The real cost of pallet rack

When shopping for pallet rack, buyers may find differently priced options in the market that, on the surface, seem quite similar. The savvy buyer will find, however, that with all that is riding on a pallet rack decision, doing the homework up front can pay dividends in the end.

From the warehouse environment, to the gauge of steel, to the “recipe” of the steel itself, the true cost of a pallet rack over the life of the system can be difficult to determine.

While the dimensions of the rack components certainly contribute to a rack’s capacity rating, many factors can adversely affect its performance and long-term cost. “It is all about price – pay on initial purchase or pay much more later to upgrade a sub-standard system to meet requirements,” says Raymond Weber, Steel King’s eastern regional manager.

The dimensions and gauge of steel are not the only measures of rack quality. When comparing two seemingly identical rack systems, for example three-inch columns of the same gauge of steel, there can be profound capacity differences that can lead to frequent repair/replace situations.

It’s important to consider the following attributes. How much bracing is designed into the system? Inadequate bracing will affect both capacity and impact resistance. How much weld surface connects your uprights and braces? Frames are only as impact-resistant as the welds that hold them. Are upright columns a fully closed tube design or the common open-back configuration? A closed tubular column can withstand far more impact.

Once a load-bearing component of a rack has been damaged, its capacity is reduced, increasing risk. Since replacement parts and labour often cost far more than parts in the original rack system, a lower-cost rack will often require large investments in maintenance and repair. And it’s not just the cost of the repair itself.

“Workflow disruption and downtime during rack replacement is a cost that few companies take into account when assessing the cost of rack, but it’s a very quantifiable budget item,” Weber says.

Quality of steel

Not all steel is alike, and there can be considerable differences in strength. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, with the flexibility of having other elements “alloyed” into it. Steel made in North America is carefully regulated and will have mill certification that it’s been manufactured using the correct mix of metals for optimal performance.

Cold storage and seismic zones

While all rack applications run the risk of collision or improper loading, some warehouse environments cause even greater wear and tear. Cold storage applications can be particularly brutal. Food and pharmaceutical inventories are time-sensitive. Products are moved through and the stock is rotating far more frequently than other products, making these facilities high-traffic areas.
To reduce the cost of refrigeration, facilities opt for denser product storage, and fork trucks have to navigate narrower aisles, increasing the chance of collisions.

Cold storage facilities are harsh work environments for workers as well. Bundled in cold- weather gear, drivers operating in -18 to +13°C facilities are often in a hurry to get in and get out, which can also affect their level of precision. In addition, the slippery conditions of blast freezers can contribute to the vulnerability of the racking.

Since a pallet rack is classified as a building element, it therefore must be permitted as such. Increasingly, building codes require that pallet racks meet seismic standards. In practical terms, this means that pallet rack systems must be strong and durable enough to withstand seismic forces.

Pallet rack systems built from “stock” components often do not meet these rigorous building codes. High-quality racking can be customized and built to meet the load rating capacity to withstand tremors. Thoroughly researching the applicable codes and permitting requirements in your municipality ahead of time can save a lot of cost and headache.

Retrofitting a budget system to bring it up to code is not advised. The Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) warns against adding products from one manufacturer to the rack of another: “Mixing of products from various manufacturers may cause fit and/or function issues and may void the original equipment warranty. The beam-to-column connection properties are of vital importance in the proper structural analysis of the rack system.”

Look for hidden costs

When evaluating the purchase of a pallet rack system, it’s important to look for hidden costs that can dramatically increase the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over the lifetime of the rack. As well, since forklift impact is inevitable and under-reported, rack systems should be inspected regularly, and maintenance performed promptly, in order to mitigate dangers and keep large-scale maintenance costs low.

A reputable rack design firm will also take into consideration the storage environment and work flow. By installing options such as oversized base plates, reinforced columns where rack may be impact-susceptible, a majority of serious damage can be prevented up front.

An investment in post protectors, end of row guards, safety guard rail, or other accessories will also contribute to the long-term durability and cost savings of your pallet rack system. “Ultimately, even though they may cost more up front, pallet rack systems that are built better from the beginning can save on costs throughout the lifetime of a pallet rack system,” Weber says.