Drive-In & Pushback Pallet Racking Systems | New & Used in Ohio

Midwest Material Handling supplies new and used drive-in, drive-through and pushback pallet racking systems throughout Ohio. Whether you’re expanding cold storage, increasing warehouse capacity or designing a new high density storage system, our experienced team can help you select the right solution. We provide warehouse layout assistance, professional installation and quality pallet racking backed by more than 30 years of experience serving Ohio businesses.

As one of several high density options within our complete line of warehouse storage systems, drive-in and pushback pallet rack are designed to maximize storage capacity while minimizing aisle space. These systems are ideal for warehouses storing large quantities of palletized inventory where storage density is more important than immediate access to every pallet. Explore our complete selection of Pallet Rack and Storage Rack Systems to compare the different solutions available for your application.

What Is Drive-In Racking?

Drive-in pallet racking is a high density storage system that allows forklifts to drive directly into the rack structure to load and retrieve pallets resting on steel support rails. By eliminating multiple access aisles, drive-in rack can store significantly more pallets than traditional selective pallet racking.

In a drive-in configuration, pallets are loaded and unloaded from the same aisle using a LIFO (Last In, First Out) inventory flow. Because forklifts must remove the front pallets to reach those stored farther back, drive-in rack is best suited for warehouses with a limited number of SKUs, uniform pallet sizes and products that do not require immediate access.

For the right application, drive-in pallet rack provides one of the most economical ways to maximize warehouse storage capacity.

What Is Drive-Through Racking?

Drive-through pallet racking uses the same basic design as drive-in rack but allows forklift access from both ends of each storage lane. This creates a FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory flow, making it an excellent choice for products requiring stock rotation.

Drive-through rack is commonly used for:

• Food and beverage warehouses
• Cold storage and freezer facilities
• Time-sensitive or date-coded inventory
• High-volume manufacturing operations

Like drive-in systems, drive-through pallet rack significantly increases storage density by minimizing aisle space while maintaining efficient pallet handling.

Best Applications for Drive-In Rack

Drive-in pallet rack performs best when storing large quantities of the same product and maximizing warehouse cube is the primary goal.

Typical applications include:

• Cold storage warehouses
• Freezer facilities
• Bulk product storage
• Distribution centers
• Manufacturing facilities
• E-commerce fulfillment warehouses

To achieve the best performance, pallets should remain consistent in size, weight and condition. Since forklifts operate within the rack structure, proper system design, quality installation and trained lift truck operators are essential for safe, long-term operation.

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 it works

Each storage lane contains a series of nested carts that ride on slightly inclined rails. As additional pallets are loaded, each new pallet gently pushes the previous pallet farther into the lane. During unloading, gravity automatically moves the remaining pallets forward, eliminating the need for forklifts to enter the rack structure.

Performance & Storage Benefits

Pushback rack offers an excellent balance between storage density and accessibility. Typical benefits include:

• Storage depths of up to six pallets deep
• Up to twelve pallets deep when installed back-to-back
• Faster loading and unloading from a single aisle
• Excellent pick rates
• Reduced forklift travel
• Improved warehouse utilization

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 systems use heavy duty structural steel carts that roll smoothly on inclined rails. Each system is engineered around your pallet dimensions, product weights, forklift equipment and warehouse layout to ensure safe, reliable operation.

Each system is engineered based on:

• Warehouse capacity requirements

• Number and type of SKUs

• Pallet dimensions and weights

• Operational workflow

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between drive-in and pushback pallet rack?

Drive-in rack requires forklifts to enter the rack structure and is ideal for storing large quantities of the same product. Pushback rack uses gravity-fed carts so forklifts never enter the rack, providing better selectivity and faster loading and unloading.

Is USED drive-in or pushback pallet racking readily available?

Used drive-in and pushback pallet racking is rarely available. While these systems occasionally become available on the secondary market, they are among the most specialized pallet racking systems in the industry. Because every installation is engineered for a specific warehouse layout, pallet size, lift truck and storage application, used components are often difficult to match to another facility.

Drive-in and pushback systems also require specialized rails, carts and structural components that are not as interchangeable as standard selective pallet rack. As a result, most projects are completed with new equipment to ensure the system is properly designed, safe and optimized for your operation.

Is drive-in rack FIFO or LIFO?

Drive-in pallet rack typically operates on a Last In, First Out (LIFO) inventory system because pallets are loaded and removed from the same aisle.

Is drive-through rack FIFO?

Yes. Drive-through rack allows forklifts to access storage lanes from both ends, making it suitable for First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory rotation.

How many pallets deep can pushback rack be?

Most pushback systems are available in configurations up to six pallets deep per lane, with back-to-back installations providing storage depths of up to twelve pallets.

What industries use high density pallet racking?

High density pallet rack is commonly used in food and beverage, cold storage, manufacturing, distribution, e-commerce and other warehouses that store large volumes of palletized inventory.

Which system is right for my warehouse?

The best solution depends on your inventory, pallet sizes, SKU count, product rotation and available space. Our team can evaluate your operation and recommend the most efficient storage system.

Need Help Choosing the Right High Density Storage System?

Not every warehouse is a good candidate for drive-in or pushback pallet rack. Our experienced team will evaluate your inventory, pallet sizes, lift trucks and available floor space to recommend the storage solution that delivers the best combination of capacity, efficiency and value.

Whether you’re purchasing new or used pallet racking, we provide:

• Warehouse layout assistance
• System design
• Professional installation
• New and used pallet racking
• Competitive pricing throughout Ohio

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