Warehouse Shelving

Q: What is Warehouse Shelving?

Warehouse shelving is a versatile, modular storage system designed for the organized storage of smaller, non-palletized items, cartons, and bins . It forms the fundamental storage infrastructure for manual picking operations , returns processing, and parts organization across diverse industries.

Q: How is warehouse shelving fundamentally different from pallet racking?

The distinction lies in unit load, access method, and structural design : Pallet racking is engineered for forklift-handled, palletized unit loads (often 500kg+). Warehouse shelving is optimized for manually handled, smaller unit loads (typically under 500kg per shelf), featuring shallower depths and shelves adjustable at fine increments to maximize space for varied item sizes.

Q: What are the primary advantages of using shelving in a warehouse?

Shelving delivers essential operational benefits: 1) Superior Organization & Visibility: Keeps small items and cartons neatly separated and easily visible, reducing search time. 2) High Flexibility: Shelf levels are easily reconfigured to accommodate changing inventory profiles. 3) Cost-Effective Density: Provides efficient storage density for small items at a lower cost per location than racking. 4) Ergonomic & Safe: Designed for safe, manual access without heavy equipment.

Q: What is the typical load capacity and how tall can shelving go?

Capacity and height are system-dependent. Load capacity per shelf typically ranges from 150 kg to 500 kg for standard models, with heavy-duty options exceeding 1000 kg. Free-standing unit heights commonly range from 2 to 3.5 meters , but can be integrated with mezzanine structures to create multi-level pick modules reaching warehouse ceiling height.

Q: Is warehouse shelving suitable for e-commerce fulfillment?

It is absolutely essential. Shelving is the backbone of e-commerce and distribution centers for: 1) Order Picking: Organizing vast SKUs for efficient batch or single-order picking. 2) Returns Processing: Sorting and staging returned items. 3) Buffer Storage: Holding inventory between receiving and packing stations. Its flexibility supports rapid SKU proliferation and seasonal changes.

Q: What are the common types of warehouse shelving systems?

Several types cater to different needs and budgets: Boltless (Clip) Shelving: Most common; quick assembly without tools, highly adjustable. Long-Span Shelving: Features longer beams and decks for storing bulky, lighter items. Rivet/Industrial Shelving: Very robust, bolt-together construction for heavy-duty applications. Slotted Angle Shelving: Economical and highly customizable, cut-to-length for unique layouts. Mobile Aisle Shelving: Systems on carriages that compress aisles, offering high density for archival or lower-activity items.

Q: How adjustable is warehouse shelving and what materials are used?

Adjustability is a key feature. Shelf heights are typically adjustable in 25mm (1-inch) increments via clips or pins. Standard construction uses steel uprights and beams con particle board, wire mesh, or steel sheet decking . For cleanrooms or washdown areas, stainless steel or galvanized options are available.

Q: What safety and organizational accessories should be considered?

Accessories dramatically enhance functionality and safety: 1) Dividers & Bin Boxes: Keep small parts organized on a shelf. 2) Label Holders: Crucial for inventory identification. 3) Shelf Back & End Panels: Prevent items from falling. 4) Stairways & Gates: For safe access to multi-tier mezzanine shelving.

Q: How do I plan an effective warehouse shelving layout?

Follow this systematic planning process: Inventory & Process Analysis: Catalog all stored items by size, weight, and pick frequency . Map your workflow (receiving, picking, packing). Select the Shelving Type: Match the system to your needs (e.g., boltless for flexibility, rivet for heavy tools ). Design the Layout: Plan aisles for personnel and cart traffic. Group high-turnover items in the “golden zone” (waist to eye level). Consider future expansion. Specify Details: Determine required shelf dimensions, decking type, and necessary accessories . Implement with Safety: Ensure installation is level and plumb. Securely anchor tall units to the floor or to each other to prevent tipping. Train staff on load distribution limits .

Warehouse Shelving Solutions for Industrial Applications

Discover the wide range of warehouse shelving solutions iWarehousing has in store for various industries. We design, manufacture, and assemble warehouse shelving systems aimed at optimizing order fulfillment efficiency and load management.

Along with our time-honed manufacturing expertise, we also provide an assortment of services to help clients streamline their sourcing experience. From detailed consultation to free samples for first-time customers, we make sure you get all the assistance you need.

Our Wide Range of Warehouse Racking Systems

Longspan Shelving

A versatile shelving option that can be easily expanded according to the specific needs of the warehouse.

Rivet Shelving

The simple yet reliable design of our rivet shelving solutions makes them ideal for light to medium storage management.

Boltless Shelving

Our boltless industrial shelving options integrate seamlessly with automated storage setups and support semi-automated batch processes.

Multi-Level Shelving

Multi-level shelving works not only for storing smaller products but also fits perfectly in warehouses that focus on manual or light sorting.

Slotted Angle Shelving

Fully adjustable warehouse storage solution for low-cost load management and handles light cargo with ease.

Custom-Built Industrial Shelving Supply

iWarehousing caters to the demand for bespoke warehouse shelving solutions with a selection of customization options. From creating distinct warehouse shelf designs and layouts to dictating the hole patterns and beam designs, let our experts take your ideas and turn them into functional storage solutions. We can also modify the surface finishing to improve durability and resistance to corrosion.

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Industries We Serve

Fabricación

Food Beverage

E-commerce

3PL (Third-party Logistics)

Construction & Materials

Apparel & Textile

Retail

Pharmaceutical

Chemical

Automotive

Benefits of Choosing iWarehousing

Three Decades of Excellence

With over thirty years of experience, we know what works best for your target market.

In-House Production

We operate a fully functional facility with various workshops for fast and efficient order completion.

Strict Quality Control

Rigorous quality checks and a series of tests at the end ensure optimal performance and stability.

US and EU Compliant Shelves

Our warehouse shelves pass ANSI MH16.1-2012(R2019) and BS EN 15512:2020+A102022 standards, expanding your market reach.

Affordable Price Points

Keeping production costs low lets you maximize the available budget for greater potential profit.

Equipo experimentado

Seasoned designers and engineers leverage their 10+ years of experience to deliver exceptional results.

FAQ

What is Warehouse Shelving?

Warehouse shelving is a versatile, modular storage system designed for the organized storage of smaller, non-palletized items, cartons, and bins. It forms the fundamental storage infrastructure for manual picking operations, returns processing, and parts organization across diverse industries.

How is warehouse shelving fundamentally different from pallet racking?

The distinction lies in unit load, access method, and structural design: Pallet racking is engineered for forklift-handled, palletized unit loads (often 500kg+). Warehouse shelving is optimized for manually handled, smaller unit loads (typically under 500kg per shelf), featuring shallower depths and shelves adjustable at fine increments to maximize space for varied item sizes.

Key Factors for an Optimal Warehouse Shelving System

What are the primary advantages of using shelving in a warehouse?

Shelving delivers essential operational benefits:

1) Superior Organization & Visibility: Keeps small items and cartons neatly separated and easily visible, reducing search time.

2) High Flexibility: Shelf levels are easily reconfigured to accommodate changing inventory profiles.

3) Cost-Effective Density: Provides efficient storage density for small items at a lower cost per location than racking.

4) Ergonomic & Safe: Designed for safe, manual access without heavy equipment.

What is the typical load capacity and how tall can shelving go?

Capacity and height are system-dependent. Load capacity per shelf typically ranges from 150 kg to 500 kg for standard models, with heavy-duty options exceeding 1000 kg. Free-standing unit heights commonly range from 2 to 3.5 meters, but can be integrated with mezzanine structures to create multi-level pick modules reaching warehouse ceiling height.

Is warehouse shelving suitable for e-commerce fulfillment?

It is absolutely essential. Shelving is the backbone of e-commerce and distribution centers for:

1) Order Picking: Organizing vast SKUs for efficient batch or single-order picking.

2) Returns Processing: Sorting and staging returned items.

3) Buffer Storage: Holding inventory between receiving and packing stations. Its flexibility supports rapid SKU proliferation and seasonal changes.

Where Warehouse Shelving Fits Among Storage Types

What are the common types of warehouse shelving systems?

Several types cater to different needs and budgets:

Boltless (Clip) Shelving: Most common; quick assembly without tools, highly adjustable.
Long-Span Shelving: Features longer beams and decks for storing bulky, lighter items.
Rivet/Industrial Shelving: Very robust, bolt-together construction for heavy-duty applications.
Slotted Angle Shelving: Economical and highly customizable, cut-to-length for unique layouts.
Mobile Aisle Shelving: Systems on carriages that compress aisles, offering high density for archival or lower-activity items.

How to Choose & Implement Warehouse Shelving

How adjustable is warehouse shelving and what materials are used?

Adjustability is a key feature. Shelf heights are typically adjustable in 25mm (1-inch) increments via clips or pins. Standard construction uses steel uprights and beams con particle board, wire mesh, or steel sheet decking. For cleanrooms or washdown areas, stainless steel or galvanized options are available.

What safety and organizational accessories should be considered?

Accessories dramatically enhance functionality and safety:

1) Dividers & Bin Boxes: Keep small parts organized on a shelf.

2) Label Holders: Crucial for inventory identification.

3) Shelf Back & End Panels: Prevent items from falling.

4) Stairways & Gates: For safe access to multi-tier mezzanine shelving.

How do I plan an effective warehouse shelving layout?

Follow this systematic planning process:

Inventory & Process Analysis: Catalog all stored items by size, weight, and pick frequency. Map your workflow (receiving, picking, packing).
Select the Shelving Type: Match the system to your needs (e.g., boltless for flexibility, rivet for heavy tools).
Design the Layout: Plan aisles for personnel and cart traffic. Group high-turnover items in the “golden zone” (waist to eye level). Consider future expansion.
Specify Details: Determine required shelf dimensions, decking type, and necessary accessories.
Implement with Safety: Ensure installation is level and plumb. Securely anchor tall units to the floor or to each other to prevent tipping. Train staff on load distribution limits.

Warehouse Shelving

Warehouse Shelving Solutions for Industrial Applications