Orange and blue pallet racking system in a large warehouse

Why Choose Pallet Racking?

Selective pallet racking is the backbone of modern warehouse storage, and for good reason. It provides direct access to every single pallet position without moving other inventory, making it the most versatile and widely used racking system in North America. Our systems are engineered to ANSI MH16.1 standards using teardrop-style uprights and step beams, providing universal compatibility with wire decking, pallet supports, and safety accessories. We supply new and certified used racking from leading manufacturers including Interlake, Unarco, and Lyon, and every project includes a compliant load capacity label and a post-installation inspection. The flexibility of selective racking makes it suitable for virtually any warehouse operation. Whether you are running a fast-moving consumer goods distribution center, a pharmaceutical warehouse with strict FIFO requirements, or a cold storage facility that demands reliable performance at sub-zero temperatures, selective racking adapts to your needs. Beam spacing, bay width, and upright height can all be customized to match your pallet dimensions, lift equipment, and building constraints. Rocky Mountain Warehouse Solutions has installed thousands of pallet racking bays across Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, and Wyoming. Our team handles everything from initial layout and engineering to delivery, installation, and permit support. We also offer certified used racking programs that can reduce material costs by 40–60% compared to new while maintaining full safety compliance.

  • Direct access to every pallet position
  • ANSI MH16.1 compliant construction
  • Compatible with standard forklifts and reach trucks
  • Scalable: add bays as your inventory grows
  • Available in new and certified used condition
  • Custom heights from 8 ft to 50 ft
  • Engineered load capacity labels included
Get a Quote for Pallet Racking

Technical Details & Buying Guide

Pallet racking systems are defined by several key specifications: upright gauge (typically 11-gauge through 7-gauge structural), beam capacity (2,000 to 10,000+ lbs per pair), and bay width (typically 96 to 144 inches). Upright height ranges from 8 feet in low-clearance facilities to 50 feet or more in high-bay automated warehouses. The teardrop hole pattern, the North American industry standard, allows beams from most manufacturers to interconnect, simplifying expansions and repairs over the life of the system. Column capacity is determined by the upright height-to-gauge ratio and the distance between horizontal braces.

When specifying a pallet racking system, critical inputs include pallet weight when loaded, pallet footprint dimensions (48×40 is standard but many variations exist), total pallet positions required, lift equipment type (counterbalance, reach truck, order picker, or VNA), and available clear height under sprinklers. Aisle width is driven by your forklift model and must provide adequate operating clearance per manufacturer specs. A narrow-aisle reach truck environment operates in 8–9 foot aisles versus the 11–12 feet required by a standard counterbalance forklift. That difference can add 20–30% more pallet positions in the same building footprint.

Seismic design is a critical consideration throughout the Mountain West. Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and other states in our service area are located in seismically active zones that require additional bracing, anchor bolt engineering, and engineered base plate design for systems above certain heights. Our team accounts for local seismic requirements on every project to ensure full compliance with IBC and RMI ANSI MH16.1 standards. We also recommend annual rack inspections to identify and address impact damage before it leads to structural compromise.

Selective pallet racking system in large distribution warehouse
Forklift accessing pallet racking aisle
Teardrop pallet racking loaded with product pallets

Industries We Serve

Distribution and logisticsE-commerce fulfillmentFood and beverageManufacturingPharmaceuticalRetail distribution

Common Use Cases

Bulk palletized inventory
Fast-moving SKU storage
Cold storage warehouses
Pick-module integration
Multi-level rack systems
Dock-to-rack staging
New pallet racking installation in warehouse
Wide-aisle pallet racking with wire decking
Pallet racking row with column protectors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is selective pallet racking?

Selective pallet racking is a storage system where each pallet position is directly accessible by a forklift from the aisle. It is the most widely used racking system in North American warehouses due to its flexibility, low cost per pallet position, and ability to accommodate a wide variety of SKUs without moving other inventory.

How much weight can pallet racking hold?

Load capacity depends on upright gauge, beam length, and beam profile. Typical selective rack systems support 2,000 to 8,000 lbs per pallet elevation. We provide engineered load capacity labels for every installation showing the maximum allowable load per bay and level.

Do you sell used pallet racking?

Yes. We carry certified used pallet racking that has been inspected, straightened, and graded. Used racking can reduce project costs by 40–60% compared to new material, and when properly inspected and rated, performs equivalently to new rack for most applications.

How long does pallet rack installation take?

A typical 10,000 sq ft rack installation takes 1–3 days depending on configuration complexity and the number of bays. Our crews work efficiently and can often phase installations to keep portions of your facility operational during the project.

What is teardrop pallet racking?

Teardrop refers to the teardrop-shaped hole pattern on upright columns. This is the North American industry standard and allows step beams from most manufacturers to be interchanged, making it easy to reconfigure, add to, or repair your system using parts from multiple suppliers.

What aisle width do I need for pallet racking?

Aisle width depends on your forklift type. Standard counterbalance forklifts require 11–12 foot aisles. Reach trucks operate in 8.5–10 foot aisles. Very narrow aisle (VNA) turret trucks can work in 5–6 foot aisles but require wire guidance or rail guidance systems. We verify forklift compatibility for every project.

Can pallet racking be installed in a seismic zone?

Yes. The Mountain West is a seismically active region, and our installations comply with IBC seismic requirements and RMI ANSI MH16.1 seismic design provisions. This includes engineering anchor bolts, base plates, and bracing for the specific seismic zone of your facility.

High-bay pallet racking in cold storage facility
Pallet racking uprights and beam connection detail
Pallet racking row end with load capacity sign

Is Pallet Racking Right for Your Facility?

  • Available options: New, certified used, and custom-configured systems
  • Installation: Professional installation and teardown by our trained crews
  • Layout support: CAD-based warehouse layout assistance included
  • Service area: Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, and Montana
  • Response time: Quote within 1 business day. Site visits available.
Request Pricing

Ready to upgrade your warehouse?

Our team of warehouse experts is ready to help you find the perfect solution for your facility. Contact us today for a free consultation and layout.

Call Now: (801) 200-3264 Free Layout
Call Now (801) 200-3264