A drive-in pallet rack system uses a single entrance into the racks. A forklift driver pulls into the opening and sets pallets of goods onto the rails at the back of the shelving. Workers slide newer products in front of the older ones. When pulling inventory, the driver takes the ones at the front first, which are the most recently stocked products.
Pallets stack on rails as far up as facility forklifts can reach. They may stack several pallets deep. Because the forklift can only enter from one side, this system allows for those pallets put in last to be ready for removal first.
Since only one side requires open space for access, this method can store products against a wall or in a corner, for tighter packing of goods. Cold storage units with a minimum amount of space do well with this racking system. However, time-sensitive products or those that require stock rotation do not do well with this system. On the other hand, if products have a rapid turnover, this last-in/first-out system may work.
Some systems may have openings on both sides, for double-sided entry. Instead of entries on both ends that connect, the drive-in points do not connect. A beam supports the center and barricades through driving. This system increases the number of pallets workers can pull simultaneously by allowing two people with forklifts to access the products.
