Drive-In, Drive-Through & Pushback Racking, Installation, New & Used, Ohio

Drive-In, Drive-Through & Pushback Racking Systems

High-Density Storage Solutions for Ohio Warehouses (New & Used)

Drive in racking systems provide a proven solution for warehouses that need to maximize pallet storage while minimizing aisle space. Midwest Material Handling supplies new and used drive in racking throughout Ohio, helping facilities increase capacity with high density pallet racking designed for bulk storage. This racking system allows forklifts to enter storage lanes and place pallets directly on support rails, dramatically improving space utilization compared to selective pallet rack. Drive in racking works best in applications with low SKU counts, consistent pallet sizes, and inventory that does not require high selectivity.

Drive-In / Drive-Through Racking

What Is Drive In Racking?

Drive in racking is a specialized pallet racking system that allows forklifts to enter the rack structure to load and retrieve pallets stored on horizontal rails. This design eliminates multiple aisles and dramatically increases storage density compared to conventional selective pallet rack.

In a drive-in configuration, pallets load and unload from the same working aisle, which means operators must remove front pallets to access pallets stored deeper in the lane. As a result, drive in racking works best in applications with low SKU counts, consistent pallet sizes, and where selectivity is less critical.

For the right application, drive-in pallet racking systems deliver a cost-effective, high-density storage solution with excellent space utilization.

How Drive-Through Racking Works

Drive-through racking uses the same structural design as drive-in racking but allows forklift access from both ends of the rack. This configuration supports FIFO (first-in, first-out) inventory flow, making it ideal for operations where product rotation matters.

Facilities often choose drive-through racking for:

• Food and beverage storage

• Cold storage and freezer environments

• Time-sensitive or date-coded products

Both drive-in and drive-through systems consist of multiple rack lanes that forklifts access to deposit or retrieve pallets. Compared to standard pallet racking, these systems significantly increase storage capacity per square foot.

Best Applications for Drive In Racking

Drive-in racking performs best in LIFO (last-in, first-out) storage environments where:

• SKU variety remains limited

• Products are not time-sensitive

• Pallets remain uniform in size and condition

Operators typically load the system from back to front, filling each lane to maximize available pallet positions. Because forklifts operate within the rack structure, proper system design and operator training play a critical role in long-term performance.

Drive-in warehouse racking in Ohio commonly appears in:

• Cold bays and freezer storage

• High-volume distribution centers

• Bulk storage operations

• E-commerce fulfillment facilities

Critical Design Considerations for Drive-In Racking

Pallet Size, Specifications & Condition Matter!

Pallet quality directly impacts the performance and safety of a drive-in racking system. Because pallets rest on support rails rather than beams, consistent pallet dimensions and structural integrity are critical.

We recommend following National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) guidelines. The industry standard remains the GMA pallet, which includes:

• 7 top deck boards

• 5 bottom deck boards

• Top deck spacing between 2.5″ and 3.5″

• Three stringers (1½″ × 3½″ each)

• Four-way entry

• Pallets maintained in good condition

When pallet size, condition, and lift truck dimensions align properly, drive-in and drive-through racking deliver the most efficient bulk storage method available in today’s warehouse environment.

Pushback Racking Systems

How Pushback Racking Works

Pushback racking provides a high-density storage solution designed for FILO (first-in, last-out) inventory flow. This system works especially well for single-SKU applications, products with long shelf life, and operations that require improved selectivity without sacrificing density.

Each lane contains nested, free-rolling carts mounted on inclined rails. As operators load pallets, each new pallet pushes the previous pallet deeper into the lane. During unloading, gravity automatically moves pallets forward to the aisle, eliminating the need for forklifts to enter the rack structure.

Pushback systems allow all picking from the front aisle, which improves safety and throughput.

Performance & Storage Benefits

Pushback racking supports:

• Storage depths of up to six pallets deep

• Up to twelve pallets deep when installed back-to-back

• Efficiency improvements of 25–60% over selective racking

• Excellent pick rates from all aisle-facing lanes

Because pushback systems allow multiple pallet sizes within the same structure, they offer greater flexibility than drive-in racking while still delivering high-density storage.

Structural Cart Construction

Pushback racking uses structural steel cart construction with a debris-free design, making it ideal for food, beverage, and food-service applications. Each system is engineered based on:

• Warehouse capacity requirements

• Number and type of SKUs

• Pallet dimensions and weights

• Operational workflow

Pushback rack systems support a wide range of business models, including multi-channel and omnichannel distribution environments.

Cost Considerations

The primary drawback of pushback racking is cost. Pushback systems represent the most expensive bulk storage solution due to the specialized rolling carts, which manufacturers typically outsource. In addition, used pushback rack systems remain difficult to source because of limited availability in the secondary market.

Despite the higher upfront investment, many operations justify the cost through improved space utilization, labor efficiency, and throughput.

Drive-In & Pushback Racking Design Support

With more than 30 years of experience, our team helps warehouses across Ohio design and implement drive in racking and pushback racking systems tailored to their specific operational needs. From layout planning to equipment selection and installation support, we ensure each system delivers long-term performance, safety, and value.

Contact our team to discuss new or used drive in racking, specialized pushback configurations, or high-density pallet racking solutions for your facility.