Live Storage Racks – FIFO Principle for High Turnover Frequency

In live storage racks, goods are stored from one side and slide via a slightly inclined roller track to the picking side. This automatically ensures the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principle.

Advantages:

• Automatic FIFO storage
• High space utilisation (up to 85%)
• Separate entry and exit aisles
• Ideal for goods with an expiry date

Disadvantages:

• No direct access to individual pallets in the lane
• Higher investment costs due to roller tracks

Ideal for: Food warehouses, pharmaceutical logistics, beverage warehouses, high-turnover warehouses.

5. Drive-In Racks – Maximum Space Utilisation for Uniform Goods

Drive-in racks offer the highest storage density among all conventional systems. The forklift drives directly into the racking lane and sets the pallet down on side supports.

Advantages:

• Space utilisation rate up to 90%
• Ideal for large quantities of the same article
• Significantly less aisle space required

Disadvantages:

• LIFO principle only (Last-In-First-Out)
• Higher risk of racking damage due to forklift traffic in the lane
• No selectivity

Ideal for: Cold storage, seasonal goods, large batches of the same products.

Comparison Table: Racking Types at a Glance

Conclusion: Analysis Before Investment

There is no one rack for all cases. The right choice depends on your stored goods, turnover frequency, available space, and budget. Often, a combination of different racking types is the optimal solution. And regardless of the racking type: All racks are subject to inspection according to DIN EN 15635. Plan regular inspections from the start.