All pallet racking look the same from outside. As a new or established company, it is a daunting task to choose a reliable pallet racking supplier. Installing new pallet racking which is not as per quality standards is dangerous unlike other racking as the weight on each level could lead to accidents, loss of entire stock, injury or sometimes death. Here are a few tips which would help you decide.
Insights on how to choose the correct pallet racking for your company
Credibility
Pallet racking is a one time investment if chosen right and used in the correct way does not need changing for many years. As with any type of suppliers, there are many pallet racking companies which pop up and close down in a few years. Check for how long the pallet racking company has been operating for. If necessary ask for references. Talk to your supplier to check if he is trying to work in your interest.
Certifications
Check if the supplier has the latest AS4084-2012 pallet racking certifications. Some suppliers claim certifications but they may not have this. Ask for a copy of the certification. Most of the certifications come from the manufacturer where the pallet racking is imported from.
More information from NSW work cover website on pallet racking standards and guidelines.
Quality
The load bearing of the beams and uprights depend on the quality and thickness of steel used and also the profile of the uprights and beams. Carefully examine the load bearing of the beams and the total weight a pallet racking bay can hold. Ask for the total weight of the beams and bays. This will determine the thickness of the steel used. A pallet racking beam should use 1.5 mm thick steel and 1.8mm for uprights/frame less than 4.5 meters. Taller uprights/frames should be 2mm thick as they carry more weight per bay and also have to deal with the height.
Check if the beams are air tight. The beams should be welded on all four sides. This prevents damp from entering into the beams and corroding it from inside. Most beams available in the market have only 3 sides welded to cut manufacturing costs and hence less cheaper.
It is very important to cross check the load bearing of the beams and weight of the beams with that of other suppliers.
Service
Ask for references. If you have a problem tomorrow, would the supplier be available to fix the problem? We have come across a number of occasions where a previous supplier installed a poor quality racking and was not available to fix the problem. We have also come across faulty pallet racking installations which were done in a hurry and the racking was not checked for vertical, horizontal and square correctness. These are disasters waiting to happen.
Quotes
Once you have checked the above and are satisfied with the credibility, quality and service, ask for a quote. It is wise to take at least three quotes. This will give a fair idea of the price variations.
Northside Shelving And Racking has been a supplier of pallet racking in sydney and Australia since 1990. We do not compromise on quality while keeping our prices most competitive. We are known for our dedicated customer service over the years and are always here to listen to our customers.