What Are the Common Types of Cold Storage Racks?

Below are the commonly used cold storage racks and their advantages:

Pallet Racking

In a cold storage warehouse, you can install any type of pallet racking storage system, including standard pallet racking, drive-in/drive-through, flow, and push-back. Each type meets specific logistics needs.

For example, if you want to maximize storage capacity, the best option is to implement drive-in pallet racking. If you need flexibility in addition to capacity, you can install flow racking or push-back racking; these systems save time in handling pallets and operating forklifts.

Traditional pallet racking, on the other hand, provides direct access to goods, offering great convenience for storing products of various sizes and characteristics, while also facilitating order picking.

Multiple different storage systems can be combined within the same cold storage facility, especially in medium to large facilities, assigning each solution to specific types of products and operations.

Racks on Mobile Bases

Mobile pallet racking systems are installed on mobile bases that slide laterally. This is the only compact storage system that allows direct access to all SKUs (stock keeping units): when an aisle is opened, all SKUs stored in that aisle are directly accessible.

This solution is particularly suitable for cold and freezer storage because it optimizes the distribution of cold air across more pallets, thereby reducing the cost per pallet.

These racks also ensure better air circulation when idle through the parking option, with forced separation between all racks and uniform aisle spacing.

Pallet Shuttle Systems

With this high-density storage solution, a shuttle automatically moves within the racking. It operates in two modes:

Semi-automated pallet shuttle: The operator places the goods on the rails, and the pallet shuttle moves them to a position in the high-density rack. This solution is mainly used in cold storage facilities where each SKU has multiple pallets.

Automated pallet shuttle: A stacker crane or transfer car is used on each level to deliver goods to the corresponding lane. Upon arrival, a motorized shuttle places the items into the storage lane. These racks can reach heights of up to 40 meters, making them ideal for medium to high-bay warehouses with a wide variety of products.

Racks on mobile bases and pallet shuttle systems are two compact systems that increase storage capacity. The difference lies in flexibility; pallet shuttle systems ensure faster pallet entry and exit.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems for Pallets (AS/RS)

These include standard single-deep or double-deep racking, with stacker cranes responsible for transporting goods in and out of the racks.

AS/RS can accommodate more products, and thanks to the rapid movement of stacker cranes—both horizontally and vertically—they increase pallet throughput.

Automated warehouses significantly reduce cooling space, resulting in substantial energy cost savings. Furthermore, they systematically control stored products, ensuring real-time (perpetual) inventory while meeting the most stringent turnover and traceability parameters.

Automated Mini-Load Warehouse for Boxes

Boxes can also be managed in cold storage facilities using AS/RS for boxes. Similar to automated warehouses for pallets, these consist of racks for storing boxes and small stacker cranes that automatically handle the goods.

This solution maximizes space utilization and provides excellent goods access. Similar to pallet automation, automation increases productivity and ensures products are completely safe and protected.