Pallet Racking Types Compared: Which System Fits Your Warehouse?
Choosing the wrong racking system costs money twice — once when you buy it and again when you replace it. This guide cuts through the options so you can match system to operation.
The 5 Main Types
1. Selective Racking (Enkelvoudig legbordsysteem) The most common type worldwide. Every pallet is directly accessible from the aisle.
Best for: Operations with many SKUs, mixed picking, FIFO requirements. Density: Low (40–50% floor utilization) because every bay needs an aisle. Price new: €40–80/pallet position. Used: €15–35.
2. Drive-In / Drive-Through Racking (Inrijstelling) Forklifts drive into a lane 4–10 bays deep. Drive-in = one entry point (LIFO). Drive-through = entries on both ends (FIFO).
Best for: Cold storage, homogeneous products, seasonal bulk stock. Density: 70–80% floor utilization. Caution: One damaged upright collapses an entire lane. Inspect carefully when buying used. Price new: €90–160/pallet position. Used: €35–65.
3. Pushback Racking (Terugduwstelling) Pallets sit on wheeled carts on rails. Loading pushes existing stock back; unloading lets it roll forward. LIFO by default.
Best for: 2–5 deep lanes, medium SKU variety, high throughput. Price new: €120–200/pallet position. Used: rarely available, check cart condition.
4. Pallet Flow Racking (Zwaartekrachtbaan) Gravity-fed roller lanes. First pallet in is first out — true FIFO without aisle access per lane.
Best for: High-volume FIFO (food, pharma, date-sensitive goods), small number of SKUs. Price new: €180–280/pallet position. Used: inspect rollers and speed controllers.
5. Mobile Racking (Verschuifbaar stellingssysteem) Entire rows move on tracks, eliminating all aisles except one active aisle.
Best for: Archives, cold storage, maximizing floor use in constrained buildings. Density: 85–90% floor utilization. Price new: €200–350/pallet position.
Quick Decision Matrix
| Situation | Recommended System |
|---|---|
| Many SKUs, random access | Selective |
| Few SKUs, bulk storage | Drive-in |
| Medium depth, some FIFO | Pushback |
| FIFO, high throughput | Pallet flow |
| Tight floor plan, cold store | Mobile |
What to Check on Second-Hand Units
1. Upright base plates — look for cracks, welds, or bent feet 2. Beam connectors — all clips present, no deformation 3. Column protectors — missing guards signal forklift impact history 4. Load notices — must be present (EN 15512 requirement) 5. Cross-bracing — check for missing or bent diagonal members 6. Complete frame depth — verify actual depth matches stated spec
Post every RFQ on LayTech.ai to compare quotes from multiple racking suppliers simultaneously.