racking and pallet rack systems Before you worked in a warehouse, how often did you think about them? Probably not much. But with tens of thousands of warehouses across the country in both urban and rural environments, you can imagine just how many hundreds of thousands of people are working with drive-in racking, double deep racking, gravity flow racks, and standard pallet racking systems every day.

With so many people working in warehouses, there are bound to be some myths that get around about them. No, we’re not talking about urban legends like a warehouse that kept discovering dead workers, only to find out that the killer was actually living in the top pallet of Row 3 (“The call is coming from inside the warehouse!”) We’re talking about the misinformation that gets around, whether it’s from the loaders or pickers or the warehouse managers themselves. Let’s take a look at some of these myths and replace them with the truth.

MYTH: They’re Prohibitively Expensive

Now we’re not going to tell you that pallet racks are cheap. Yes, they represent a considerable outlay of money at first (even more so with the recent steel tariffs), but they’re certainly worth it as an investment in your company.

At first, they might even seem too expensive, but considering what they do for you they’re more than worth it. They increase efficiency in a warehouse, allowing you to not only keep more inventory on hand but also keep everything in better order so that you can find it faster. Like replacing all of your incandescent bulbs or installing low-flow toilets, new racking systems eventually pay for themselves. Of course, new pallet racks also increase safety, which means that your employees are in less danger and OSHA is less likely to come knocking.

If getting new warehouse racking for the entire warehouse is out of the question, consider buying them in stages. First, replace the units that have seen the most use or are the most damaged, then schedule the replacements every year after that. Before long you’ll have your entire warehouse decked out with new warehouse racking.

BONUS POINT! When you look at the price of a new racking system, industrial conveyor system, or other types of materials handling system, remember that they are capital equipment and can therefore be written off as such on your taxes. Investing in your business doesn’t look so bad when you realize the tax savings.

MYTH: Once Warehouse Storage Is In, It’s Permanent

When RMH Systems performs a warehouse design layout for you, we’re going to custom-design your space so that it’s as efficient as possible. But it’s not all delivered in one big block, is it? It comes in thousands of pieces and requires professional racking installers to put it together. Putting it together means that it can also be taken apart.

The fact is, your warehouse layout design was designed with your current work methods in mind. But the focus of a business can change over time. If a business pivots from consumer-facing to B2B, then their need for conveyor systems might go away. Companies can change focus over the years, which means that their needs in warehouse storage solutions do as well.

Yes, pallet shelving is heavy and certainly looks like a permanent structure. Yes, some companies put them in place and never move them again. But warehouse racking can be disassembled and reassembled to meet your new needs. It can be bought, sold, added on to, taken away from, and changed to meet your needs. All you need is a professional to help with your warehouse strategy plan.

BONUS POINT! If you no longer need a particular piece of your material handling system or pallet rack shelving, don’t worry. There’s a great market for used warehouse hardware, including used industrial shelving and used modular drawer cabinets. We will make sure that you get a fair price for it.

MYTH: OSHA Will Overlook It

All too often, warehouse managers get lulled into the idea that it’s the moving equipment that’s going to get them into the most trouble should OSHA come around. But when OSHA stops by, they’re just as interested in the “Danger: Compactor” safety sign as they are in the cardboard compactor itself.

While it’s certainly important to make sure your compactors and industrial conveyor systems are up-to-snuff, you can’t ignore your racking system. OSHA will be checking to make sure that it’s still safe, and they’re not going to hesitate to give you a fine if they find that warehouse racking is in danger of collapse. Their reach doesn’t end with the pallet racks, though, but extends to everything in the warehouse that could affect an employee. This could include materials handling systems, conveyor systems, mezzanine decks, racking ladders and landings, and modular offices.

BONUS POINT! When it comes to warehouse storage safety, the best way to stay ahead of OSHA is to contact a pallet rack inspection company. They’ll be able to address small problems before they become bigger problems, and make sure that your warehouse remains a safe place. It certainly beats the fines that OSHA can levy.

MYTH: Pallet Racks Just Fall Down

We’ve all seen YouTube videos of forklift accidents and pallet racks collapsing, and, as long as no one gets hurt, they’re kind of fun in that “at-least-that’s-not-me” sort of way. Unfortunately, these types of videos have helped perpetuate the myth that warehouse racking is unstable.

If you take a look at that video, the warehouse racking doesn’t just fall down. In every instance, it was an outside force that made them fall, and nearly every time it’s a forklift or other type of loader. But when used properly, warehouse racking is incredibly sturdy and won’t fall down on its own. What does used properly mean? It means that any weight restrictions and loading instructions are adhered to, and all employees are properly trained to work with them.

BONUS POINT!: Can racking systems “just fall down”? If you purchased used warehouse racking that’s been mistreated or hire a bargain-basement installer, there is a chance that time and weight will eventually tear the molecules in the metal apart. But if you go with reputable warehouse consultants, seller, and installers, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Let Us Bust The Myths!

When you work with RMH Systems, you’re working with people who do this all day, every day and have a passion for efficiency. We can help you get the perfect pallet racks and dispel any other misinformation you might have heard about racking systems. If you’re ready to make the most of your warehouse space, contact us today!