Pallet Rack Uprights

PALLET RACK UPRIGHTS form the vertical framework of a pallet rack system, supporting beams and determining overall rack height, depth, and weight capacity. Like beams, uprights are available in a wide range of sizes and load ratings to accommodate different warehouse layouts and storage requirements. Selecting the correct upright is critical for system safety, long-term durability, and proper load distribution.

Pallet rack uprights are manufactured in both open and closed tubular column designs. Open-style uprights are by far the most common due to their lower cost and wide availability, while closed-tube uprights provide higher load capacities for more demanding applications. Uprights have traditionally been fully welded, with vertical and horizontal crossmembers permanently attached to the columns—a proven design that has changed very little over decades of warehouse use.

In-Stock Pallet Rack Upright Sizes

We stock a wide selection of pallet rack uprights to support most warehouse applications.

Standard In-Stock Upright Heights

96″, 120″, 144″, 168″, 192″, and 240″

Standard In-Stock Upright Depths (Front-to-Back)

24″, 36″, 42″, and 48″

Typical Upright Capacities

Pallet rack upright capacities typically range from 15,000 lbs. up to 30,000 lbs., depending on column size, design, and vertical beam spacing.

Common Column Dimensions

• 3″ × 1 5/8″

• 3″ × 2.69″ (Interlake-Mecalux bolted design)

• 3″ × 3″

Upright columns are available in both open (U-shaped) and closed-tube designs. Closed-tube columns provide higher capacities but generally come at a higher cost.

How Pallet Rack Upright Capacities Are Determined

One of the most common questions we receive relates to upright weight ratings. Upright capacities can vary by manufacturer due to differences in load-testing methods, steel gauge, and fabrication design.

For example, one manufacturer may rate a 3″ × 1 5/8″ upright at 15,600 lbs., while another may rate a similar upright at 19,130 lbs.. A major factor behind these differences is Vertical Beam Spacing (VBS).

Vertical Beam Spacing (VBS)

Vertical Beam Spacing is the distance between beam levels or shelves within a rack system. Upright load ratings are typically calculated using a 48″ VBS, which corresponds to the height of a standard pallet.

• Greater VBS results in lower rated capacity

• Closer VBS increases rated capacity

Additional factors that influence upright capacity include steel thickness and the number of structural bends used in the column design. Many manufacturers publish load-rating charts that show how capacities change at different beam spacings.

Custom upright sizes and capacities can be ordered, though non-standard configurations often involve longer lead times.

Pallet rack uprights form the vertical framework of pallet rack systems and work together with beams and wire decking to support stored loads safely.

Bolted Pallet Rack Uprights (Interlake-Mecalux)

Interlake-Mecalux introduced a bolted upright design that has gained popularity due to cost efficiency and ease of repair. These uprights use roll-formed columns with galvanized horizontal and vertical crossmembers that are bolted into place rather than welded.

Bolted uprights typically utilize 3″ × 2.69″ columns, and even the footplates are bolted on instead of welded. One key advantage of this design is serviceability—if a column is damaged, it can be replaced individually without replacing the entire frame.

From a pricing standpoint, bolted uprights are generally comparable to lower-capacity welded uprights while offering added flexibility for maintenance and repair.

Seismic Pallet Rack Uprights

For facilities located in seismic regions—including parts of the western United States, select Midwestern areas, and other global seismic zones—we offer seismic-rated pallet rack uprights and beams designed to account for ground movement and structural forces.

A defining feature of seismic uprights is an oversized footplate, which is thicker and larger than standard designs. While required in seismic applications, oversized footplates are also commonly used in non-seismic warehouses where added durability, uneven floors, or increased impact resistance is desired.

Steel Shims for Uneven Floors

Pallet rack uprights must be installed on flat, level surfaces. When concrete floors are uneven, cracked, or aged, steel shims are used to level the base of the upright and maintain proper load distribution.

Shims must be matched to the upright brand and footplate design, as footplates vary by manufacturer. Only factory-approved shims should be used.

Shim Stacking Guidelines

• Shim stacks must not exceed six times the diameter of the largest anchor bolt

• Shim stacks under two times the anchor diameter do not require locking

• Shim stacks between two and six times the anchor diameter must be welded or secured with a second anchor

• Longer anchor bolts may be required for stacked shims

Improper shimming can lead to rack instability and should always follow manufacturer guidelines.