TYPES OF PALLET RACKING SYSTEMS EXPLAINED
Published 25 March 2026 · 10 min read
Choosing the right pallet racking system is critical to warehouse efficiency, safety, and profitability. This guide covers every major racking type available in the UK, explaining how each works, what it's best suited for, and typical capacities.
ADJUSTABLE PALLET RACKING (APR)
The most common system in UK warehouses. Beams slot into upright frames at adjustable heights, giving direct access to every pallet position. Ideal for mixed-SKU operations where you need to access any pallet at any time.
Best for: General warehousing, distribution centres, mixed product storage
Capacity: 500kg – 3,000kg per beam level
DRIVE-IN / DRIVE-THROUGH RACKING
Forklifts drive directly into the racking lanes to place or retrieve pallets. Eliminates aisles between rows, dramatically increasing storage density. Drive-in offers LIFO access; drive-through allows FIFO with entry from both ends.
Best for: Bulk storage of identical products, cold stores, seasonal stock
Capacity: Up to 6–10 pallets deep per lane
NARROW AISLE RACKING
Standard pallet racking installed with reduced aisle widths (1.6–2.0m vs 3.5m). Requires specialist guided trucks but dramatically increases storage density while maintaining individual pallet access.
Best for: High-value stock needing individual access, space-constrained warehouses
Capacity: Up to 45% more storage vs wide-aisle layouts
PUSH-BACK RACKING
Pallets are stored on nested carts that roll on inclined rails. Loading pushes existing pallets back; unloading allows them to roll forward. Stores 2–6 pallets deep with LIFO access from a single aisle.
Best for: Medium-turnover stock, batch storage, reducing aisle requirements
Capacity: 2–6 pallets deep per position
PALLET LIVE / GRAVITY FLOW RACKING
Pallets are loaded at the back and roll forward on gravity rollers to the pick face. Guarantees FIFO stock rotation and keeps pick faces permanently replenished. Essential for date-sensitive products.
Best for: Food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, any FIFO-critical operation
Capacity: 4–20+ pallets deep
CANTILEVER RACKING
Open-fronted design with arms extending from vertical columns — no front uprights to obstruct loading. Perfect for long, bulky, or irregular items that won't fit standard pallet racking.
Best for: Timber, steel, pipes, furniture, carpet rolls, sheet materials
Capacity: Arms typically rated 500kg – 1,500kg each
LONGSPAN SHELVING
A versatile hand-loaded system bridging the gap between light-duty shelving and full pallet racking. Chipboard or steel decked levels support cartons, totes, and loose items without pallets.
Best for: Pick & pack, e-commerce fulfilment, parts storage, archive
Capacity: 200kg – 800kg per shelf level
MOBILE RACKING
Standard pallet racking mounted on electrically powered mobile bases that run along floor-mounted rails. Racks compact together, opening just one aisle at a time where needed.
Best for: Cold stores, archive storage, high-value stock with lower throughput
Capacity: Up to 80% more storage vs static racking
QUICK COMPARISON TABLE
| System | Density | Access | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| APR | Medium | Every pallet | £ |
| Drive-in | Very High | Last in only | ££ |
| Narrow Aisle | High | Every pallet | £££ |
| Push-back | High | Front pallet | £££ |
| Pallet Live | High | Front pallet (FIFO) | ££££ |
| Cantilever | Medium | Every position | ££ |
| Longspan | Medium | Hand access | £ |
| Mobile | Very High | Every pallet | ££££ |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which racking system is cheapest?
Adjustable pallet racking (APR) is the most cost-effective system, starting from around £80–£150 per bay for used and £150–£400 for new. Longspan shelving is the cheapest hand-loaded option at £60–£150 per bay.
Can different racking types be used in the same warehouse?
Absolutely. Most warehouses benefit from a mix — for example, APR for fast-moving palletised stock, longspan shelving for pick areas, and cantilever for oversized items. UM Storage Systems can design hybrid layouts.
How do I know which system is right for my warehouse?
It depends on your product types, stock rotation method (FIFO/LIFO), throughput requirements, available space, and budget. We offer free site surveys to recommend the optimal system for your specific needs.
Do you supply and install all these racking types?
Yes. UM Storage Systems supplies, delivers, and professionally installs all major racking and shelving systems across the UK — both new and quality used options.
NOT SURE WHICH SYSTEM YOU NEED?
Our team will assess your warehouse, products, and workflow to recommend the most efficient and cost-effective racking solution.