Warehouse racks from China: which to choose for warehouse and business

There are both simple metal racks for small rooms and powerful multi-level systems for large warehouse complexes on the market.

The development of trade, production and logistics increases the requirements for the organization of warehouse space. The more goods are stored in the facility, the more important it is to use each square meter efficiently.

Storage racks are installed not only at large logistics terminals. They are in demand in stores, production shops, workshops, car services, distribution centers, online stores and small warehouses.

China has become one of the largest manufacturers of warehouse equipment. Various types of shelving, components and ready-made storage systems for specific tasks are produced here.

We will analyze which warehouse racks are most in demand, where they are used, how the main types of structures differ and what you need to consider when buying from China.

Why the stock market continues to grow

Increased trade and logistics require more efficient use of storage facilities.

Properly selected storage system allows you to increase the usable area of the warehouse, simplify access to goods and speed up cargo operations.

The main reasons for the increase in demand:

• development of Internet commerce;
• increase in storage stocks;
• expansion of logistics centers;
• construction of new warehouse complexes;
• production growth;
• the need to optimize areas;
• development of automated warehouses;
• Updating old equipment.

Shelves are becoming an important part of warehouse infrastructure. From their design depends not only the capacity of the room, but also the speed of work of employees.

Why China has become one of the leaders in the production of shelving

A large industrial base has been formed in China, producing warehouse equipment for the domestic and international market.

Chinese manufacturers offer a large number of designs:

• pallet racks;
• shelves;
• console systems;
• mezzanines;
• mobile racks;
• gravitational structures;
• tyre racks;
• archival systems;
• Special designs for non-standard cargo.

One of the main advantages of the Chinese market is the ability to order equipment for specific room sizes and product characteristics.

You can choose the height, width, depth, number of tiers, permissible load and type of coating.

At the same time, it is not necessary to choose equipment only at the minimum price. Shelves work under considerable loads, so the quality of the metal, joints and protective coating is of great importance.

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Where warehouse racks are used

The scope of the equipment is constantly expanding.

Racking systems are in demand in:

• warehouse complexes;
• distribution centers;
• shops;
• online stores;
• production premises;
• service stations;
• workshops;
• archives;
• construction companies;
• logistics centers;
• wholesale bases;
• agricultural enterprises.

For example, in the warehouse of an online store, it is more convenient to use shelving systems for small boxes and piece goods.

Pallets with heavy products are more suitable for storage.

In the production room, the structure can be used to store raw materials, components or finished products.

What types of storage racks are most in demand

Modern storage systems differ in design, purpose and permissible load.

Shelves

This is one of the most universal options.

They are suitable for storing boxes, tools, components, documents and other piece goods.

Advantages:

• simple construction;
• convenient access to goods;
• the possibility of adjusting shelves;
• relatively low cost;
• ease of editing.

Such racks are suitable for small warehouses, shops, archives and workshops.

Pallet racks

Designed to store goods on pallets.

The design consists of vertical frames and horizontal beams on which pallets are installed.

Pallet systems are especially in demand in large warehouses and logistics centers.

Their advantage is the ability to use the height of the room and store significant volumes of goods.

When choosing, it is necessary to take into account not only the size of pallets, but also the weight of the cargo, the height of the lift and the characteristics of warehouse equipment.

Console racks

Such systems are used for long loads.

They can store:

• pipes;
• profiles;
• lumber;
• metal products;
• furniture blanks;
• Building materials.

The console design provides convenient access to long items and allows you to organize storage without unnecessary space between sections.

Mezzanine systems

Mezzanine allows you to create additional levels of storage inside the warehouse.

This solution is especially interesting when the space is limited, but there is a high ceiling.

Instead of expanding the warehouse, you can use vertical space.

However, before installation, it is necessary to check the bearing capacity of the base and calculate the permissible loads.

How to choose racks for storage

The choice does not begin with the appearance of the design, but with the analysis of the future load and the operation scenario.

Consideration should be given to:

• room size;
• ceiling height;
• type of goods;
• mass;
• package sizes;
• number of pallets;
• number of tiers;
• necessary width of passageways;
• method of loading;
• the storage equipment used;
• operating conditions;
• coverage requirements.

It is important to determine in advance how employees will access the product.

If a forklift is used, provision shall be made for sufficient width of passageways and height of tiers.

If the product is placed manually, the design requirements will be different.

Why you can not choose shelving only by load

The high declared load does not mean that the system is suitable for any warehouse.

It is important to consider the weight distribution by tiers, the number of sections and the method of loading.

It is also necessary to take into account the height of the structure and the characteristics of the floor.

An incorrectly designed system can create risks for employees and the product.

Therefore, before ordering it is desirable to determine:

what goods will be stored → how much it weighs → what sizes it has → how much space is required → how loading and unloading will be carried out.

Only then can a specific design be selected.

Who buys warehouse racks from China

The main customers are:

• warehouse owners;
• logistics companies;
• online shops;
• production enterprises;
• wholesalers;
• trade networks;
• car services;
• construction companies;
• archives;
• distribution centers.

Also, the equipment is purchased by entrepreneurs who open a new warehouse or upgrade the existing premises.

What to pay attention to when buying

Before ordering, it is necessary to check not only the price of the kit.

Important:

• metal thickness;
• allowable load;
• section sizes;
• number of tiers;
• type of compounds;
• quality of welding;
• protective coating;
• structural stability;
• configuration;
• presence of fasteners;
• possibility of adjustment;
• spare parts;
• guarantee;
• Technical documentation.

For warehouses with high humidity or temperature changes, the quality of anti-corrosion coating is especially important.

If the equipment will be used in a cold room, it is necessary to specify the permissible operating conditions in advance.

Features of import of shelving from China

When purchasing, it is necessary to take into account not only the cost of equipment.

The final price may include:

• production;
• delivery in China;
• international transportation;
• insurance;
• customs clearance;
• certification;
• delivery to the warehouse;
• unloading;
• Editing.

Racks occupy a significant volume, so logistics can significantly affect the final cost.

Before ordering, it is desirable to obtain an accurate calculation of the package, number of places, volume and weight of the cargo.

It is also necessary to check the documentation and safety requirements of the specific equipment in advance.

Is it necessary to check the manufacturer?

Yeah.

There are a large number of manufacturers in the Chinese market, and the quality of products can vary.

Before ordering, it is advisable to check:

• legal data of the company;
• production experience;
• having its own factory;
• model range;
• certificates;
• technical documentation;
• export experience;
• customer reviews;
• warranty conditions.

It is useful for a large consignment to organize an inspection before shipment.

It allows you to check the size of the structures, the quality of the coating, completeness, marking, packaging and compliance of the goods with the ordered specification.

What mistakes buyers often make

Purchase without load calculation

You can not choose a rack only by its appearance.

It is necessary to know the weight of the load and the distribution of the load on each tier.

Wrong sizes

Even a high-quality system will be uncomfortable, if you do not take into account the height of the ceiling, the location of columns, doors and passages.

Too narrow passages

Saving space can complicate the work of staff and warehouse equipment.

Savings on metal and fasteners

Too cheap equipment may have insufficient rigidity or poor quality connections.

Lack of protection

For certain operating conditions, a high-quality coating is required to protect the metal from corrosion and damage.

Lack of spare parts

During operation, additional beams, racks, shelves or fasteners may be required.

Therefore, it is necessary to clarify in advance the possibility of ordering components.

How to choose shelving for business

For business, the storage system must be selected taking into account current and future volumes.

If the warehouse works mainly with boxes and small goods, shelves can become a rational solution.

For pallet products, it is better to use specialized pallet systems.

If you need to store long materials, it is worth considering console shelving.

At high ceilings, an interesting option can be mezzanine, which allows you to increase the usable area without expanding the room.

The commercial project should be considered as a whole:

equipment + delivery + customs costs + installation + maintenance + possible modernization of the warehouse.

Only then can the cost effectiveness of the purchase be assessed.

Prospects of the warehouse equipment market

The development of trade and logistics will continue to support demand for modern storage systems.

In the coming years, we can expect:

• increasing automation of warehouses;
• development of multi-level systems;
• Increased demand for pallet shelving;
• introduction of mobile designs;
• development of robotic warehouses;
• integration of shelving with warehouse management systems;
• more accurate accounting of the load;
• development of modular solutions.

Modern warehouse is gradually turning into a technological facility, where shelving becomes part of a single system of storage and processing of goods.

Outcomes

Warehouse racks are one of the key elements of effective storage organization.

Chinese manufacturers offer a wide range of equipment - from simple shelves to large pallet and multi-level systems.

When choosing, you need to consider not only the price. Important load, dimensions, type of goods, room height, width of passages, warehouse equipment, quality of metal and protective coating.

It is especially important for business to calculate the project economy in advance: the cost of equipment, logistics, customs clearance, installation and further operation.

With a competent choice of supplier and product inspection, the purchase of warehouse racks from China can be an effective way to increase the capacity of the warehouse, use space more rationally and reduce the cost of organizing storage.