What double deep pallet racking is and how it operates is all in the name. Unlike standard selective pallet racking, double deep pallet racking stores pallets two deep, increasing the storage density of a warehouse. Double deep pallet racking is one of many different types of pallet racking, each with its own use cases, positives, and negatives. That is to say that although double deep pallet racking can work very well in some situations, it may not be suitable for all situations. That’s why there are different kinds of racking; each has its purpose.
This article will go through when its best to use double deep pallet racking, as well as circumstances where double deep pallet racking may not be the best solution. Let’s take a look.
Benefits Of Double Deep Pallet Racking
Double deep pallet racking is a racking alternative to selective pallet racking in situations where a little bit more density is needed. The general benefits of double deep pallet racking centre on this.
Double deep pallet racking is twice as dense as selective pallet racking. This almost goes without saying. Since pallets are stored two deep, this is obviously twice as dense as selective pallet racking, which only stores pallets one deep. It’s obvious, but it’s also the main point of difference in double deep pallet racking, so it’s worth pointing out.
Double deep pallet racking can save money. Higher density storage means that less warehouse space is needed. Ultimately this saves money. While more specialised pallet racking can be more expensive than basic pallet racking, double deep pallet racking strikes a good balance between lower cost simplicity and the higher density that more expensive pallet racking may afford.
Double deep pallet racking is ideal for when there are two or more pallets of the same SKU. In general, higher density storage works best for situations when there are multiple pallets of the same SKU. Some higher density storage solutions only work for times when there are many pallets of the same SKU, but double deep gives great storage density when there are as few as two pallets of the same SKU.
Double deep pallet racking is a good medium between density and selectivity. Since pallets are only stored two deep, a lot of selectivity is still maintained when using double deep racking. But while selectivity is maintained, so is a good amount of storage density. Of course double deep racking isn’t as selective as some styles of pallet racking, nor is it as dense as others, but it fills a good gap for specific situations.
Disadvantages Of Double Deep Pallet Racking
Although double deep pallet racking works well for a variety of situations, it’s not perfect for every situation; that’s why different kinds of pallet racking exist, after all.
Double deep pallet racking isn’t for times where there’s only a single pallet per SKU. Since pallets are stored two deep, there’s no point in using double deep pallet racking if most SKUs in the warehouse only take up a single pallet. This would lead to a lot of wasted space. If you’re only working with single pallets, selective pallet racking or narrow aisle pallet racking is probably more appropriate.
Double deep pallet racking is less dense than other racking systems. Some other pallet racking systems, like drive-in pallet racking, can be a lot denser than double deep. Although this isn’t a disadvantage in itself, if a warehouse needs very high density storage, it becomes a disadvantage for double deep racking. However, this lack of extra density in double deep racking means it’s a little bit more selective.
Double deep pallet racking is first in, last out storage. Since the second pallet is blocked in double deep pallet racking, it’s first in, last out storage. This may not be suitable for certain storage situations, especially situations where stock rotation is low and it’s possible for goods to perish.
Double Deep Pallet Racking Use Cases
Double deep racking has a lot of use cases.
As mentioned, double deep racking has a good balance between density and selectivity, and this is really where it should be used. Very high density storage can sometimes be over the top, but some density is still needed. This is what double deep is for.
Although it’s a first in, last out system, double deep pallet racking can work well in situations where perishable items are being stored, as long as there’s enough stock rotation in the warehouse. Since pallets are only stored two rows deep, they can get rotated out a lot faster than denser racking that may store pallets even deeper.
But It All Depends On The Specific Situation
Ultimately, whether double deep racking is right for a specific business will depend on their storage situation. It will depend on how much space they have, have many pallets they have, and how many SKUs they have. If double deep pallet racking isn’t right, there are many other storage solutions out there though.
