Drive in pallet racking

Take your storage to the next level with a drive-in pallet racking system – a high-density storage solution

What are the Benefits of Using Drive in pallet racking in 2025?

Space Optimization

By eliminating multiple access aisles, these systems dramatically increase storage density, surpassing the direct access capability of standard Racks.

Enhanced Control

Offers improved management of inventory inputs and outputs. Reduces errors in picking inventory.

Versatility

Store different types of products with different dimensions and shapes and organize them for better accessibility and control.

Customization

Tailored to accommodate specific pallet and trailer loader designs, ensuring a seamless fit with your drive-in and drive-through racking operations. Adjust according to the inventory size, weight, and height for optimal use of drive-thru pallet storage.

Easy Accessibility

Access to the inventory from different sides for easy loading and unloading. Improve productivity and efficiency.

Safety

Keep your inventory safe with steel-made racking. Reduce product damage and improve the quality to get a competitive edge in the market.

Drive-In & Drive-Thru Racking Systems

In 2025, drive-in and drive-through racking systems will be the epitome of efficiency for storehouses storing large quantities of a few product types. Adopting this high-density storage system makes it possible to decrease the required square footage by 35% or more compared to traditional storage racks. Both Drive-In and Drive-Thru racks are designed with roll-formed steel, allowing products to be stored several pallets deep. This setup maximizes space and integrates smoothly with handling equipment, which enters the structure to place or retrieve pallets. setups.

 

Matco Distributor’s drive-in pallet racking system is a high-density storage solution designed to maximize warehouse space by allowing forklifts to load and unload directly into the racking lanes. Ideal for Last-In/First-Out (LIFO) inventory systems, it is perfect for high-volume or homogeneous products with minimal rotation. For operations needing both efficiency and cost savings, drive-in pallet racking or drive-through pallet racking systems reduce aisle space and increase storage capacity, making them ideal for cold storage or facilities with limited SKU varieties

drive through racking system photos in a warehouse
A photo of drive in pallet racking

How does high-density Drive in Pallet racking work?

Drive-in pallet racking is a high-density storehouse racking system designed to utilize the available space. It consists of multiple pallet storage lanes stored on horizontal rails to form blocks. Vertical frames support the rails.

You can increase or decrease the pallet deep according to your needs. The system works in a First-In, Last-Out (FILO) mechanism. That means the last pallet will be the first one to access. A forklift drives directly into the lane to place inventory pallets. The drive-through storage does not require aisles between every row of pallets, increasing the storage levels significantly.

You can increase or decrease the pallet deep according to your needs. The system works in a First-In, Last-Out (FILO) mechanism. That means the last pallet will be the first one to access. A forklift drives directly into the lane to place inventory pallets. The drive-through storage does not require aisles between every row of pallets, increasing the storage levels significantly.

Special Safety Considerations

Load rating and proper load-unload

Each drive-in drive-thru racking system is designed with a specific load limit. Exceeding this limit will damage the racks’ structural integrity. Load the product from bottom to top and back to the front. Distribute the inventory evenly to ensure proper load distribution. Carefully unpack the products to prevent damage.
How to Choose the Right Pallet Racking System

Column and Row end protectors

Use heavy-duty, boxed, recessed columns with protectors to absorb the shock and collisions. Try steel or heavy-duty plastic as a protector and ensure proper fitting. Row-end protectors are also important. Try to color them to avoid collision during operation.
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Heavy-duty horizontal struts

Heavy-duty horizontal struts connect uprights and beams to provide additional support and distribute overall weight. Install the struts properly. Customize the struts if you have specific needs.
Push Back Racking Systems

Floor channel and Floor angle stop.

Floor channels serve as a guide for the lift truck drivers to ensure accuracy while packing and Unpacking. They also prevent collisions with structures. Choose quality floor channels to withstand wear and tear. Use floor angle stops to prevent overextension and ensure safety.

Regular inspection, maintenance, and cleaning

Regularly inspect uprights, beams, struts, and floor channels for wear, corrosion, misalignment, or other issues. Keep records and ensure proper maintenance. Clean the racks regularly to ensure safe operation.

Proper training, operation, and use

Always hire certified trailer loader operators. Train them properly on the safe and proper use of racks. Encourage them to follow the safety protocol. Try incentives if needed.
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Drive-in pallet racking key advantages and disadvantages.

High-density racking

The drive-in rack offers higher storage capacity by eliminating unnecessary aisles with multiple pallets in each lane. This is suitable for limited spaces. 

Suitable for high-volume, low-SKU applications

They are highly suitable for large volume yet low-sku applications. You can smoothly perform batch processing for a wide range of products. It is perfect for the food and beverage, cold storage, and manufacturing industries.

10+ pallets deep

You can store over 10 pallets, allowing for the efficient storage of large quantities of identical products. This setup streamlines inventory management, enhances handling efficiency, and minimizes the need for frequent restocking.

Stock Rotation for Drive-in / Drive-through

Both LIFO and FIFO stock rotation methods are compatible with the drive-thru racking system. Drive-in racks are ideal for the Last In, First Out (LIFO) method, making them suitable for non-perishable items or products with low turnover. Conversely, drive-thru racks support the First In, First Out (FIFO) method, making them perfect for managing perishable goods or items with expiration dates.

Cost-effective

By reducing aisle use, Drive-In Rack reduces the overall installation cost. Besides that, it requires less lighting and climate control, greatly saving energy bills.

Scalable

It is highly flexible and scalable to changes in inventory. You can easily accommodate the changes in sizes, weights, and quantities. It reduces the cost of installing new racks.

What is selective racking? Advantages and Disadvantages?

What is the disadvantage of the drive-in racking system?

Vulnerable to honeycombing 

When SKU numbers increase, the drive-in rack system becomes vulnerable to honeycombing. This leads to the inefficient use of available spaces and increases operational costs.

Limited selectivity

Drive-in racking systems have limited accessibility, slowing down the retrieval process. Also, it is more difficult to store versatile SKUs.

Potential risk for damages

The forklifts need to drive into the lanes in a drive-in pallet rack system. It increases the chances of collision and leads to structure damage. Frequent repair increases the cost of operation.

Operational complexity

 

The precise transportation of goods is essential, adding to the operational complexity. This process is time-intensive and requires specialized training for forklift operators to ensure efficiency and safety.

How Matco Help you For Getting Drive In Racking For your warehouse

Matco Distributors offers state-of-the-art drive-in pallet racking solutions to optimize your warehouse storage. Designed for high-density storage, our systems allow forklifts to enter the rack structure directly, saving valuable space while simplifying inventory management. These racks are ideal for storing long-life perishable products like food and beverages, as well as manufacturing bulk storage.

With over 75 years of experience serving Southern Wisconsin and beyond, Matco operates two centrally located facilities spanning over 70,000 square feet, enabling us to service all of North America efficiently. Since our founding, we’ve adhered to a simple yet powerful principle: provide quality products at fair prices, backed by exceptional customer service—a commitment we proudly uphold to this day.

In addition to drive-in pallet racking, Matco also offers a variety of storage solutions, including selective pallet racking, flow racks, and push-back racks, ensuring we have the perfect system to meet your unique needs.