Case Study: Steel King Portable Racks Provide Flexible Warehouse Asset
Selective pallet racking is a versatile, efficient storage system that enables direct access to pallets, making it ideal for operations with diverse inventory needs.
 |
| In tire manufacturing a portable rack can be packed with tires and stored in a distribution center. The same rack can be used for secure, stable shipment to the dealer, and even used at that location for storage, if desired. |
It adapts to various warehouse layouts and load requirements while optimizing vertical space usage.
However, fixed pallet racks may not always be the best solution, particularly when inventory levels vary significantly, temporary storage is needed, workflows require rapid adjustments, or when the entire rack and all its contents needs to be moved to another location.
To address these types of scenarios, products are stored on pallets, which are sometimes stacked multiple pallets high. However, this approach is both inefficient and potentially dangerous. It limits the effective use of vertical storage space, as standard pallets can only be stacked to a certain height without compromising stability or risking damage to the goods.
A portable rack, however, offers a versatile and cost-effective storage solution. Modern portable racks are designed to provide strong structural support, allowing several thousand pounds of materials to be stacked on each level, up to six levels high, without requiring attachment to a wall. When not in use, portable racks can be dismantled for convenient and compact storage.
“Portable racks optimize storage by utilizing vertical space effectively, offering a versatile layout and seamlessly adapting to evolving requirements,” says Craig Heil, container sales manager for Steel King Industries Inc. “These racks are an excellent addition to most warehouses due to their mobility, robust stacking capabilities, straightforward assembly and disassembly, and compact storage when not in use,”
Heil points to a wide range of common warehouse situations where portable storage rack has proven beneficial to industry professionals. He says they are ideal for multi-step manufacturing processes or tasks that involve frequent relocation of components or products.
 |
| Portable racks are ideal for multi-step manufacturing processes or tasks that involve frequent relocation of components or products. |
Warehouse Workflow
Warehouse inventory levels can vary significantly based on factors like seasonal demand, business cycles, and marketing campaigns. For example, e-commerce facilities often experience a surge in order volumes during peak seasons, making it essential to have adaptable storage solutions such as portable racks to handle fluctuating inventory efficiently.
“Portable racks provide scalable capacity, allowing managers to increase storage as needed without requiring investment in permanent infrastructure,” Heil says. “When more storage is required, extra racks can be added to meet demand without disrupting the overall operation.”
In addition, he says the portable racks offer exceptional flexibility, allowing adjustments between different rack configurations to align with warehouse workflows without incurring high costs for installation or dismantling.
“In warehouses with complex or high-volume picking processes, such as e-commerce fulfillment centers or distribution hubs, portable racks can be moved to more convenient areas, improving accessibility and minimizing picking/storing time,” he says.
Special projects or transitions between stock rotations may also lead to a short-term need for overflow storage that portable racks can readily provide. For instance, portable racks could be temporarily utilized during an inventory audit to hold products being counted. This optimizes storage capacity without requiring any changes to the warehouse layout. The same concept can be utilized to facilitate storage required for temporary events such as trade shows, where stock, equipment, or materials may need to be efficiently organized to ensure ready availability.
According to Heil, one Steel King client utilizes portable storage racks to organize materials for book fairs. Specifically, three metal book carts are securely housed within a portable storage rack. When it is time for a scheduled book fair, the carts are retrieved and transported to the event location. The portable rack can be taken down, moved, and stored if needed.
Portable racks also can be used to protect products and materials during storage, handling, and transport, facilitating movement through the production process all on the same rack.
For example, in tire manufacturing a portable rack can be packed with tires and stored in a distribution center. The same rack can be used for secure, stable shipment to the dealer, and even used at that location for storage, if desired.
 |
| Models of portable racks are available in various configurations to fit the specific needs of whatever your storing. |
Selecting Portable Rack
While portable racks have numerous potential applications, choosing models with specific features is essential to maximize their advantages.
For optimal capacity and safety, the rack should be specifically engineered to ensure portability while effectively handling vertical loads. Additionally, it should be designed for easy disassembly and compact storage, requiring minimal space when not in use.
To address the needs, Steel King designed a portable rack it calls Stac-King.
“This type of rack, which is stackable six units high with a 4,000 lbs. capacity for each, acts as its own pallet, eliminating the need and cost of wood pallets while allowing you to take full advantage of the building height,” Heil says.
Vertical posts allow the rack to be stacked without load-on-load contact, reducing product-crushing damage. The rack is fully supported by steel corner columns to further protect inventory. Consequently, during in-plant handling or in shipment, the rack can be safely stacked much higher than wooden pallets, utilizing overhead space more effectively.
In addition, the portable stacking rack can be dismantled for convenient, compact storage when unused. Changing the rack layout is simple, with no expensive installation or dismantling costs. The rack is designed with removable corner posts that allow it to be shipped and stored very densely.
“Almost every industry or operation has a use somewhere in their facilities for portable storage racks,” Heil says. “We have provided portable racks for manufacturers in many industries ranging from aerospace, automotive, electronics, and heavy machinery to lumber yards, dry storage warehouses, and book dealers.”
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The February/March 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
Our cover story, Building Better Relationships Safely, through its client and vendor relationships, Verona Safety Supply in Madison, Wisconsin, has been keeping a variety of industries safe since 1997.
Also in this issue are Industry Updates on Concrete Tools; Diamond Blades and Hole Saws; and Gas Engine Equipment.
This digital edition, sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc., is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!
| Read the Articles Read the Digital Edition |
