What Is Drive-In Pallet Racking?
Drive-in pallet racking is a high-density storage system designed to maximise warehouse space by allowing forklifts to drive directly into the racking structure. Pallets are stored in a continuous lane, making it perfect for first-in, last-out (FILO) inventory management. This system offers up to 70% more storage efficiency compared to standard selective pallet racking.
How Does Drive-In Racking Work?
Drive-in pallet racking operates on a first-in, last-out (FILO) system, where forklifts drive directly into the storage lanes to place and retrieve pallets. Pallets are loaded from the top level first, moving backward into the lane. Once the top level is filled, operators load the middle level, and finally, the bottom level. This sequence is necessary because lower-level pallets block access to deeper positions on upper levels.
- A forklift can enter the racking structure through a single entry point.
- Pallets are placed on rails that run the depth of the system.
- Loading starts from the highest available level at the back and works forward and downward.
- Unloading occurs in reverse, starting from the front and lowest level.
This method ensures structural access and safety while maintaining high-density storage capacity.
Is drive-in racking right for you?
Industries That Benefit from Drive-In Pallet Racking
Businesses with minimal SKU variation and a need for bulk storage benefit most from drive-in pallet racking, where dense storage outweighs the need for quick SKU access.
Common verticals include:
- Cold storage and freezer facilities
- Agriculture and fruit storage
- Food and beverage processing plants
- Pet food manufacturing and distribution
- Bulk goods warehousing
- Consumer packaged goods with consistent product lines
- Chemical storage (when using compatible racking materials)
- Pharmaceutical and medical supplies with bulk distribution
Is Drive-In Pallet Racking Right For You?
High Density Storage
By eliminating aisles, drive-in pallet racking systems can maximise vertical and horizontal space utilization.
First-In, Last-Out
Ideal for inventory that does not require strict rotation. The most recently loaded pallet is the first one accessible for retrieval.
Cost-Effective Racking
It reduces the cost per pallet stored by requiring fewer components and offering better use of warehouse volume.
200-800 Pallet Positions
For warehouses with more than 800 pallet positions or where greater selectivity is required, a pallet shuttle (satellite) system may offer a better return on investment.
Drive-In Pallet Racking System Cost
Drive-in pallet racking is one of the most cost-effective solutions for high-density storage, especially when evaluated in terms of storage performance per square metre.
While the material and installation costs are typically 40% higher than those of selective pallet racking, the system delivers up to 60-90% better space utilisation.
This allows businesses to operate within a smaller warehouse footprint, resulting in long-term savings on rent, climate control, and other overheads. When storing upwards of 200 pallets, the overall return on investment per pallet stored makes drive-in racking a more economical choice compared to conventional selective systems.
transform your pallet racking
Reach Out for a Free Quote Today!
Whether you're repairing, upgrading, or installing drive-in pallet racking for the first time, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch today to unlock the full potential of your warehouse space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our FAQs for additional information regarding drive-in racking installations or repairs. Feel free to reach out for more information.
Drive-in pallet racking vs. selective pallet racking
The key difference between drive-in and selective pallet racking lies in accessibility and storage density. Selective racking is designed for easy access to any pallet at any time, using single or back-to-back rack rows with wide aisles between each. It’s ideal for operations with a large number of SKUs and high turnover. In contrast, drive-in racking is a high-density system where forklifts drive directly into the structure to load or retrieve pallets, significantly reducing the number of aisles required. This setup maximises space efficiency but limits access to specific pallets, making it better suited for low-SKU, high-volume inventory with longer shelf life. For businesses prioritising storage capacity over selectivity, drive-in racking offers a more efficient solution.
How wide is drive-in pallet racking?
Drive-in pallet racking is designed to accommodate forklifts while maximising storage density. Each drive-in lane is typically around one metre wide, providing just enough clearance for standard forklift operations. The rails are built to suit the Australian Standard Pallet (1165 mm x 1165 mm), often referred to as 1200 mm wide in general terms. These rails support the pallet on both sides, allowing it to be placed at various heights within the system. The aisle width is optimised so that both the forklift mast and the pallet can safely enter the lane, position the load, and exit without wasted space.
How does drive-in racking operate in warehouses?
Drive-in racking utilises a high-density storage system where forklifts retrieve pallets from one end, maximising workspace and ensuring effective material handling and storage efficiency.
