Pallet racking is the structural backbone of any efficient warehouse. Getting it right in San Bernardino comes down to three things: how much you can store, how easily your forklifts reach it, and whether you meet California seismic code. This guide walks Inland Empire operations managers through the main pallet rack types, the new-versus-used question, and how to plan a layout that’s both compliant and fast.
The Inland Empire handles a huge slice of Southern California freight, which means every square foot of warehouse space carries a real price tag. The choices you make about pallet racking protect your budget, your inventory, and your crew.
San Bernardino County sits right in the middle of one of the busiest logistics corridors in the country. Industrial vacancy across the Inland Empire has stayed near record lows, which keeps lease rates high and forces operators to make the most of every foot of vertical cube.
Good pallet racking turns those tall ceilings into usable storage. Rather than paying for more square footage, you fit more pallets into the space you already lease.
But density is only half the story. The right warehouse racking layout keeps forklifts moving, orders flowing, and labor costs in check. In a market this tight, thoughtful material handling planning pays for itself quickly.
Pallet racking systems break down into a few main families. Each one strikes a different balance between selectivity (how easily you reach any single pallet) and density (how many pallets you fit per square foot).
System | Density | Pallet Access | Rotation | Best Use Case |
Selective pallet racking | Low | 100% | FIFO/LIFO | Many SKUs, varied inventory |
Drive-in / drive-through | High | Limited | LIFO / FIFO | Few SKUs, high volume |
Push back racking | High | Front only | LIFO | Medium SKU count, buffer storage |
Pallet flow rack | Very high | Front/back | FIFO | High-throughput, perishables |
Cantilever rack | N/A | Full | Any | Long or irregular loads |
Selective pallet racking is the most common storage rack system you’ll find across the Inland Empire. It gives you direct access to every pallet, so it works well for warehouses juggling lots of SKUs and frequent picks.
It also runs on standard forklifts and adapts easily when your inventory shifts. For most operations, this is the practical place to start.
Drive-in racking gets rid of aisles so forklifts drive straight into the storage lanes. That gives you high-density last-in, first-out (LIFO) storage. Drive-through does the same thing but opens both ends for first-in, first-out (FIFO) access.
These systems shine with low-SKU, high-volume products like beverages or seasonal stock. The trade-off, of course, is less selectivity.
Push back racking runs on nested carts riding inclined rails. Load a pallet and it nudges the others back, giving you two to six pallets deep of LIFO storage with front-only access.
Pallet flow rack uses gravity rollers instead, so pallets glide from the load side to the pick side for true FIFO rotation. It’s a great fit for high-throughput distribution and date-sensitive goods, though you’ll pay more upfront for it.
Cantilever rack is built for the long, awkward loads that just won’t sit on standard beams: pipe, lumber, steel, furniture, that kind of thing.
Instead of vertical frames boxing in each pallet, the arms extend outward for open, adjustable storage. Think of it as a specialized cousin of industrial shelving made for oversized inventory.
ATB Material Handling delivers turnkey warehouse storage solutions designed around your operational needs. We oversee every stage of your project—including on-site space evaluation, custom CAD layout design, component supply, building permit navigation, seismic code engineering, and complete on-site installation.
A secure, high-capacity rack setup requires well-matched, high-grade hardware. ATB delivers complete racking systems along with essential protective accessories:
Select from multiple construction methods to align with your facility’s budget, environmental conditions, and load profiles:
Looking to upgrade or expand your current racking system? ATB components integrate seamlessly with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including:
We carry extensive inventory in standard sizes for quick turnaround, while offering tailor-made engineering for complex facilities or specialty weight capacities.
Component | Popular / Standard Options | Custom Capabilities |
Upright Frame Depths | 42″ (Standard), 36″, 44″, 48″ | Custom depths tailored to specific pallet overhang requirements. |
Upright Frame Heights | 8′, 12′, 16′, 20′, 24′ | Custom vertical designs engineered to 30’+ heights. |
Support Beam Lengths | 48″, 96″ (2-Pallet), 108″, 120″, 144″ (3-Pallet) | Specialized beam spans for heavy-duty or unique bay widths. |
Wire Deck Dimensions | 42″ x 46″ and 42″ x 52″ | Custom wire grid patterns and dimensions built to fit any frame depth. |
Custom Engineering Available: If your building features clear-height restrictions, unusual building columns, or strict load-bearing limits, ATB’s design team will engineer a custom rack system engineered specifically for your facility.
The best pallet racking really depends on how your warehouse runs day to day. Weigh these factors before you buy.
A quick warehouse racking assessment with a specialist sorts these variables out fast.
In California, storage racks count as structures. Under the California Building Code, most racks over six feet need a permit and engineered drawings, and the San Bernardino County building departments take this seriously.
Seismic anchoring isn’t optional. Racks have to be designed and installed to handle earthquake loads, following industry standards like RMI/ANSI MH16.1 for the design of steel storage racks.
OSHA weighs in too, expecting racking to be maintained, loaded within capacity, and shielded from forklift damage. Skip the permits or the seismic engineering and you’re risking red-tag shutdowns and real liability. A partner who handles stamped drawings and inspections keeps the whole project on schedule.
Used pallet racking can shave 30% to 50% off your costs and often ships faster than new when supply runs tight. The catch is compatibility and condition.
Factor | New Pallet Racking | Used Pallet Racking |
Cost | Higher | 30-50% lower |
Lead time | Weeks | Often immediate |
Compatibility | Any spec | Match teardrop vs. proprietary |
Warranty | Yes | Usually as-is |
Most modern systems use teardrop pallet rack connections, which mix and match across brands. Before you commit, inspect used uprights for bends, rust, weld cracks, and missing footplates. A specialist can spec-match the components so your search for pallet racking for sale doesn’t turn into a compatibility headache.
ATBMH has spent decades designing material handling and warehouse storage systems across Southern California, along with projects nationwide. That regional experience means we already know San Bernardino permitting, the seismic realities, and Inland Empire building specs.
We start with a free on-site walk to measure your space, review your inventory profile, and recommend the right pallet rack configuration. Selective, push back, cantilever, pallet flow, whatever fits, we handle the design, permitting support, and installation.
Take a look at our pallet racking systems and material handling solutions to see how we support growing operations.
Ready to expand or replace your warehouse racking? ATBMH’s material handling specialists will visit your San Bernardino facility, assess your needs, and deliver a compliant, cost-effective plan. Request your free quote or on-site walk today.
It comes down to system type, load capacity, and quantity. Selective pallet racking is the most affordable per position, while push back and pallet flow rack cost more because of their moving parts. Used pallet racking can bring costs down by 30% to 50%, though seismic engineering and permits add to the total. A site walk gets you an accurate quote.
That depends on your SKU count and how you rotate stock. Warehouses with many SKUs usually go with selective pallet racking for full access, while low-SKU, high-volume operations do better with drive-in, push back, or pallet flow systems. Long loads like pipe and lumber call for cantilever rack.
Usually, yes. Under the California Building Code, most racks over six feet require a permit and engineered seismic drawings, and San Bernardino County enforces it. ATBMH helps supply the stamped documentation your building department needs.
It can be, as long as it’s inspected and specified correctly. Check the uprights and beams for damage, confirm the load ratings, and verify teardrop compatibility. Used systems still need proper seismic anchoring and have to meet the same RMI/ANSI and OSHA standards as new racking.
Small selective systems can go up in a few days, while large or high-density projects run one to several weeks. Timelines also hinge on permit approval and component lead times. A specialist can give you a realistic schedule after a site walk.
