“Basic” Selective Pallet Rack School

Pallet Rack design can be a complicated process. It’s important to figure out the needs and physical limitations of your business before investing in a pallet rack system. The following information outlines the information needed for purchasing the proper racking. By printing this article and filling in the blanks, you will be prepared to answer the questions you will be asked when ordering your custom pallet rack system.

Step 1. Length of Beam
Maximum width of pallet or load (whichever is larger)	_______________
Number of pallets or loads across (between upright frames)	_______________
	Allow 3″ between upright frame and loads. Allow 4″ between loads Example: Allow 10″ for two across storage.
Total length of beams (Max load width plus allowance)	_______________
The clear distance between posts will be beam lengths plus space between plate and columns.
Load Types This diagram shows how to measure pallet Loads.A) Depth of pallet or load B)Width C) Height D) Total Height (load and pallet) E) Pallet Stringer Dimension F) Total Weight (load plus pallet)

Step 2. Beam Capacity
Number of Pallets Per Level	_______________
Load Weight (Per Pallet)* * Minimum Required Capacity per pair of Beams – Levels	X _______________
	= _______________

Step 3. Frame Depth and Spacers
Frame depth A). should be @ 6″ less than pallet stringer length (see “Pallet Guide” below)
Frame Dimension	_______________
Row Spacers, Wall Fixes & Wire Decking * Please email or call for more information
Pallet Guide A: Depth (Stringer Length) – B: Width (Board Length) – C: Height

Step 4. Frame Upright Height
To determine Height of Frames Needed, Starting at floor level:
Add height of pallet and load combined, Plus 9” Total	_______________
Multiply total times the number of shelf levels Levels	X _______________
to equal *Frame Height*	= _______________
A) Load Height B) Lift Area C) Beam Face Rack is required to go only as high as is necessary to support top pallets. Height may also be limited by the extent of fork elevation of lift truck. Provide a minimum of 6″between top load and ceiling obstructions. (Check local fire codes)

Step 5. Frame Upright Capacity
Add total of load weight per Level	_______________
Determine maximum vertical shelf spacing See diagram (x)	_______________
Determine number of levels per bay	_______________
* Welters will figure Frame Capacity based on information provided above