Whether you’re setting up a small distribution center or managing a high volume logistics hub, choosing the right pallet racking system is essential for efficiency, safety, and growth. With many options available, selecting a solution that suits your space, load capacity, and inventory type can be overwhelming.
At Dallas Pallet Racking, we help businesses across the Dallas Fort Worth area design and install the ideal warehouse pallet racks to meet their needs. In this guide, we break down the top 5 pallet racking systems best suited for warehouses of all sizes.
1. Selective Pallet Racking (Best for General Use)
Ideal for: Small to medium warehouses with high SKU variety
What it is:
Selective pallet racking is the most common system used in warehouses. It allows direct access to every pallet, making it perfect for operations where inventory turnover is frequent.
Benefits:
Easy access to every pallet
Compatible with most forklift types
Scalable and cost effective
If you’re starting small but planning to grow, this system provides the flexibility you need. Learn more about how we handle pallet racking installation for businesses across Dallas.
2. Drive In Racking (Best for High Density Storage)
Ideal for: Medium to large warehouses with bulk inventory
What it is:
Drive in racking is designed for storing large quantities of similar products. Forklifts drive directly into the rack lanes to load and unload, making it great for last in, first out (LIFO) inventory systems.
Benefits:
Maximizes warehouse floor space
Ideal for seasonal or high volume stock
Reduces the need for multiple access aisles
If space optimization is a top priority, drive in pallet racking is a smart choice for high density storage.
3. Push Back Racking (Best for Medium Turnover Products)
Ideal for: Warehouses with multiple pallets per SKU
What it is:
Push back racking uses nested carts that slide backward when pallets are loaded. It allows you to store multiple pallets deep and retrieve them on a last in, first out basis.
Benefits:
Higher storage density than selective racks
Easy loading and unloading from one aisle
Less product damage compared to drive in systems
For growing operations in need of better space usage without sacrificing accessibility, push back systems are an excellent mid tier solution.
4. Pallet Flow Racking (Best for First In, First Out Operations)
Ideal for: Large warehouses, especially food and beverage or perishable goods
What it is:
Pallet flow racks use a gravity fed system where pallets are loaded on one side and flow to the other. This ensures FIFO inventory rotation.
Benefits:
Automatic inventory rotation
Excellent for time sensitive products
High efficiency for picking and loading
If your warehouse requires consistent product rotation, pallet flow racking ensures accurate inventory management and faster order fulfillment.
5. Cantilever Racking (Best for Long or Irregular Items)
Ideal for: Warehouses storing lumber, pipes, steel, or awkwardly shaped inventory
What it is:
Cantilever racking features open fronts and long arms, allowing storage of items that don’t fit into standard pallet dimensions.
Benefits:
Customizable arm lengths
Easy loading and unloading
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
If you handle long or heavy materials, this warehouse storage rack option improves accessibility and organization dramatically.
How to Choose the Right System for Your Warehouse
When choosing the right pallet racking system, consider the following:
Space available (ceiling height, floor space, aisle width)
Load weight and size
Inventory turnover (FIFO or LIFO)
Forklift type and maneuverability
Growth plans (will your layout need to change?)
At Dallas Pallet Racking, our experts offer free consultations to assess your space and recommend the best setup.
Why Choose Dallas Pallet Racking?
We’ve helped hundreds of businesses across North Texas transform their warehouse layouts with smart, scalable racking systems. Whether you need new or used warehouse pallet racks, our team delivers fast, affordable solutions.
Local experts in pallet racking Dallas
Fast delivery across DFW
Full service pallet racking installation
Customized layouts for small to large warehouses
Get Started Today
Need help selecting the right pallet racking system for your warehouse? We’re here to make the process easy.
Contact us for a free consultation or request a quote today.
Let Dallas Pallet Racking help you create a smarter, safer, and more productive warehouse.