Fork Entry Bar (Fork Clearance Bar) for Pallet Racking, What Are They Used For?

We were recently contacted by an existing Customer who we had recently sold a Pallet Rack system to and they had a very unique load placement issue. They were sold heavy duty (HD) Pallet Rack with the goal of storing large, heavy sheets of steel plate. The original system included HD Wire Deck Panels, (3,600 lbs. capacity per panel, compared to the standard 2,500 lbs. capacity).

The issue was the “skids” they were getting their steel shipped in on where not standard and were not resting correctly on the shelf. Remember, the goal is to always have the load to be applied to the Beams, when possible!

</p><p>The picture above is an actual photo that was taken on-site. As you will notice, the 3

Though not a common occurrence, fortunately a standard product exists for just this type of unique application. Pallet Rack manufacturers build a Fork Entry Bar (or occasionally referred to as a Fork Clearance Bar). This optional accessory spans from front to back of the Pallet Rack Beams and allows for the forklift operator to safety place the load and remove the forks of the fork truck from the rack. The Fork Entry Bars are TEK screwed into the both front and back beam to secure the load and prevent movement.

These Fork Entry Bars-Fork Clearance Bars are built in many different types, styles and capacities but all serve the same, singular purpose. Additionally, they also have certified load ratings (capacities) to ensure OSHA compliance. These Fork Entry Bars can be used on both Roll-Formed as well as Structural Pallet Racking.

The photo below illustrates the solution our team of experts came up with. These Fork Entry Bars also work great with loading Wire Mesh Baskets or wood or plate goods, where no skid exists.

"</p

Incidentally, once we installed these, we ordered some for our own use… they work great storing non-skidded bundles of Pallet Rack Beams (we use straps and metal banding to secure our bundles of Beams)!

For more information and a list of other unique Pallet Rack options… CLICK HERE

Freight Class-Pallet Rack & Wire Decks… how is freight determined?

Pallet Rack, Wire Decks & Freight Classifications, how is freight determined?

Pallet Racking, including Beams, Uprights and Wire Decks can be one of the most difficult items to ship LTL. This is due primarily to their unique shipping dimensions, concentrated weights and high freight class. Proper packaging is also a concern when shipping Pallet Rack. As a result, damaging Pallet Rack is a common occurrence in the freight industry. By far, the easiest and most efficient method for shipping Pallet Rack is via flatbed or stake truck, where the Rack can be loaded/unloaded from the sides and strapped down. Unfortunately, this can also be the most expensive method.

Sometimes, shipping Pallet Rack is unavoidable. For those times, let’s discuss a little bit about how it’s done…

Firstly, it is important to understand freight classifications for Pallet Rack and related components. Pallet Rack Uprights, Beams and Wire Decks all have different freight class. Freight classifications are determined by a combination of an items weight, physical dimension and density as well as density, handling, Stowability and liability.

Every item has been given a National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) number. The NMFC is a standardized system that classifies freight into categories for shipping. The NMFC is used to help shippers and carriers identify and classify freight and to determine rates and packaging requirements.

Pallet Rack Beams and Uprights are assigned the following freight class:

NMFC: 164340 “Pallet or warehouse, metal or parts or sections thereof, NOI with or without components of other materials in packages”

SUB CLASS 3: Greatest dimension exceeding 96 inches but not exceeding 192 inches a freight classification of 125 is assigned
SUB CLASS 2: Greatest dimension exceeding 192 inches but not exceeding 288 inches a freight classification of 200 is assigned
SUB CLASS 1: Greatest dimension exceeding 288 inches a freight classification of 300 is assigned

Pallet Rack Wire Deck Panels are assigned the following freight class:

NMFC 164150: “Palletized wire decking, Iron or steel wire, with or without reinforcement, in packages”, a freight classification of 70 is assigned

Allow the experts at Midwest Material Handling to use our 30+ years of experience to get your Pallet Rack order shipped quickly, economically and with the least chance for freight damage!

Freight Class-Pallet Rack & Wire Decks… how is freight determined? Read More »

Material Handling, Loading Dock Parts & Storage Equipment Specialists