The installation of warehouse racking is crucial to setting up a warehousing or distribution business, and a professional can help ensure that it is done correctly.
Warehouse racking is a critical part of a complex system that includes the proper layout and distribution of space. In addition, their design will vary depending on the structure of the building, the type of goods they store and the access to them.
While some of these storage structures may be simple in design, others are more complex and include moving parts. In all cases, it is recommended that a professional be hired to install warehouse shelving to ensure that it is positioned correctly and functions as intended.
SEE ALSO: 10 key mistakes in warehouse configuration
A primary consideration during the installation of warehouse racking is safety. Each territory has a different regulatory body and standards. In the United States, for example, there is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
OSHA certifies those warehouses that meet a wide range of guidelines and have systems and processes in place to make the space as safe as possible for those who use it.
Among other points, OSHA certification ensures that racks are equipped with guards to prevent damage from contact with forklifts, that all materials are stacked carefully and do not exceed load capacities, and that racks are arranged so that the heaviest loads are placed at the bottom.
SEE ALSO: OSHA Certification in Warehouses: 9 Critical Safety Concerns
In Brazil, on the other hand, the Brazilian National Standardization Organization (ABNT) exists to check, among other things, work standards. Specifically, the NR11 standard dictates the guidelines to be followed in the transportation, movement, storage and handling of materials.
According to this standard, the installation of warehouse racks must ensure that stored materials do not obstruct traffic or block doors, fire extinguishers, lighting systems and emergency exits. In addition, the stored materials must be at least 50 centimeters away from the walls of the building structure.
In Mexico, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare oversees safety standards, known as Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (Mexican Official Standards). Regarding the installation of racks in warehouses, NOM-006-STPS-2014 addresses the handling and storage of materials and occupational health and safety conditions.
At Serviap Logistics, we offer warehouse racking installation in Brazil, Mexico and the United States, among other warehouse installation services. Contact us at to learn more.
Warehouse racking installation: racking options to consider
There are different warehouse racking options, but the most popular, least expensive and most accessible to install are conventional pallet racks, known for supporting heavy goods and being used in narrow aisles.
You can also opt for very narrow aisle racking in warehouse racking installation, perfect for tight spaces and high-density storage. However, specially designed forklifts are needed to access these structures and are suitable for distribution centers where movement in storage areas is limited.
Alternatively, drive-in and drive-through racks are available, which allow the entry and passage of forklifts. In this storage system, pallets can be stacked both deep and high. It will require solid training and rigid adherence to safety guidelines.
Warehouse racking installation can also consider pallet live racking, which uses a FIFO (first in, first out) system to accommodate pallets, as well as support rollers and an inclined design so that goods can roll directly from the load to the location where they will be picked.
Advantages of hiring professionals for warehouse racking installation
Before and during the installation of warehouse racks, certain factors must be taken into account, such as the design, location and structure of the racks. In addition, these structures must be of the right size and caliber to support the weight distribution of the merchandise.
To comply with these and all the requirements for the correct installation of warehouse racks, it is best to hire an expert, since he will not only be in charge of planning the structure and executing it, but also of complying with the safety at work regulations of each territory.
Here are some advantages of hiring professionals for warehouse racking installation:
Project planning
Planning is vital to the success of a warehouse racking installation. A professional will help you plan the design of this type of storage structure based on the building where it will be located, the goods to be stored and the volume of storage required.
When hiring professional warehouse racking installers, it is best to tell them everything you need from the beginning and then listen carefully to their suggestions.
When planning, you need to consider where goods receiving and shipping will take place, as well as preparation areas, offices and cafeteria, and how to access shelves.
Advantages of a correct installation of warehouse racks
Establishment of a budget
In the installation of warehouse racking, as in any other project related to your business, it is necessary to determine a budget, which includes the design of these structures, installation and maintenance. Remember: in order to operate effectively, it will be necessary to periodically inspect the warehouse shelving.
Over time, cheap things become problems that can lead to unexpected costs. That’s why hiring a professional for warehouse shelving installation will help you choose the right shelving for your business and stay within budget.
If you need a specialized storage solution, such as refrigeration, be prepared to spend more. In either case, hiring an expert will help you anticipate and manage this and all the other expenses involved in installing warehouse racking.
Efficient design according to your needs
Warehouses are more than just huge empty halls for storing goods and merchandise. They also have columns and other structural obstacles, such as pipes and light fixtures, that prevent easy layout and assembly of shelving.
A quick and efficient design of these storage structures according to your needs but also to the conditions of the space is easier when you hire a professional for the installation of warehouse shelving.
The warehouse racking installation expert will take all these details into account, making the operation within the warehouse efficient and safe, and allowing for the smooth movement of goods.
Improve warehouse organization
The racking solutions you choose for your business will be vital to the organization of the entire warehouse. The best one will depend on the nature of the operation and the size and volume of the products.
When you hire a professional for warehouse shelving installation, he or she will take care not only of the design and assembly of the shelving, but also of the labeling, which makes it easy to quickly find a product.
One tip from warehouse shelving installation experts is to opt for long rows rather than short ones, as this type of shelving organization helps to make better use of space.
Space optimization
The correct installation of warehouse racking will help to optimize space within the building and, consequently, maximize storage capacity and the flow of goods.
When you hire a warehouse racking installation expert, they will help you decide the best location for your storage structures, their dimensions and all those features that promote the operational efficiency of your business.
Professional advice on how best to optimize warehouse space will result in faster and more efficient receiving, storage and shipping of goods.
Creating safe workspaces
When a professional takes care of the installation of warehouse racks, he makes sure that the racks are installed correctly and follow safety standards. In this way, you will avoid collapses or workplace accidents, which are often very dangerous.
Typically, these storage structures are built with rigid materials that can cause serious injury if they fall on someone, so leaving the installation of warehouse shelving to an expert will be crucial to preserving a risk-free environment.
As work equipment, warehouse racks must have certain specific regulatory characteristics, such as material, location, storage capacity and dimensions, so that they do not obstruct aisles or the constant flow of goods.
Serviap Logistics offers installation of warehouse racks
At Serviap Logistics we help you with the installation of warehouse racks in the USA, Brazil and Mexico.
We offer warehouse signage, labeling, warehouse floor marking and collision protection services to keep your warehouse running efficiently and safely. We also offer project management services to manage the installation, renovation or relocation of a warehouse from start to finish.
We have been trusted by some of the world’s largest companies and have satisfied customers in a variety of industries, including automotive, e-commerce and wholesale.
We are a family business with roots in Mexico, but we have grown internationally to offer excellence in service and personalized attention to our customers beyond our borders.
Contact us at for more information on how we can help you with warehouse racking installation or any of our other services.
