Manage the Risk of Buying Used Pallet Racking

Five Steps to a Smart Used Pallet Rack Purchase

There are some things you don’t want to buy used –but pallet racking isn’t necessarily one of them. Used racking is an excellent way to save money and improve your facility’s function. However, it isn’t a slam dunk, either. For the safety of your operation, you must ensure that your used pallet rack system can meet your capacity and functional needs. With so much riding on this purchase, take a minute to review a few essential tips from our experienced storage rack experts.

Step 1 – Identify Your Rack Needs

The first step is to identify your storage needs. Are you looking to add to an existing system, establish a more efficient solution vs. floor-stacking, or perhaps prepare for new inventory? Detail your storage goals –load capacity, volume, throughput, equipment capabilities (forklift, reach truck, turret, etc.), and inventory rotation (FIFO or LIFO).

You must also consider how much space you have to optimally configure your rack to utilize your vertical and horizontal cube area. By drilling down on your needs, you can match a storage racking system to deliver the best results.

Step 2 – Contact a Reliable, Local Licensed Resource

Taking this one step will save you time, money, and aggravation. Having a trusted local source is like having a trusted car mechanic –though this is one resource that it’s ok to share with others (Seinfeld fans, anyone?). Your local pallet racking dealer will have connections with rack manufacturers, engineers, nationwide suppliers, installers, and integrators –which allows them to cast a broader net to locate the type of system or components to meet your goal.

General Contractor licensing for reputable companies with experience pulling permits and satisfying regulatory authorities is a great value-added component to mitigate your risk.

Your local rack source will also confirm system compatibility (if necessary) and whether components and accessories are readily available to complete your rack installation. For example, does the manufacturer still produce the clips you need to secure the cross beams, does the upright style match the beam style, and will wire decking panels fit with proper capacity?

Step 3 – Inspect the Components

This is a critical step… but one you can pass off to that trusted local source we mentioned above. By working with a reliable, experienced source, you can ask them to provide clear, high-resolution photographs and detail any damage, rust, chipping paint, or missing components. If you do not have a well-regarded, reliable source, do not rely on pictures; inspect the rack yourself.

Also, be sure to ask if the rack has been stored indoors or outside… another good reason not to rely on pictures only.

Step 4 – Obtain the Engineered Calculations & Manufacturer Installation Drawings

The original calculations and drawings will help the engineer verify that the used pallet racking will meet your desired load capacity and safely provide the storage solution that matches your expectations.  Seismic engineering is available when needed or required by government agencies or insurance companies. Experienced distributors can connect the dots with all involved to make the rack buying experience seamless.

Step 5 – Don’t Waste Your Savings on Excessing Shipping Costs

Freight costs are a percentage of your total purchase, but they will vary depending on how well the materials are bundled and packed within the truck bed. Freight cost and availability can be difficult to navigate without an experienced partner to help with your purchase.

The Smart Money is on Locally Sourced Used Pallet Racking

Giving a pallet rack system a new life is a great way to save money and time while also supporting a green-focused recycling agenda. 

If you are located in the Southeast region, Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. (WOI) is the local source that will help see you through the used pallet rack purchase process. We service Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and Kentucky with boots on the ground. Our team is connected to a web of industry sources, including our professional rack installation team, which affords us a reliable network to find just the used pallet rack you’re seeking. 

WOI Used Pallet Rack Advantage

• Save 40% – 50% vs. buying new rack
• Personalized attention, expert, full-service support
• Nationwide freight carriers to save on shipping costs
• Confirmed manufacturer-rated capacity (MRC)
• Installation availability

Our warehouse systems design and installation experts can also help configure your new-to-you racking and complete the installation. Each WOI team member is committed to delivering 100% Customer Satisfaction with every project.

Call to speak with your local WOI representative, and ask about our Total Satisfaction ExperienceTM.

The WOI 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

Call WOI today to source your new or used pallet racking system — dial (833) 336-7005 or email info@warehouseoptimizers.com.

Call WOI & Your Used Pallet Rack is on the Way…