In the world of logistics and storage, the terms racking and pallet racking are often used, sometimes interchangeably. However, they do not mean exactly the same thing. Understanding their differences is essential if you are to choose the solution best suited to your needs, whether you are a small business or a large logistics centre.
In this article, we clearly explain the distinctions, uses, advantages and how Mecalux solutions can meet every need.
What is shelving?
Shelving is a metal or wooden structure designed to accommodate light to medium loads, often small in size, such as cartons, trays or finished products.
Key features:
- Limited load: from a few kilograms to several hundred kilos per level.
- Variable height and modularity: easily adapts to small spaces or mezzanines.
- Direct access: each product or bin is accessible without moving other elements.
- Typical use: shops, workshops, offices, archives, small industrial storage areas.
Example: a metal shelf for cartons of spare parts or a rack for back-office storage products.
What is a pallet rack?
The pallet rack is a specific type of racking designed to store whole pallets, generally in industrial or logistics environments.
Key features:
- Heavy loads: from several hundred to several thousand kilos per level.
- High height: racks can be several metres high to optimise vertical space.
- Designed for mechanical handling: forklift trucks or powered pallet trucks.
- Strict safety standards: EN 15620, EN 15629 and EN 15635 to guarantee stability and operator safety.
Example: a food distribution warehouse where each pallet contains cartons of food products ready for dispatch.
The main differences between shelving and pallet racks
| Criteria | Shelving | Pallet rack |
|---|---|---|
| Load type | Light to medium (boxes, bins) | Heavy (full pallets) |
| Height | Variable, often < 2.5 m | Often 3 to 12 m or more |
| Access | Manual or partially mechanical | Mainly mechanical (forklift trucks, stacker cranes) |
| Standards | Less strict | Compulsory European standards for safety and stability |
| Usage | Offices, workshops, small storage areas | Warehouses, logistics centres, heavy industry |
| Modularity | Often easy to reconfigure | Modular but requires technical study for modifications |
Why choose a pallet rack or racking system?
Advantages of shelving :
- Ideal for light and medium loads.
- Quick and easy to install.
- Flexibility to change configuration as required.
Advantages of the pallet rack :
- Enables large quantities to be stored in a small space.
- Compatible with automated or semi-automated logistics flows.
- Secure for heavy loads thanks to anchor plates and strict standards.
👉 Mecalux solutions cover every need: from light shelving for bins and cartons to heavy pallet racks that are modular and certified to safety standards.
Case study: how to choose?
- Assess the load: if you’re storing heavy pallets, a pallet rack is essential. For totes or cartons, a rack will suffice.
- Measure the space available: pallet racks make the most of height, while shelving is better suited to low areas or mezzanines.
- Consider handling: if you use forklift trucks, pallet racks are necessary. For manual access, shelving is sufficient.
- Compliance with standards and safety: for heavy loads, compliance with EN standards is mandatory.
Conclusion
In short, shelving and pallet racks are not interchangeable:
- Shelving is suitable for light loads, small spaces and manual access.
- The pallet rack is designed for heavy loads, great heights and mechanical flows.
Choosing the right solution saves space, secures your facilities and optimises your logistics flows.
At [Name of your company], we work with Mecalux to provide our customers with customised, reliable and compliant solutions, from light shelving to industrial pallet racks.