18 Feb Do You Really Need to Search for Metal Storage Rack Manufacturers or Do You Just Need Pallet Rack?
There is a distinct difference between how a normal person talks about their products and how the industry talks about those same products. You, as a consumer might call them something like a “metal storage rack” but the industry calls them “pallet rack”.
A popular thing to do when looking for industrial storage solutions is to look for the manufacturer of the item. It makes sense because the material handling industry, where you get the products, does not make it easy. There is a distinct difference between how a normal person talks about their products and how the industry talks about those same products. You, as a consumer might call them something like a “metal storage rack” but the industry calls them “pallet rack”. Neither party is wrong. The problem is that the search engines have to figure out that a metal storage rack is a pallet rack which can take a while to happen. The obvious answer to the problem is that the industry meets you halfway there but that does not always happen.
Where does that leave you? You are likely searching for the metal storage rack manufacturers because you are not really sure where else to get the items you need for your business. If you do not have experience in the material handling industry or warehouses, in general, then there is no way that you would know that what you need is a pallet rack. It is like asking for candy. You can ask for candy but what type of candy are you really looking for when you ask?
Pallet Rack Types:
There are many different types of pallet rack just like that candy example in the previous example. It all depends on your particular situation. If you are in a situation where FIFO or first in-first out matters then you may want to consider a pallet flow rack. Therefore, if you need a lot of storage in a defined space without needing to follow FIFO then you may want to look at a push back rack system. Subsequently, if you have to hold long and heavy products like lumber, steel, pipe, etc then you may want a cantilever rack. If you just want a shelving system as you have in your house then you might just want a selective pallet rack. It is the most common type of pallet rack you will find out there. In fact, if you are looking at used pallet racks then you should know that it is likely a selective rack.
Used or new may be another thing you are considering when looking for these metal storage rack manufacturers. You can get either and they both can work just fine. There are a few things you should keep in mind if you get either.
“What happens if you do not have these calculations and you get an inspection? You will be asked to remove the product from the pallet rack or storage system. You may be asked to disassemble it and you will be forced to store it.”
The first thing to consider is if the rack or metal storage rack can pass inspection or the pallet rack permitting process. Why would it pass? There are areas of the US where seismic calculations are needed. There are enough places that need it. It just makes sense to have the calculations on hand. You will have everything you need just in case you do need them. If you are going to sell the rack later then it makes sense to do yourself a favor and have the calculations before you need them. What happens if you do not have to scramble to get them. What happens if you do not have these calculations and you get an inspection? You will be asked to remove the product from the pallet rack or storage system. You may be asked to disassemble it and you will be forced to store it. If you had a space problem before this then you may find that this only makes the problem worse. You will need seismic calculations done on the rack. You have to do this before you can use it again. If the calculations are not within the specifications for your area then you may have to have it augmented. All of this may make it cheaper for you to buy a new one with the calculations already done.
Final Thoughts:
You may be thinking that every company that sells rack should be doing this anyway. It is true, but the truth is that not every company is providing it. Therefore, there is a rack out there without seismic calculations. It is not appropriate for your location if you need seismic calculations. Why is this a possibility? Remember there are some areas where seismic calculations are not necessary. Therefore, there is no reason to get them in the first place. Some companies in those areas do not have to worry about it so they do not offer it.
The one last reason you may be looking for metal storage rack manufacturers is that you need a custom rack. If you need one of those then contact us by calling. If you just need a pallet rack then click the link.
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