Pallet Flow Racking
Pallet Flow Racking moves pallets by gravity on inclined roller tracks from a load aisle to a separate pick face (FIFO). SJF says Lane capacity can be designed from 2 to 20 or more pallets deep. Mecalux lists up to 30 pallets in depth. Apex says Systems can range from 2 to 10 pallets deep.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
Pallet flow racking
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lane depth (SJF) | Lane capacity can be designed from 2 to 20 or more pallets deep, limited by building space, maximizing storage density | SJF |
| Lane depth (Mecalux) | up to 30 pallets in depth | Mecalux |
| Lane depth (Apex) | Systems can range from 2 to 10 pallets deep depending on the application | Apex Warehouse Systems |
| Lane depth (REB) | Can range from 2-12+ pallets deep | REB Storage Systems |
| Lane depth (REB article) | Pallet flow racking can store up to 12 pallets deep | REB Storage Systems |
| Lane depth (REB types) | Typical storage depth can range from 2-12 pallets deep | REB Storage Systems |
| Lane depth (DC) | Each lane can run 2 to 20 pallets deep, with speed-control brake rollers keeping flow predictable and safe | DC Pallet Racking |
| Typical food/pharma depth (DC) | Most DC metro food and pharma installations land between 8 and 15 deep, sized to match typical pre-shipment staging volume per SKU | DC Pallet Racking |
| Channel slope (Mecalux) | Each storage channel is sloped at an angle of approximately 4% to guarantee that the pallets slide smoothly and safely | Mecalux |
| Lane pitch (DC) | pitched roughly 3 to 4 percent front-to-back | DC Pallet Racking |
| Brake spacing (DC) | brake rollers spaced every 4 to 8 feet | DC Pallet Racking |
| Dynamic brakes (SJF) | Dynamic brakes are installed within the track system to control the speed and assist in tracking of the pallets for safe handling | SJF |
| Speed control (SJF) | Flow speed control mechanisms, such as brakes or speed controllers, are used to regulate movement of pallets within the system, ensuring a safe and controlled descent | SJF |
| Pallet capacity (DC) | Pallet capacity 2,500 lbs standard, up to 4,000 lbs structural | DC Pallet Racking |
| Pallet quality (DC) | GMA-grade or better | DC Pallet Racking |
| Separate aisles (Mecalux) | Separation of loading and unloading : pallet storage and retrieval are performed from separate aisles | Mecalux |
| No intermediate aisles (Mecalux) | There are no intermediate aisles in a flow rack system, which increases storage capacity | Mecalux |
| FIFO (Interlake) | FIFO system for precise pallet rotation | Interlake Mecalux |
| Perishable fit (Interlake) | ideal system to store perishable goods with high rotation | Interlake Mecalux |
| Push-back depth limit (REB) | Push back racks are also limited to 6 pallets deep | REB Storage Systems |
| Cold storage fit (REB) | Due to the high density pallet flow rack provides, it is very beneficial for cooler or freezer storage | REB Storage Systems |
| Cost/clearance (Apex) | One of the most expensive system types, pallet flow also requires additional vertical clearance for inclined rails which may result in lost pallet positions if ceiling height is an issue | Apex Warehouse Systems |
How pallet flow lanes work
SJF says The tracks are set with a decline pitch which allows pallets to move by gravity from the in feed side (rear) to the pick side (front) and Dynamic brakes are installed within the track system to control the speed and assist in tracking of the pallets for safe handling. Mecalux says Palletised loads are inserted in the highest part of the channel and move by gravity to the opposite end, where they are ready to be removed. Interlake Mecalux says pallets are loaded at the top end of the slightly inclined rack and pallets glide safely and effortlessly at a controlled rate to the front of the storage lane. REB lists inclined rollers or wheels that allow pallets to glide from the back (loading) aisle to the front (picking) aisle.
Depth, slope, and when it wins
SJF says Lane capacity can be designed from 2 to 20 or more pallets deep, limited by building space, maximizing storage density. Mecalux lists up to 30 pallets in depth and Each storage channel is sloped at an angle of approximately 4% to guarantee that the pallets slide smoothly and safely. REB says Pallet flow racking can store up to 12 pallets deep versus Push back racks are also limited to 6 pallets deep. DC Pallet Racking says Most DC metro food and pharma installations land between 8 and 15 deep, sized to match typical pre-shipment staging volume per SKU. Interlake Mecalux lists ideal system to store perishable goods with high rotation. Apex says One of the most expensive system types, pallet flow also requires additional vertical clearance for inclined rails which may result in lost pallet positions if ceiling height is an issue.
Sources (fetched 2 Sep 2026): SJF — pallet flow; Mecalux — live pallet racking; Interlake Mecalux — pallet flow racks; Apex — pallet flow racking; REB — pallet flow rack; REB — flow vs push-back; REB — pallet racking types; DC Pallet Racking — pallet flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pallet flow racking?
SJF says The pallet flow through racking design incorporates a rack structure with roller tracks to form a gravity flow lane and This gravity feed pallet rack provides FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory control and is preferred for products requiring stock rotation of time sensitive or perishable goods. Interlake Mecalux lists FIFO system for precise pallet rotation.
How many pallets deep can pallet flow go?
SJF says Lane capacity can be designed from 2 to 20 or more pallets deep, limited by building space, maximizing storage density. Mecalux lists up to 30 pallets in depth. REB says Can range from 2-12+ pallets deep and Pallet flow racking can store up to 12 pallets deep. Apex says Systems can range from 2 to 10 pallets deep depending on the application. DC Pallet Racking says Each lane can run 2 to 20 pallets deep, with speed-control brake rollers keeping flow predictable and safe.
When does pallet flow beat push-back?
REB says Pallet flow racking can store up to 12 pallets deep and Push back racks are also limited to 6 pallets deep. REB also lists first-in, first-out gravity flow storage system. Interlake Mecalux lists ideal system to store perishable goods with high rotation. Mecalux lists Separation of loading and unloading : pallet storage and retrieval are performed from separate aisles.