40 years of experience
Best industry experts
fast & effective solutions
Full Service - End to End
Drive In or Drive Thru
to get what you need
Drive-in racking systems are widely used in warehousing, manufacturing and other industrial facilities, providing very dense storage with a relatively low capital cost.
Pallets can be accessed with standard forklifts.
Due to the way in which pallets are loaded, stored and retrieved, there is no requirement for access aisles between each row of pallets, and therefore the floor space traditionally used for these aisles can instead be used for pallet storage.
These drive-in racking systems are great for storing large quantities of like, or relatively few, product types and can reduce square footage requirements by 35% or more compared to standard selective racking.
Drive-in and Drive-thru racking are ideal for saving space in expensive cooler and freezer applications, or anywhere that space is at a premium.
Drive in racking operates on the principle of “first in last out” (FILO) and “last in first out” (LIFO).
Drive In Racking Layout
Pallets are stored back-to-back without aisles for exceptionally dense storage. A pallet is retrieved from the rack by the forklift driving into the lane to the pallet location, lifting the pallet and then reversing out of the lane into the main access aisle.
This drive-in storage system is configured for individual needs and with standardised components making installation quick and simple.
Stand Alone System
Colby Drive-in is designed by leading Australian engineers and is a stand alone systems unlike competitors who offer pallet racking converted to a drive-in system. Frames, Uprights, brackets, and connectors are made from high-quality, high-tensile steel so the system uses larger and stronger components, and without compromising on load capacity or safety means you will pay less.
We use a software tool to configure the right drive-in system for you, that guarantees the load capacity and strength of each system, ensuring you are protecting your staff and your product.
key features and benefits
best option for Density storage
Storing up to 75% more than the standard selective pallet racking due to the fact their are fewer aisles
range of applications
Suitable for cold stores, dry stores and when you store multiple pallets of the same products
Easy to install
Modular design means quick easy installation, able to relocate, adjust or add to at any time.
high strength australian steel
Designed and manufactured in Australia with high strength tensile steel
Uses Standard forklift
No specialist handling equipment is required. Pallets can be serviced by both reach and counterbalance forklifts.
Backstops increase safety
Backstops prevent pallets from being pushed too far into the racking, further increasing safety
LIFO - Last in First out inventory
Pallets are stored multi level deep. Last pallet placed in position is the first to be removed.
Double Entry Configuration
Can also be configured to have back to back entry points where you can access the rack from both sides, as well as drive in from both sides.
Floor to Ceiling Storage
Can be configured to maximise the use of available ceiling height. You can have floor to ceiling storage at whatever depth you need.
Highly Customisable
Can be customised 3 ways – length, depth and height. Suits both small floor space with a high roof or a large floor space with a low roof.
conveyor integration
Use with Gravity Roller Conveyor and Carton Live storage (CLS) system to condense the pick face & improve picking performance & stock rotation.
Quick & easy alignment
Heavy duty purpose designed floor channels help to guide forklifts into the bays ensuring quick and easy alignment, safer handling and reduced risk fo damage.
use of Drive in pallet racking
Drive in racking is used in a wide range of commercial warehousing and storage facilities, particularly those wishing to achieve maximum storage efficiency. It is a good solution for businesses requiring additional storage without acquiring extra floor space, and is the ideal solution for optimum space utilisation without requiring special handling equipment.
When to use Drive in racking
- Products that need cold/freezer type storages
- Used to stock pallets of similar products. Forklifts drive into the rack to pull the first available pallet. This is “Last-In, First-Out” storage
- Limited space then drive-in racking is probably your best option when it comes to storage
- If you have fragile product loads which cannot be stored in block stacks.
- Businesses who need to store and distribute batch deliveries
- Businesses with only a few SKUs but high pallet quantities
When not to use drive in racking
- Old products will not be used before new products are added as operates on Last in First out system (LIFO)
- If you are storing time sensitive product (e.g. food), this may not be the best application.
- If you need to access pallets stored in the rear, as every pallet in front of it must be moved before you can reach the back of the rack
We offer a free, no obligation site consultation service in order to identify and assess your specific requirements. This enables us to design a system tailored to the needs of your business and the space available within your warehouse or commercial building.
Types of Drive in Racking
Single Entry - One Way
Single entry racks involve racks that have forklift access to one side only
Double Entry
Double entry racks involve racks where forklifts can access both sides of the racking structure. A row of the racks at the centre of this structure is held in place by a large beam.
Let’s Build Something Together
Do you have any other Questions?
We are here to help you choose the best racking for your business.
Here is a list of our frequently asked questions about pallet racking.
Please get in touch if you have any other questions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Drive In Pallet Racking
Select the + to open the answer to the question.
What is Drive in Pallet Racking
Double Deep Racking is a layout where pallets are stored two deep, back to back. providing higher storage density.
Our double deep pallet racking system operates on a first in, last out (FILO) system, making it ideal if you have multiple pallets of the same product stored together for short periods of time.
Forklift operators are still able to access your stock easily and relatively quickly. However due to the depth, a forklift fitted with a double deep reach mechanism is required to be able to place and retrieve pallets from the rear position in each double deep rack. The cost of new equipment can be offset by the significant improvements in capacity and productivity that a more efficient storage system provides.
Double deep racking can be adjusted, relocated or added to as your storage needs change, ensuring it is always optimised for your stock and warehousing requirements.
How much does drive in racking cost?
The cost for drive in pallet racking depends on various factors. It will depend on whether you have single or double entry. How many drive in bays that you have. The length, depth and height which can all be customised to your stroage space.
Drive in or drive through racking is the lowest cost for high density racking. For the most accurate drive in pallet racking price please contact us for a quote.
How does drive in racking work?
The racks are arranged in blocks. Each drive-in rack block comprises of a number of lanes of pallet storage extending multiple pallets deep into the rack. You can have single or double entry that are accessed by standard forklifts.
By using ledges instead of beams, forklifts are able to drive into empty rack locations, which makes the storage of multi-deep pallets possible. This is a great solution for situations where you have large amounts of the same product (SKU). Drive in racking provides excellent storage capacity, maximising space with minimal aisles and maximum height.
Colby Drive-in Pallet Racking works on the first pallet in, last pallet out (FILA) principle.
What is Drive Thru Racking?
Drive Thru racking system is a variation of drive in racking which allows access to the pallets from both ends. This is preferred where a first in first out (FIFO) configuration is required, as pallets can be loaded from one end and retrieved from the other side of the rack. Some systems of drive through racking will require a greater amount of access aisles than drive in racking, however the storage benefits offered remain significant when compared to standard racking systems.
What are the Beam Dimensions?
Standard beams sizes:
1370mm, 1520mm, 2590mm, 2740mm , 3050mm and 3810mm.
Custom beams:
Made to order at a reasonable price with a short lead time.
Standard Beam Depths:
Box Beam – Our standards versatile beam: 110mm
Open Beam – For light duty applications: 55mm / 75mm
Heavy Duty Beam – Helps resist frontal impact damage: 110mm
Standard Beam Material:
1.5mm thick high tensile steel. Designed and Manufactured in Australia
Heavy Duty Beam Material:
2.0mm thick high tensile steel, Designed and Manufactured in Australia
What are the Frame Dimensions?
Frame heights:
2475mm, 3075mm, 3675mm, 4275mm, 4875mm, 5475mm, 6075mm, 7575mm, up to 12,000mm
Frame widths:
400mm, 600mm, 760mm, 840mm, 1070mm, 1170mm, 1220mm, 1370mm
What are the Upright Dimensions?
Width: 90mm Steel thickness 1.5mm /1.9mm / 2.4mm
Width: 110mm Steel thickness 1.9mm / 2.4mm / 3.0mm
Width: 125mm Steel thickness 1.9mm / 2.4mm / 3.0mm
Width: 150mm Steel thickness 1.9mm / 2.4mm / 3.0mm
Does pallet racking need to be certified?
Pallet Racking system also known as steel storage systems installed in a workplace require regular inspection with compulsory annual audit and certification
Does racking come with guarantees or warranties?
Does racking meet AS4084-2012 Australian Standards?
Colby Pallet rack meets and exceeds the Australian standards AS 4084-2012.
Do I need rack protection (column guards)
It’s highly recommended to have rack protection to protect your uprights, especially if you have a lot of forklift traffic around your warehouse. Racking protection could save you thousands worth of potential damage in the long run.
Rack Protection Options:
Protect-a-Rack Upright Protector
Rack End Protector
Rear Upright Protector
Contact Us
Fill out the form to contact us.
We will reply within 2 business days.