Wide Span Shelving & Rack – The Large Parts Storage Solution You May Be Missing

Check Out the Broad Benefits & Applications for Wide Span Shelving

What do you do when you have items that are too big for industrial shelving but too small or non-palletized to fit safely on pallet rack? Wide span warehouse storage racking just may fill that gap. 

What is Wide Span Shelving?

Wide span shelving (a.k.a. bulk shelving) is a hybrid industrial storage solution that offers the best of both pallet rack and standard shelving. It provides a middle ground for non-palletized or awkwardly-shaped, hand-loaded items. The steel frame uprights and step beams are completed with decking –usually plywood, particle board, or wire deck to provide a flat shelf.  

A unique identifying feature is that they do not require a shelf at the bottom. This allows you to use the ground for taller items, minimize worker strain from bending, and clean underneath the racking system. 

These lightweight racking systems still pack a capacity punch with typical load weights between 1000 – 2000 lbs per shelf. Units are quick and easy to build and reconfigure as needed. 

This type of shelving must be hand-loaded, or you could use a walkie stacker; they are not forklift compatible. 

Benefits of Wide Span Shelving

• 100% item visibility & accessibility – Shelves can be reached from all sides.
• Expandable – Modular configuration allows for both horizontal and vertical future expansion as needs change.
• Cost-effective – The most economical industrial storage solution for deep, wide, and/or tall products. 
• Flexibility – There are shelf material options for your various needs, and because they are adjustable, they can store items of different types and sizes. Systems are easy to configure and conform to your warehouse layout. 
• Durability – Steel construction and high load capacity enable safe storage for large and heavy items. 
• Space savings – Using wide span shelving helps open up floor space that would otherwise hold items, plus allows you to store a varied range of products in a single shelving unit vs. customized shelving units.
• Improved warehouse safety – Removing bulky products from the floor opens up space for less clutter and better flow –subsequently reducing warehouse accident risks. 
• Easy assembly – They have a small number of parts, most of which can simply be snapped together; often, no tools, hardware, or bracing are required.
• Warehouse Optimization – every square foot can be optimized to support your business and growth needs.

Tips for Ordering Wide Span Shelving

To optimize the use of your wide-span shelving units, it’s valuable to provide the specs of the inventory you plan on storing. Not only will that help determine the size and capacity of the system, but the decking material as well. One big plus with wide span shelving is that it is easy to build onto. You can begin with a “starter set” and go from there as needs dictate with add-on units.

Units are available in sizes up to 26 feet in height and a range of widths and depths. The load capacity of each shelving unit varies based on the beam sizing and spacing. Remember, the tighter the beam spacing, the greater the total capacity of a shelving unit.

Shelving Options

Wide span shelving is often paired with modular drawer systems for smaller parts. A single unit of high-density drawer storage can replace five standard shelving units when storing small parts. Tool cribs in manufacturing plants, car dealerships, utilities, and 3PL warehouses commonly have a mix of large and small parts. Modular drawer systems can be retrofitted into most existing shelving brands easily. WOI warehouse storage racking optimization experts are available to help conversion to drawer systems go smoothly.

Let WOI Create a Solution for Your Displaced Inventory & SKUs

We understand that safety and efficiency and keys to successfully operating your warehouse. Wide span shelving is the industrial storage solution that fulfills both of those needs. At WOI, our wide span shelving designs are customized to satisfy your unique needs. We work with top-quality manufacturers to ensure durable, long useable life for all your warehouse storage racking solutions. 

The WOI team offers over 180 years of combined material handling experience to ensure your space works to solve your warehousing challenges. Moreover, we are determined to deliver 100% Customer Satisfaction on each project through our Total Satisfaction Experience™ (TSE). 

The Total Satisfaction Experience focuses on five essential customer experiences:

1.     We will listen to your needs
2.     Execute your project with particular attention to your unique application
3.     Stick to project timelines
4.     Ensure a safe environment
5.     Pay close attention to the detail of the finished product

Our professional installation team ensures that the finished product meets your expectations, and while we are on the job, you can be sure that we follow strict safety protocols.

WOI Expert Installation:

• OSHA Trained & Certified
• Certified Drug-Free Workplace
• Licensed General Contractor
• Job Safety Analysis
• Forklift, Scissor Lift, and Aerial Lift Operator Trained

Call WOI for a free warehouse storage racking consultation. Contact us today to schedule your site inspection — dial (833) 336-7005 or email info@warehouseoptimizers.com.