Longspan Shelving

Q: What is Longspan Shelving?

Longspan shelving is a versatile, medium-duty storage system characterized by its long, uninterrupted shelf spans (typically 1.2 to 3 meters). It is engineered to support heavier and bulkier loads than light-duty shelving —such as multiple cartons, large containers, or irregular items—while maintaining full accessibility for manual picking and handling operations.

Q: What is longspan shelving commonly used for?

It serves as a workhorse solution across numerous environments , ideal for: Warehouse bulk storage areas, retail stockrooms for boxed goods, workshop parts storage, archive rooms for files and records, and distribution centers for staging hand-loaded orders. It excels wherever storage needs exceed the capacity of light shelving but do not require palletized, forklift-driven systems.

Q: What are the primary advantages of longspan shelving?

Its strength lies in delivering an optimal balance: 1) Superior Load Capacity & Span: Supports significantly heavier distributed loads over longer distances than standard shelving. 2) Unobstructed Storage Space: Long, clear spans maximize usable shelf area without vertical supports, ideal for bulky items. 3) High Adaptability: Easily reconfigurable to accommodate changing inventory size and weight profiles.

Q: How long can the shelves span, and what is the typical load capacity?

Shelf spans commonly range from 1200mm to 3000mm (4 to 10 feet) , with the load capacity being inversely related to the span length. Capacities typically range from 200 kg to over 1000 kg per shelf level , depending on the beam profile, decking material, and overall system design. Manufacturer load charts must be consulted for precise specifications.

Q: Is longspan shelving easy to assemble and customize?

Yes, modularity and ease of use are key features. Most modern systems are boltless (clip-in) , allowing for quick, tool-free assembly and height adjustment . They are highly customizable, with options for shelf depth, height increments, and choice of decking (particle board, wire mesh, or steel sheet) to match specific storage needs.

Q: How does longspan shelving compare to other storage systems?

It occupies the crucial “middle ground” in storage solutions. It provides greater capacity and longer spans than light-duty boltless shelving , making it suitable for heavier cartoned goods. Conversely, it offers better accessibility and lower cost than pallet racking for non-palletized, manually handled items. It is the go-to choice when storage demands outgrow light shelving but fall short of requiring full pallet racking .

Q: Can it be installed in mezzanine systems?

Absolutely, and this is a highly effective application. Its modular and robust design makes it the preferred shelving type for multi-tier mezzanine platforms . It efficiently utilizes the elevated space created by a mezzanine, providing high-density, organized storage for medium-weight goods across multiple levels, all accessible by personnel.

Q: How do I plan and implement an effective longspan shelving system?

Follow this structured implementation process: Define Load Requirements: Determine the maximum weight and dimensions of the heaviest and bulkiest items to be stored on a single shelf. This dictates the required beam strength and decking type . Measure Space & Plan Layout: Accurately measure the available floor space and ceiling height . Plan the bay widths (spans) and depths to maximize storage while maintaining necessary aisle widths for carts or personnel. Select Configuration & Accessories: Choose the appropriate shelf span, decking material (solid for small items, wire for visibility/ventilation), and accessories like dividers, label holders, or safety lips. Design for Safety & Stability: Ensure the layout allows for secure anchoring of uprights , especially for tall units or those in seismic zones. Interconnect bays in a row for collective stability. For mezzanine use, design must be integrated with the mezzanine structure. Professional Installation & Loading: While often DIY-friendly, complex or large-scale installations benefit from professional assembly to ensure plumb and secure construction. Train staff to distribute weight evenly across shelves and never exceed the posted load ratings .

Modular Longspan Shelving Supplier

Longspan shelving systems from iWarehousing are widely used in warehouses and storage facilities worldwide. Adapting a modular design, our wide-span shelves can be easily adjusted depending on the intended load. And with a load capacity of 200 kilos per layer, these shelves can carry an assortment of small goods for manual picking.

iWarehousing offers more than the manufacturing of longspan shelving – we also provide a range of services for a one-stop sourcing experience. This includes product customization and payment plans designed to help business scale up and grow. Plus, you’re working with experts with decades of production experience.

Benefits of Our Industrial Longspan Racking

Wide Bay Versatility

Adjustable beam spans store diverse boxed goods, cartons, or postal packet efficiently.

Medium Duty Capacity

Reinforced steel frames can support electronics, auto parts, or documents weighing up to 200 kg per level.

Bolt Free Assembly

Tool-free clip connections enable rapid setup and reconfiguration.

Flexible Level Adjustment

Incremental height changes with easy operation accommodate seasonal SKU variations.

Optimized Manual Access

The open front design allows for easy hand picking and visual inventory checks.

Cost Efficient Storage

It maximizes backroom space for slow-moving items, reducing the need for additional square footage.

When and Where to Use Longspan Racking

It is ideal for storing boxed or cartoned goods that require flexible manual access.

Retail Stockroom:
Department stores organizing seasonal apparel, shoes, or home goods in compact back areas.
E-commerce Fulfillment Centers:
Medium-velocity SKU zones for boxed consumer goods, such as small appliances or décor.
Hospital Supply Rooms:
Organize medical consumables, linens, and equipment in clean room-adjacent areas.
Automotive Parts Warehousing:
Bulk storage of filters, fluids, and small components with front-facing bin access.
Light Manufacturing Component Storage:
Workshop staging for electronics parts, packaging supplies, and tools near assembly lines.

Specification

结构梁尺寸规格表

Beam Length (mm)	Frame Heights (mm)	Frame Depth (mm)
1372	2438	838
2591	3048	914
2743	3658	1067
3048	4267	1219

Longspan Shelves Tailored to Your Specifications

When it comes to product customization, iWarehousing does it like no other. Our seasoned designers listen intently to your intended plan and provide professional recommendations to improve the final longspan shelving. From design and layout modification to choosing the surface finishing option for the shelves, our robust customization options help bring ideas to reality.

Start Your Custom Solution

View Customization

Industries We Serve

Manufacturing

Food Beverage

E-commerce

3PL (Third-party Logistics)

Construction & Materials

Apparel & Textile

Retail

Pharmaceutical

Chemical

Automotive

More Reasons to Work with iWarehousing

30+ Years in the Industry

Manufacturing longspan shelving solutions for more than three decades can never be wrong.

Quick Customization

Custom design requests and 3D drafts can be completed and sent for approval within three days.

Expedited Manufacturing

We go from order confirmation to packaging and shipping in as fast as 20 days.

Flexible Payment

We work intently with your financial situation to provide flexible options for payment.

Responsive Support Team

Our seasoned customer specialists address concerns and inquiries within 24 hours upon receipt.

Material Transparency

All incoming material batches arrive with an inspection report detailing their quality and measurements.

Project Gallery

modern,interior,of,new,empty,warehouse.,racks,pallets,shelves.,metal

chisinau,,moldova,,may,2020:,showroom,of,domestic,appliance,store,with

automated,brick,production,packing,and,conveyor,transport,at,manufacturing,plant.

online,selling,strategies,for,startup,,small,business,,and,e commerce,success

mechanic,repairing,engine,with,tools,in,automotive,workshop.

FAQ

What is Longspan Shelving?

Longspan shelving is a versatile, medium-duty storage system characterized by its long, uninterrupted shelf spans (typically 1.2 to 3 meters). It is engineered to support heavier and bulkier loads than light-duty shelving—such as multiple cartons, large containers, or irregular items—while maintaining full accessibility for manual picking and handling operations.

What is longspan shelving commonly used for?

It serves as a workhorse solution across numerous environments, ideal for: Warehouse bulk storage areas, retail stockrooms for boxed goods, workshop parts storage, archive rooms for files and records, and distribution centers for staging hand-loaded orders. It excels wherever storage needs exceed the capacity of light shelving but do not require palletized, forklift-driven systems.

Key Factors for an Optimal Longspan Shelving System

What are the primary advantages of longspan shelving?

Its strength lies in delivering an optimal balance:

1) Superior Load Capacity & Span: Supports significantly heavier distributed loads over longer distances than standard shelving.

2) Unobstructed Storage Space: Long, clear spans maximize usable shelf area without vertical supports, ideal for bulky items.

3) High Adaptability: Easily reconfigurable to accommodate changing inventory size and weight profiles.

How long can the shelves span, and what is the typical load capacity?

Shelf spans commonly range from 1200mm to 3000mm (4 to 10 feet), with the load capacity being inversely related to the span length. Capacities typically range from 200 kg to over 1000 kg per shelf level, depending on the beam profile, decking material, and overall system design. Manufacturer load charts must be consulted for precise specifications.

Is longspan shelving easy to assemble and customize?

Yes, modularity and ease of use are key features. Most modern systems are boltless (clip-in), allowing for quick, tool-free assembly and height adjustment. They are highly customizable, with options for shelf depth, height increments, and choice of decking (particle board, wire mesh, or steel sheet) to match specific storage needs.

Where Longspan Shelving Fits Among Storage Types

How does longspan shelving compare to other storage systems?

It occupies the crucial “middle ground” in storage solutions. It provides greater capacity and longer spans than light-duty boltless shelving, making it suitable for heavier cartoned goods. Conversely, it offers better accessibility and lower cost than pallet racking for non-palletized, manually handled items. It is the go-to choice when storage demands outgrow light shelving but fall short of requiring full pallet racking.

Can it be installed in mezzanine systems?

Absolutely, and this is a highly effective application. Its modular and robust design makes it the preferred shelving type for multi-tier mezzanine platforms. It efficiently utilizes the elevated space created by a mezzanine, providing high-density, organized storage for medium-weight goods across multiple levels, all accessible by personnel.

How to Choose & Implement Longspan Shelving

How do I plan and implement an effective longspan shelving system?

Follow this structured implementation process:

Define Load Requirements: Determine the maximum weight and dimensions of the heaviest and bulkiest items to be stored on a single shelf. This dictates the required beam strength and decking type.
Measure Space & Plan Layout: Accurately measure the available floor space and ceiling height. Plan the bay widths (spans) and depths to maximize storage while maintaining necessary aisle widths for carts or personnel.
Select Configuration & Accessories: Choose the appropriate shelf span, decking material (solid for small items, wire for visibility/ventilation), and accessories like dividers, label holders, or safety lips.
Design for Safety & Stability: Ensure the layout allows for secure anchoring of uprights, especially for tall units or those in seismic zones. Interconnect bays in a row for collective stability. For mezzanine use, design must be integrated with the mezzanine structure.
Professional Installation & Loading: While often DIY-friendly, complex or large-scale installations benefit from professional assembly to ensure plumb and secure construction. Train staff to distribute weight evenly across shelves and never exceed the posted load ratings.