When it comes time to outfit a warehouse with pallet racks, whether it’s a brand new warehouse or one in which you’re replacing the racks, you have a lot of options to consider. While you’re weighing those options, we know there’s something else that will play a large part in which warehouse racking you choose: price.
There are many variables that will determine exactly how much you’ll be paying for the pallet racks and the extras that go along with them. Let’s take a look at the most common costs associated with pallet racking systems.
The Space Your Filling
Of course, how big your pallet rack system needs to be will be the primary determiner of cost. Some of our clients simply need a new row of racks to go along one wall, while another might be completely filling a 250,000 square-foot warehouse. The type of warehouse racking you need — simple pallet racks, drive-in pallet racking, push-back rankings, or double-deep pallet racking — will also play a part because of the amount of steel each uses. And speaking of steel…
The Price of Steel
Since pallet racks are made entirely from steel, it’s not a surprise that the price of steel would affect how much they cost. Because of the constant fluctuation in steel prices, it’s impossible for racking manufacturers and sales firms to keep their prices at one point for too long.
Steel prices are always changing, and trade wars and mine closures in the last year haven’t helped calm things down. Don’t be surprised if the current price of steel affects the quotes you’re getting for your pallet rack systems.
The Brand You Choose
Once you start researching pallet racks systems, you might be surprised at how many different options there are. Pallet racks are big business and play an important part in the economy, and there are dozens of manufacturers from which to choose. Different brands are more reliable than others, and any that aren’t R-Mark certified probably shouldn’t be considered.
Why do some brands cost more? Like any product, there are levels of quality and various options that come with them. Reputation also plays a role in how much particular companies charge for their pallet systems. At RMH Systems, we have combined our decades of pallet rack knowledge to create our own line of racking system called K3 Werks. These high-quality racks are built for us to our exacting specifications and work with every teardrop system we carry.
The Weight Capacity You Need
Not every business needs its warehouse to carry the heaviest loads. A warehouse specializing in pillows isn’t going to need the rack capacity of one that’s storing lead ingots. (Yes, we know those are extremes, but you get the idea.) Racks that need to support more weight are going to need more steel and the latest in design research in order to perform properly.
The Complexity of the System
Having regular pallet racks installed is one of the least complex tasks that we perform here at RMH Systems. But most warehouses need something more than standard pallet racks to make their space as efficient as possible. Some have us install mezzanine decks, while others are looking for prefabricated modular offices that can work as warehouse office space, break rooms, or testing stations. Other warehouses need industrial conveyor systems to keep the merchandise rolling out the door.
Will such additions cause the price to go up on the final bill? Sure, but they’re also wonderful additions to warehouses that can maximize space and increase the efficiency of the entire system.
Optimization
Even before an order for your pallet rack system is placed, it’s important to ensure you’re making the absolute most of your space. We don’t have to tell you that building a new warehouse is expensive, even if you already own the land. When you choose warehouse layout optimization consultation with RMH Systems, you can ensure you’re getting off to a great start with your current warehouse and delay building a new one for quite a long time.
The Dealer You Choose
RMH gets discounted prices on pallet racking thanks to the relationships we have with manufacturers and the bulk inventory we purchase. Different dealers have their own concerns when it comes to making money, so make sure you get quotes for whatever you need. We bet you’ll end up right back here at RMH.
The Safeguards
When the pallet racks are in, it’s very important that you don’t ignore the safety products that are designed to go with them. Pallet racks are steel structures that are holding heavy items high above the ground, and that all adds up to danger…danger you want to mitigate as much as possible with the proper safety precautions.
RMH Systems carries a wide array of safety products to make your warehouse a much safer place, especially from forklifts. These include end-of-aisle protectors, in-aisle column protectors, pallet stops (such as netting or wire mesh), and sprinkler guards to protect against flooding if hit by a forklift reaching a little too high.
What’s Your Pallet Rack System Going To Cost?
Honestly, we have no idea until you contact us. It could be tens of thousands of dollars, it could be millions…and it all depends on the space you need to fill and the extras you need. We look forward to talking with you and helping you make the best decisions for your warehouse.
