Drive in Racking

Drive-In Pallet Racking is an optimal storage solution for warehouses aiming to minimize aisles and maximize storage density for uniform SKU goods. Join Vinatech Group to learn right away what Drive-In Racking is and whether it is suitable for products with short shelf life or warehouses storing multiple types of goods. Read on!

What is Drive-In Racking?

Drive-In Racking is a heavy-duty industrial pallet racking system designed in a “tunnel” configuration, ideal for warehouses storing large quantities of uniform products (low SKU variety). With pallet guide rails running deep into the system, forklifts can drive directly into the racking lanes to load and unload pallets, saving up to 70% of floor space.

A key feature of Drive-In Racking is its flexible operation primarily using the LIFO (Last In – First Out) principle – last in, first out. This differs from Selective Racking, which supports FIFO (First In – First Out) – first in, first out.

Compared to smart systems like Pallet Shuttle, Drive-In Racking offers a much lower cost while still providing high-density storage. It is especially suitable for frozen food, beverages, and construction materials – products typically handled in large batches.

Structure of Drive-In Racking

Heavy-duty Drive-In Racking is engineered to allow forklifts to drive directly deep into the lanes for pallet storage. Below are the main components:

• Upright frames: Primary load-bearing structure. Omega-profile columns with punched holes, anchored directly to the floor using expansion bolts for maximum stability during forklift entry/exit.
• Base plates: Connect uprights to the floor; typically made from 2 mm thick solid steel plate for enhanced stability.
• Beams: Installed at each level, forming “corridors” for pallets to slide along the depth of each lane.
• Bracing: Diagonal and horizontal braces maintain frame stability, resisting vibration and forklift push forces.
• Top tie beams: Connect uprights at the top level, increasing overall system rigidity.
• Guide rails: Installed on the floor to guide forklift wheels accurately into lanes, preventing collisions with frames and beams.
• Pallet stoppers: Attached at the end of each beam lane to prevent pallets from sliding too far or falling off.
• Column protectors: Wrap and shield uprights at forklift contact points, preventing deformation from impacts.
• Bumpers/protectors: Installed at column bases or lane ends; made of rubber or thick steel to absorb forklift impact.
• Safety barriers: Installed outside the system to prevent forklifts or other equipment from direct collision with the racking.

How Does Drive-In Racking Work?

• Single-entry Drive-In: Racking lanes are placed against walls; forklifts access from one side only. Operates strictly on LIFO principle.
• Double-entry Drive-In: Lanes are positioned away from walls or in the middle of the warehouse, allowing forklift access from both ends. Enables more flexible loading/unloading and supports both LIFO and FIFO operations, improving overall efficiency.
• When loading/unloading, follow this sequence: fill pallets from the top level downward, then move to the next lane to ensure safety and efficiency.

Key Advantages of Heavy-Duty Drive-In Racking

• Maximizes storage area, increasing capacity by 70–80% compared to Selective Racking by eliminating aisles between lanes and fully utilizing height, width, and depth.
• Supports heavy loads of 500–1000 kg per pallet thanks to thick steel uprights and beams.
• Ideal for continuous industrial warehouses operating on LIFO with uniform goods that do not require frequent individual access.
• Precise inventory control: each lane dedicated to one SKU, enabling effective stock management and classification.
• Cost-effective structure and simple operation; reasonable investment cost with high storage efficiency.
• Easy to add modules, integrate pallet protections, impact barriers, safety sensors, and extend system lifespan.
• Excellent for cold/frozen storage – saves refrigeration energy, reduces long-term operating costs, and preserves equipment.

Which Warehouses Suit Drive-In Racking?

Drive-In Racking is ideal for manufacturing and trading businesses handling heavy, palletized goods that need maximum space optimization.

• Logistics centers: Reduces warehousing costs and streamlines operations.
• Cold storage: One of the most popular solutions due to energy savings and high durability (lifespan over 10 years).
• Other industries: FMCG, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum load capacity per pallet for Drive-In Racking?

Vinatech Drive-In Racking supports 500 – 1500 kg per pallet (up to 2000 kg with heavy-duty custom design), ensuring safety per ISO standards with high safety factors.

2. What is the maximum height of the Drive-In Racking system?

Up to 10–12 m (depending on warehouse structure and forklift type), effectively utilizing full building height.

3. Can Drive-In Racking be customized in size and number of levels?

Yes, Vinatech Drive-In Racking is fully customizable: beam length, depth, number of levels, pallets per lane, load capacity, and tailored to your specific warehouse space.

4. Which forklift is best suited for Drive-In Racking?

Standard diesel/electric forklifts with long forks that can reach deep into lanes. Guide rails are required for safe entry/exit.

5. What is the warranty period for Drive-In Racking?

Vinatech provides 12 months to 5 years warranty depending on the project, with nationwide on-site maintenance support.

6. Does Drive-In Racking operate on FIFO or LIFO?

Primarily LIFO (Last-In-First-Out) – last pallet in is first out (forklift removes the outermost pallet first). Suitable for uniform goods without strict FIFO requirements.

We hope the above information has helped you better understand Drive-In Racking offered by Vinatech Group. If you have any further needs or questions, please contact us for the fastest support!

Contact Vinatech Group today for a free consultation, site survey, detailed 3D design, and the most competitive pricing in 2026!

Hotline: 086.758.9999 | Email: info@vinatechgroup.vn

Website: vinatechgroup.vn

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