We get a lot of calls from people inquiring about warehouse material handling equipment using very different terminology to ask about the same type of product. In the material handling industry, there are many words and terms used for one specific product. Let’s go over a few common warehouse terms for components of a pallet rack system, what they mean, and their alternative names. Here is a list of familiar terms that you might use when it comes to pallet racking along with their other common names:
Aisle
The space in between the rows of pallet rack used for pedestrian and forklift traffic.
Common Name: Isle (we all wish we were on an isle instead of in an aisle)
Anchors
Different types of anchors used to secure pallet rack columns to the floor.
Common Names: Floor Bolts, Lags, Wedge Anchors, Concrete Anchors, Strike Anchors
Bay
A unit of pallet rack that consists of two uprights, and the beams in between.
Common Names: Unit, Section
Beam
The horizontal bar installed into slots in the upright that holds up the pallets.
Commons Names: Rail, horizontal, cross member, stick
Column Protectors
A product that blocks the upright from getting hit and damaged by forklifts.
Common Names: Rack protector, Post Protector, Boots, Protector, Guard
Cross Aisle Tie
A cross aisle tie ties two frames together at the top which extend across the aisle.
Common Names:
Drop Pin
A drop pin is a component that keeps pallet rack beams engaged in the upright frame column when the integral locking device has been lost or damaged.
Common Names: Safety Clip, J bolt, Beam Clips, Pallet Rack Clips, Gravity Pin
Offset Backstop Beam
A beam installed to prevent a pallet from falling off the back of the rack.
Common Names: Load Stop, Back Stop, Pallet Stop
Rack Guard Ends
Rack protectors are used to protect the rack uprights from being hit by forklift traffic.
Common Names: End Protectors, Post Protectors, Upright Protectors, Guard Rail
Row Spacer
A row spacer is used to space pallet rack that is placed back to back.
Common Name: Back to Back Spacer
Upright
Two posts and bracing that stand vertically and attach to the beams and the floor.
Common Names: Frame, Vertical, Standard, Column, Mono Post
Wall Tie
A wall tie is used if you have a single row of pallet racking against a wall.
Common Names: Row to Wall Spacer, Brackets
Wire Decks
Pallet supports that sit between the beams, consisting of steel bars and steel wire.
Common Names: Grids, Grates, Wire Rack, Baskets
Contact us if you have any questions about pallet rack or warehouse solutions, we would be happy to help.
