From a buyer’s perspective this has always been a difficult and often times confusing decision. Let’s first briefly discuss the advantages of purchasing USED Pallet Racking.

Advantages

Obviously, the overriding thought when considering purchasing USED Pallet Racks is cost. A secondary, but equally important benefit is the USED equipment is on-site and available immediately, saving time and freight costs.

Now for the reality… Many buyers wrongly think that purchasing USED Pallet Racking and Wire Decking is similar to that of purchasing a used car (for example), that there is a 50% or 60% savings over the cost of NEW. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.

Let’s discuss why…

When we are contacted by a seller who has USED equipment available, the vast majority of the time, the racking is still standing and needs to be disassembled. Once we send a crew into disassemble the Rack, we then need to stack, band and prep it for shipment. Once complete, the USED Pallet Rack needs to be shipped, via flatbed to our location. Due to its size and length, USED Rack/Wire Decks are generally stored outside, allowing the powder coated finish to begin rusting and oxidizing. One item of note, many buyers have little regard for the discoloration or aesthetic appearance of the USED Racking, they simply want it to work! Add all of that up and the NEW vs. USED savings is somewhere in the vicinity of 15%-20%.

Damage

One other very important consideration… historically, we have rarely sold USED Pallet Rack Uprights as they generally have some sort of column damage (probably 4 out of 5 Uprights sustain damage from forklift forks or skids) usually located at the lower 12”-24” of the two front Upright columns. * NOTE: If there is ever a ding or dent in an Upright… BUYER BEWARE! The structural integrity of the Upright has been compromised and the Upright should be discarded. There are disreputable companies and social media sellers out there that will sell them, but we won’t (and you should not buy them)!

Condition

While we stock and sell a significant amount of USED equipment (primarily Pallet Rack and Wire Mesh Decks), the quality and condition of the USED equipment we sell is exceptional. We only sell USED material that has an overall condition rating of 8-9 out of 10, we do not sell anything with any lower condition rating. All of our USED Racking has a condition rating applied to it at arrival and is always furnished and noted on our proposals. Of course, pictures are always available when the Racking cannot be viewed in person or we are shipping it out of area. You can always trust our condition ratings to be accurate and thorough.

Modern manufacturing techniques have improved to the point that, many times, purchasing NEW can actually be less expensive than buying USED. Even more so, the same holds true for USED Pallet Rack purchased at auctions or auction settings, but that’s a conversation for another day. Additionally, another great geographical advantage he have is the majority of our NEW Wire Mesh Deck Panels are manufactured (ITC Manufacturing) right here in Columbus, Ohio! Pick them up and save the freight!

For more information on New and Used Pallet Racking, check out… https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-teardrop-keystone-shelving-warehouse-new-used-racking-columbus-ohio/

Storage Racking and Specialized Pallet Racking Systems & Improved Warehouse Efficiency in 2024

Warehouse efficiency, including a range of specialized types of storage racking systems in 2024 is influenced by several emerging trends and technologies. Here are some key factors shaping warehouse operations and their Staffs:

1. Automation and Robotics: Advanced robots and automated systems are increasingly used for tasks like picking, packing, sorting, and inventory management. These technologies can significantly speed up processes and reduce errors.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are helping optimize warehouse operations by predicting demand, managing inventory more effectively, and improving route planning for both robots and human workers.
3. Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices, such as sensors and smart shelves, provide real-time data on inventory levels, equipment status, and environmental conditions. This data helps in making informed decisions and maintaining operational efficiency.
4. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Modern WMS platforms offer advanced features like real-time tracking, advanced analytics, and integration with other systems, which enhance overall warehouse management and efficiency.
5. Drones: Drones are being used for inventory management and scanning large areas quickly. They can perform tasks like stocktaking and checking the condition of goods, which speeds up operations and reduces labor costs.
6. Sustainability Initiatives: There’s a growing focus on making warehouses more eco-friendly. This includes optimizing energy use, reducing waste, and incorporating sustainable materials and practices.
7. Flexible Space Utilization: With the rise of e-commerce, warehouses are adapting to handle various types of products and varying order volumes. This flexibility often involves reconfigurable racking systems and modular layouts.
8. Omnichannel Fulfillment: As customers expect faster delivery and seamless shopping experiences, warehouses are increasingly set up to handle both B2B and B2C orders efficiently, often with separate processes and spaces for each.
9. Augmented Reality (AR): AR is used to enhance picking accuracy and efficiency by providing visual instructions and real-time information to warehouse workers through wearable devices.
10. Advanced Data Analytics: Leveraging big data analytics helps in optimizing routes, predicting demand, and managing inventory levels more accurately, leading to better decision-making and efficiency.
11. High Density Storage: Including Drive-In Rack and Pushback Racking. These customized storage solutions are designed, built and installed to maximize storage in defined areas. No pallet racking system that exists can store more pallet positions in confined spaces than these two systems. For more detailed information on the various types of high density storage and racking systems, kindly check out… https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-storage-systems-columbus-ohio/

These advancements are helping warehouses handle increasing volumes of goods with greater speed and accuracy, ultimately leading to better service and cost savings.

Cleveland, Ohio-We were recently contacted by the Safety Manager of an existing Customer in the Cleveland Ohio area for a safety solution relating to their existing Pallet Rack. The goal was to protect employees and guests in their manufacturing facility from the potential safety risk of improperly stored and placed skids falling from Pallet Rack shelves. We suggested Husky Rack & Wire (https://huskyrackandwire.com/products/rack-guard/) Rack Guarding as the simple solution.

Quick Ship

These standard sized wire panels, are available for 24-hour shipping (for total order of 2,500 lbs. or less) and come in nine different in-stock sizes. The panels accommodate standard Beams lengths of 96”L, 108”L, 120”L and 144”L and come in 3’, 4’ and 5’ heights (to accommodate multiple size rack openings). These Rack Guards simply bolt directly to the Pallet Rack Upright columns to provide a safe, reliable working environment. They also allow for significant light to penetrate, making upper shelves easily visible.

Why might you want Pallet Rack Safety Guarding? A few examples might be…

• I want to prevent workplace injuries.
• My workplace has no pedestrian walkway protection along pallet rack systems.
• I have exposed workstations along pallet rack areas.
• I have had pallets pushed through our pallet rack systems.
• I presently have pallet damage against my existing walls.
• My netting is torn or frayed and not providing adequate protection.
• Need something stronger than netting.
• We have frequent visitors and guests who tour our plant or facility.

These unique Rack Guards come in two different styles… flush mount (the Wire Guarding is bolted directly to the Upright) or off-set mount (4”, 5” or 6” setback). One item of note… to prevent freight damage, these Rack Guards require a crate to ship. There is one crating price for 1-23 panels.

Allow the professionals at Midwest Material Handling, LLC to create an OSHA, ANSI and RMI compliant work environment which ensures the safety of you, your employees and guests!

For more information on a wide range of Pallet Rack and Machinery Guarding products, check out… https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-guard-rack-back-wire-security-enclosures-safety-netting-columbus-ohio/

Dayton, Ohio-We were contacted by an local Architect who was designing and creating a Loading Dock-Mezzanine system for a Community College in Dayton, Ohio. This system was to be located in a shipping area where no loading dock had previously existed. We were asked to create a dock loading system that would off-load multiple height vehicles from passenger truck to semi trailer. They wanted the ability to utilize an existing forklift for loading. This posed a unique challenge…

One unique design element of this system is it combined a custom designed, high-capacity (high enough for Forklift traffic) Structural Mezzanine, Safety Barrier Rail and embedded custom built Steel Pipe Bollards (all standard material handling equipment products) combined with a Blue Giant Stationary Elevating Dock, Mechanical Vehicle Restraint and Laminated Dock Bumpers (all standard Loading Dock products).

As you may note, the custom fabricated square tube Pipe Bollards were set 60″ deep as they are designed to absorb trucks backing into them. We then welded laminated dock bumpers directly to them. Another unique element is the ground mounted Vehicle Restraint. Vehicle Restraints are generally mounted directly to the dock wall as well as anchored into the ground. Also, please note the unique locations of the 2 access ramps on the Portable Elevating Dock, with one being 30″ deep.

Why we say unique is the Material Handling Equipment and Loading Dock Equipment Industries are somewhat separate and different industries from one another. Rarely, in our experience is there ever a crossover in the two industries. We completed all of the design, fabrication and installation in house…. one source accountability!

For more information on a wide range of Mezzanine products and associated options, please see: https://mmhonline.com/mezzanines-work-platforms-stairways-boca-osha-installation-columbus-ohio/

Contact us for information on a wide range of Loading Dock products, please see: https://mmhonline.com/loading-dock-equipment

For more information on Blue Giant Equipment innovative Loading Dock systems, see: https://www.bluegiant.com/Docks.aspx

Mobile, AL-We recently completed a design/install project for a large international replacement auto glass manufacturer in Mobile, Alabama. We were tasked with creating a Pick Module system designed to more efficiently store and pull replacement windshields at their regional service centers.

We, along with the Engineers at Interlake-Mecalux designed a pallet rack supported mezzanine pick module to efficiently store over 9,100 SKU’s in a relatively small warehouse footprint. One unique element of this system was the utilization of standard roll formed pallet rack under the mezzanine to support the structure and wide span shelving on top to store the lighter but larger truck windows. For more information on our wide range of Pallet Rack Systems, kindly check out: https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-storage-systems-columbus-ohio/

For more detail on Interlake-Mecalux innovative storage solutions, see: https://www.interlakemecalux.com/storage-racks?_gl=1*1megntl*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwufq2BhAmEiwAnZqw8k6UzjXA3ZBiYK7dogSwXd0jyclPoDqcWRApd2n06oRm8uYPTC2QWhoCtrgQAvD_BwE

We were contacted by the Department of Defense (U.S. Navy) to furnish and install rugged, durable wire lockers for their Naval Special Operations Unit (SEAL). We designed, furnished and installed a heavy duty Wirecrafter’s TA-50 Military Storage Lockers system. These lockers had to be extremely durable and able to withstand severe wear and tear. This Steel Locker was designed and is manufactured by Wirecrafters specifically with the demanding environment of the US Military in mind. This locker system was an integral part of an update and enhancement of their Naval Operations Center. All of our Lockers are proudly built in the United States.

For more information on our innovative Steel Locker systems, kindly check out: https://mmhonline.com/lockers-steel-metal-employee-school-military-storage-installation-columbus-ohio/

For information on Wirecrafters line of heavy duty, durable TA-50 Storage Lockers, see: https://www.wirecrafters.com/products/storage-lockers/ta-50-military-storage-lockers/