Glossary of Terms
Racking and Shelving terms explained.Block Stacking - The storage of pallets without racking by simply storing one stacked on top of another. This fully utilises floor space but has inherent dangers such as toppling due to load instability and damage to stock from movement and crushing. Stock control and rotation are poor but throughput is normally high as conventional gas or diesel powered trucks are used in this kind of operation.

Pallet Racking - Is a system comprising of upright frames and horizontal beams that is designed to allow the easy storage and retrieval of individual palletised loads. Usually operated by conventional reach trucks it offers individual selection of every pallet stored and rapid throughput with floor space utilisation around 30%.

Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking and Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) - As conventional pallet racking but serviced by specialised trucks. Floor space utilisation can reach 50% or better and racking to 15 metres high or more is possible.

Push Back Racking - A high density pallet storage system, it allows pallets to be stored between 2 and 5 deep on carriers fitted on slightly inclined rails. The loaded pallets are pushed into the rack by the fork lift truck, and as loads are withdrawn the following loads move down behind them allowing them to be picked from the rack face in sequence. This system gives rapid throughput as it is operated using conventional trucks with floor space utilisation up to 70%. However, pallets in each location can only be selected on a “last in, first out” (LIFO) basis limiting stock rotation.

Drive In Racking - Provides high density storage of palletised goods with up to 80% floor space utilisation operated by conventional trucks. Pallets are supported by their edges in lanes up to 10 pallets deep allowing fork lift trucks to load and unload pallets by driving into the racking. Each lane must contain the same product as selection of individual pallets is not possible and as pallets are stored on a “last in, first out” (LIFO) basis stock rotation is poor. The system is an ideal alternative to block stacking of large batches as it allows high stacking whilst loads are protected from damage caused by to crushing and movement.

Pallet Live Storage - Is a system where pallets are supported on inclined rollers or gravity wheel tracks so that the pallets travel automatically from the loading side to the unloading side of the installation. It provides automatic “first in, first out” (FIFO) stock rotation and rapid throughput and with most installations over 10 pallets, deep space utilisation is excellent.

Powered Mobile Racking - Comprises conventional pallet racking mounted on steel framed bases fitted with electrically driven wheels running on tracks set into the floor. This enables adjacent runs of racking to be closed up to one another. An operating aisle can be opened up wherever necessary to give access to the required rack face. The system combines the benefit of individual selection of pallets with up to 80% floor space utilisation.

Cantilever Racking - Primarily used for the storage of long loads such as steel stock, bar pipe and timber it comprises uprights with cantilever arms which give an unrestricted rack face. Side loading or multi directional trucks usually serve the system which can also be mounted on mobile bases to further improve floor space utilisation.

Mezzanine Floors - An intermediate floor or floors between the ground and roof level in your building, utilising the available headroom fully. Available in a range of load bearing capacities they can provide space for offices, storage or production and can be served by staircases or lifts.

Shelving - Any system where loading and picking of stock is done manually.

Steel Shelving - Generally used for the storage of small parts such as auto, electrical or pharmaceuticals which have steel shelves that are punched to accept dividers and a range of other accessories.

Longspan Shelving - For the storage of larger cartons, boxes and drums, shelves are often up to 2.4 metres wide and are usually made of timber or chipboard.

Two- Tier or Multi-Tier Shelving - Where headroom permits shelving can be built supporting one or more upper levels accessed by walkways and staircases.

Oversailing Floor - A shelving system at ground level supporting a mezzanine floor to utilise the headroom in the building.

Mobile Shelving - Is conventional shelving mounted on steel framed bases fitted with wheels running on tracks set into the floor. This enables adjacent runs of shelving to be closed up to one another. An aisle can then be opened up wherever necessary to give access to the required shelving.

Carton Live Storage - Is a system where cartons, boxes or other un-palletised goods are supported on inclined rollers or gravity wheel tracks so that the goods travel automatically from the loading side to the unloading side of the installation.