Pallet Flow Rack Suppliers in Illinois — 6 Companies
Pallet flow rack uses gravity roller conveyors set on a slight decline inside a rack structure. Load from the back, pick from the front — pallets roll forward automatically as you pull from the lane. It gives you the density of drive-in with the FIFO rotation that perishable goods and lot-controlled inventory demand. Chicago is the undisputed freight capital of North America. More rail freight passes through Chicago than any other city on the continent. The I-55, I-80, and I-88 corridors south and west of the city contain one of the densest concentrations of warehouses and distribution centers in the world.
Learn more about pallet flow rack in Illinois ↓Pallet Flow Rack Suppliers in Illinois (6)
Rack Builders Inc.
Rack Builders designs and manufactures structural storage rack systems built to RMI specifications by licensed structural engineers. They specialize in selective push-back pallet flow and carton flow systems.
Complete Warehouse Supply
Warehouse equipment distributor in Lake Saint Louis with nationwide distribution. Sells pallet rack, pallet flow, cantilever, shelving with factory-direct pricing and installation.
REB Storage Systems International
REB Storage Systems International has been a trusted name in rack and shelving system design and installation since 1962 with installers located throughout the country.
Interlake Mecalux
Interlake Mecalux is among the leading companies in the storage systems market specializing in the design manufacturing and sale of steel racking warehouse automation and warehouse management software.
Mallard Manufacturing Corporation
Mallard Manufacturing is a premier gravity flow rack systems manufacturer operating two state-of-the-art facilities. They specialize in pallet flow carton flow push-back rack and gravity conveyor systems with nationwide sales and support.
Frazier Industrial Company
Frazier Industrial is the largest producer of 100% structural steel pallet rack systems in North America. With 10 fabrication facilities they serve industries including manufacturing automotive cold storage and e-commerce.
When to Choose Pallet Flow Rack
- ✓FIFO rotation is required (food, beverage, pharma, dated products)
- ✓You need high density without sacrificing inventory rotation
- ✓Throughput is high and you can't afford the forklift travel time of selective rack
- ✓Staging lanes for shipping dock operations
- ✓Manufacturing line-side buffer storage
Key Specs to Ask About
- •Lane depth (pallets deep — typically 3-20+)
- •Pallet weight range (affects roller and brake sizing)
- •Lane pitch (degree of decline — usually 3-5%)
- •Roller type (steel, poly, full-width vs. split-roller)
- •Speed controllers and brakes (critical for heavy loads and deep lanes)
- •Entry guide and pallet separator at the pick face
How It Compares
| Factor | Pallet Flow | Drive-In Rack |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory rotation | FIFO (first in, first out) | LIFO (last in, first out) |
| Loading face | Load from back, pick from front | Single entry — load and pick from same end |
| Mechanism | Gravity roller conveyor | Forklift drives into rack |
| Best for | Dated products, food, pharma | Bulk single-SKU, seasonal stock |
| Cost per position | $$$ (conveyor beds add significant cost) | $$ (simpler construction) |
| Maintenance | Rollers and brakes need regular service | Minimal — static structure |
Pallet flow gives you high density with FIFO rotation — critical for perishable goods and lot-controlled inventory. Drive-in gives you high density at lower cost, but it's LIFO. If expiration dates matter, you need pallet flow. If they don't, drive-in is simpler and cheaper.
Every day, approximately 500 freight trains pass through the Chicago metro area. That's more than any other city in the world. The rail yards around Joliet and Elwood are why there's a warehouse every quarter mile along I-55.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between pallet flow and push back rack?
How many pallets deep can pallet flow go?
Is pallet flow rack expensive?
How many pallet flow rack suppliers are in Illinois?
Pallet flow lanes use the same style of sealed bearings you'd find in skateboard wheels — just rated for 3,000 lbs instead of a kickflip.
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