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.

Need to Estimate Load Capacity?
Identifying the rack style is an important first step, but capacity ratings depend on more than brand alone. Beam size, upright design, beam spacing, and overall configuration all affect load limits. For a deeper explanation and general reference charts, visit our pallet rack capacity charts | beam & upright load ratings page.

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 and antiquated rack style manufactured by Unarco Material Handling. These systems use a unique beam connector (wedge lock) 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. What makes this design unusual is the introduction of a third component, the wedge lock clip.

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 use Ridg-U-Rak pallet racking today. Expanding older installations may require locating compatible components or replacing rack sections with newer rack systems. While Ridg-U-Rak continues manufacturing their proprietary “Slotted Style” they also manufacture the more commonly used teardrop style. Ridg-U-Rak is a high quality built brand.

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.

Somewhat like the Unarco Sturdi-Built design, Speedrack utilizes a pinned clip to create a strong connection point. Also, like Sturdi-Built, this design adds a third component to the system, the clip.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How do I identify the type of pallet rack I have?

Look at the connection between the horizontal beam and the upright frame. The shape of the beam connector and the holes in the upright can usually help identify the rack style. Photos of the upright and beam connection are also helpful when identifying an existing system.

Can I use pallet rack beams from a different manufacturer?

Sometimes. Pallet rack components are not universally interchangeable, even when they look similar. The beam connector, upright profile, dimensions and load requirements should be checked before mixing components from different manufacturers.

Will new pallet rack beams fit my existing uprights?

It depends on the rack style and dimensions. The beam length, connector style and upright configuration all need to match. If you’re replacing beams, send us photos and measurements and we can help determine what you need.

How do I know what size pallet rack beams I need?

Beam size depends on the rack configuration, beam length, required capacity and the type and size of pallets being stored. If you’re replacing existing beams, provide the beam length, rack height, pallet weight and a photo of the rack and beam connection.

Can you identify my pallet rack from photos?

Yes. Photos can often provide enough information to identify the rack style and help determine which components may be compatible. Send us clear photos of the upright, beam connection and an overall view of the rack.

Can I add to my existing pallet rack system?

In many cases, yes. Additional bays or replacement components may be available depending on the rack style and condition of your existing system. The existing rack should be properly identified before ordering additional components.

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.

Send Us Photos & Get Help!

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