Pallet Rack Systems — Stein Service & Supply

Pallet Rack Services

We size each system to the loads on each level and check the layout against the fire code.

Our core service area is North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, and in 2025 we completed projects in 24 other states.

Load review and beam and upright sizing for each level
Selective, drive-in, push back, flow, cantilever, and pick module systems
Layout drawings checked against the fire code
High-piled storage permit documents and submission
Installation by our own crews
New in-stock and used pallet rack

SpeedCell High-Density Storage System Maximize storage, improve pick rates, and reclaim wasted space with the SpeedCell high density storage solution from UNEX. SpeedCell is a dynamic… Learn More

Multi-Level Pick Module Systems Pick Module Storage Rack Systems optimize product flow while improving the order-fulfillment process. Various storage systems, including push-back… Learn More

Roll-out Pallet Rack Roll-out pallet rack is an innovative storage solution designed as a drawer system for pallets. It offers several advantages over standard pallet… Learn More

Cantilever Pallet Rack Cantilever racks are ideal for storing long, bulky items such as pipes, lumber, and textiles. Double and single-sided units are available with a… Learn More

Carton Flow Pallet Rack Stein Service & Supply offers several carton flow rack options for various pallet picking levels. Carton flow can help organize smaller products being… Learn More

Pallet Flow Rack Pallet Flow Rack is a high density storage system that functions as FIFO (first in, first out). This type of system works well for time sensitive… Learn More

Push Back Pallet Rack Push Back Racking is a high density storage solution that allows greater selectivity than drive-in pallet rack. Push Back is a LIFO (last in, first… Learn More

Drive In Pallet Rack Drive-In Pallet Racking is a high density storage solution that works well with a limited number of product SKUs. Drive-In requires standardized… Learn More

Selective Pallet Rack Selective Pallet Rack is the most common racking used in warehouses. It has the lowest storage capacity, but it is generally the lowest cost option… Learn More

Load Capacity and Beams

The beams and the uprights set the capacity of a rack system, so we size both to the heaviest pallet on each level and to the picking method. Most of the system design follows from these loads.

Beams can be replaced with heavier beams after installation, but removing and scrapping the original beams and then buying and installing new ones costs more than installing the heavier beam at the start. When heavier product is possible on a level, we recommend the heavier beam in the original order.

Stacks of new pallet rack beams and wire decking staged for an installation

Todd McGeeWarehouse Solutions Specialist, in material handling since 1996

Pallet Rack System Types

Most system choices depend on whether the goal is the most pallet positions or the most SKUs (stock-keeping units), and on whether the product must ship first in, first out (FIFO). The type of lift equipment then sets the aisle width and the storage height.

System	How it works	Typical use
Selective	One pallet deep, usually installed back to back with an aisle on each side. Every pallet is accessible.	Many SKUs, with access to any pallet at any time. The most common system and usually the lowest cost, with the lowest storage density.
Drive-in	Forklifts drive into the rack to store and retrieve pallets. Last in, first out (LIFO), with standard pallets throughout.	Large quantities of the same product. Usually lower in cost than push back or pallet flow.
Push back	Pallets rest on carts and move back as the next pallet is loaded, up to 6 deep. Every lane and level operates independently.	High density with more SKUs than drive-in allows, where last in, first out is acceptable.
Pallet flow	Pallets are loaded from one side, and gravity rollers carry them to the pick side, up to 20 deep. First in, first out.	Time-sensitive product and fewer SKUs.
Carton flow	Gravity lanes for cases picked by hand, often installed in the lower levels of selective rack.	Smaller product picked by the case or by the piece.
Cantilever	Arms extend from a single column, with no front uprights. Single or double sided.	Long or irregular items such as pipe, lumber, or steel.
Pick module	Two or three levels that combine selective rack, push back, flow, and conveyor.	High-volume operations where order picking limits throughput.

Ross UllmanPresident, Stein Service & Supply

Code Requirements

The fire code governs the storage height, the decking, and the space between rows, so we check the layout against it as we draw.

Permits Above 12 Feet

When the top of the storage is higher than 12 feet, the fire code classifies it as high-piled storage, and the sprinkler system must be rated for the stored product at that height. Permitting

Wire Decking

Decking must be more than 50 percent open, with openings no more than 6 inches apart, so that sprinkler water reaches every level. Solid decking, or wire deck that does not meet these limits, is classified as solid shelving, which usually requires sprinklers inside the rack.

Flue Space

Back-to-back rows require a gap between them, called the flue space, through which heat rises and sprinkler water reaches the lower levels. Row spacers hold the gap at a fixed width.

Seismic Areas

In seismic areas such as Charleston, South Carolina, an engineer may specify larger base plates and more anchors, or tie the rack together or to the building.

Our warehouse design work covers these checks in more detail. Warehouse design

Pallet Rack Questions

Can I change beam levels later?

Yes. Additional beam levels, wire deck, and pallet supports usually do not require a permit. Moving beam levels farther apart requires review, because larger gaps between beams reduce the capacity of the upright. The installer or a structural engineer should approve the new spacing.

How do I compare two rack quotes?

First, confirm that both quotations are rated for the same loads. Capacity is where quotations most often differ, and one may specify lighter beams or frames than the loads require. Then compare the quantities and sizes, and whether the quotation includes the permit or only the structural drawings. Warehouse design

Do you sell used pallet rack?

Yes, along with new rack from stock. Used rack without manufacturer markings is more difficult to permit, because the engineer who stamps the permit drawings needs exact specifications. Used pallet racking

Do you install and permit it?

Yes. Our crews install the rack. In North and South Carolina, for example, we pull the high-piled storage permit under our general contractor license. In other states, we prepare the code review and permit documents and work with each jurisdiction on its requirements. Warehouse installation

More Pallet Rack Options

New In-Stock Pallet Rack Pull-Out Pallet Rack Used Pallet Racking Pallet Rack Repair

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Discuss a Pallet Rack Project

Contact us with the products to be stored, their weights, and the lift equipment in use.

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