Pallet Rack Identification Guide

Warehouses often expand or modify pallet racking systems years after the original installation. In many facilities the original rack manufacturer is no longer known, which can make ordering replacement beams or adding new rack sections difficult. This pallet rack identification guide explains how to identify common pallet racking systems used in warehouses and how to determine whether replacement components will work with existing rack structures.

If you are planning to expand or modify a storage system, Midwest Material Handling supplies new and used rack systems through our Warehouse Racking and Industrial Storage Systems solutions across Ohio. Our team regularly helps warehouses identify existing rack systems before supplying compatible beams, uprights, and accessories.

How to Identify Your Pallet Rack System

Before ordering replacement beams or expanding an existing rack system, take time to examine the rack structure carefully. Several visible features can help determine the rack style and possible manufacturer.

Look for these identifiers when evaluating pallet rack:

• Beam connector shape
• Upright hole pattern
• Beam step dimensions
• Manufacturer stamp or label
• Frame construction style

Most warehouses today use teardrop style pallet rack, which allows compatibility between several rack manufacturers. Older rack styles and structural rack systems may require beams designed specifically for that rack type.

If you are unsure what rack system your facility uses, Midwest Material Handling can help identify the rack and recommend compatible storage solutions.

Major Pallet Rack Manufacturers

Warehouses across North America operate pallet racking systems produced by several manufacturers. Some companies produced widely compatible rack designs, while others developed proprietary beam connections that require matching components.

Common pallet rack manufacturers include:

• Interlake -Mecalux
• Husky Rack & Wire
• Steel-King
• Ridg-U-Rak
• Unarco
• Speedrack
• Penco

Many warehouses operate rack systems from multiple manufacturers within the same facility. When expanding an existing rack system, it is important to verify beam connection style and frame dimensions before ordering replacement components.

Teardrop Pallet Rack Identification

Teardrop pallet rack is the most widely used rack system in warehouses across the United States. The name comes from the distinctive teardrop shaped holes in the upright frames.

Beams connect to the upright using hook style connectors that lock into the teardrop openings. Because this connection style is widely used, several manufacturers produce compatible systems.

This compatibility allows many warehouses to expand storage by adding compatible beams and frames from multiple manufacturers.

Structural Pallet Rack Identification

Structural pallet rack systems use heavy structural steel beams that bolt directly to the upright frames. These racks are commonly used in heavy duty environments such as manufacturing facilities, steel service centers, and high traffic warehouse areas.

Structural rack systems are known for durability and strength, but expansion typically requires beams and frames from the same manufacturer.

Before purchasing replacement components for structural rack systems, confirm beam connections and frame dimensions carefully.

Keystone Style Pallet Rack

Keystone pallet rack refers to an older beam connection style identified by the distinctive keystone shaped holes in the upright frames. This rack style is often referred to as Republic style rack because the original design was produced by Republic.

Keystone rack systems require beams designed specifically for the keystone connector pattern and are not interchangeable with modern teardrop pallet rack systems.

Warehouses operating keystone rack systems often replace sections with newer rack styles when expanding storage capacity.

Unarco Sturdi-Bilt Rack Systems

Sturdi Bilt rack is an older rack style manufactured by Unarco. These systems use a unique beam connector that differs from the more common teardrop style used in many warehouses today.

The beam connector engages the upright frame using a specialized attachment system that requires matching beams designed for that rack type.

Because of this unique connector design, expanding Sturdi Bilt rack systems may require sourcing compatible components or replacing rack sections with newer rack systems.

Ridg-U-Rak Pallet Rack

Ridg-U-Rak pallet rack systems have been widely used in warehouses for many years. These racks often use a slotted upright pattern with specialized beam connectors.

Many facilities still operate Ridg-U-Rak rack today. Expanding older installations may require locating compatible components or replacing rack sections with newer rack systems.

Speedrack Pallet Rack

Speedrack systems were commonly installed in distribution centers and industrial warehouses throughout the United States. These racks often feature distinctive beam connectors and upright hole patterns that help identify the rack manufacturer.

While many Speedrack systems remain in operation today, expansion may require sourcing compatible components or replacing rack sections with newer systems.

Visual Pallet Rack Identification Guide

The visual pallet rack identification guide below shows common rack styles, upright hole patterns, and beam connection designs used in warehouses. This reference can help identify your rack system before ordering replacement beams or expanding an existing pallet racking system.

View Pallet Rack Identification Guide

Download Pallet Rack Identification Guide

Are Pallet Rack Brands Compatible

Many warehouse managers ask whether beams from one rack manufacturer will fit rack frames produced by another company.

Compatibility depends primarily on the beam connection style.

Teardrop rack systems often allow compatibility between manufacturers because the connector pattern follows a common design. Structural rack systems and proprietary rack styles typically require matching components from the same manufacturer.

When expanding an existing rack system, it is important to confirm beam compatibility before ordering replacement parts.

Expanding or Replacing Existing Pallet Racking

As warehouse operations grow, many facilities eventually need to expand storage capacity or reconfigure existing rack systems.

In some cases additional rack can be added to the existing system. In other situations replacing older rack sections with newer rack systems provides greater flexibility and easier expansion in the future.

Midwest Material Handling supplies new and used pallet racking systems, rack components, and accessories for warehouses across Ohio. Our team can help identify existing rack systems and recommend the most practical solution for expanding storage.