Pallet Flow Rack in North Carolina
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. North Carolina's warehouse market has surged as the Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham metros have grown into major economic centers. The I-85 corridor between Charlotte and Greensboro is the primary warehouse belt. The state is also a growing player in cold chain logistics, food processing, and pharmaceutical distribution.
Learn more about pallet flow rack in North Carolina ↓Pallet Flow Rack Suppliers in North Carolina (4)
AR Racking Inc.
International manufacturer of industrial racking and storage systems with US operations in Charlotte, NC. Part of the Arania Group. Designs, manufactures, and installs a full range of storage solutions with a 5-year quality warranty.
Carolina Material Handling Inc
Greensboro-based material handling supplier selling new and used pallet rack systems conveyors and modular offices across the Southeast.
SSI Schaefer
SSI Schaefer is a global leader in warehouse and logistics systems providing racking shelving automated storage and retrieval systems and warehouse management software. Founded in Germany in 1937.
Warehouse Design
Full-service material handling solutions provider offering new and used storage systems with turnkey design installation and rack repair services.
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.
North Carolina produces more sweet potatoes than any other state — nearly 60% of the national crop. The climate-controlled storage facilities that keep those sweet potatoes from going bad between September harvest and year-round consumption are engineering marvels hiding in plain sight.
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 North Carolina?
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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Pallet Flow Rack in Nearby States
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