Selective Pallet Racking
Selective pallet racking stores one pallet deep with 100% selectivity. DACO lists Bay size: 96″ wide by 44″ deep is the most common. Interlake Mecalux says for a standard GMA pallet that's 48" deep, the frame is typically 42" deep. MH-USA says Selective pallet rack typically costs $40–$80 per pallet position for a standard 3-level setup.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
Selective pallet racking
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Selectivity | One pallet deep, 100% direct access / 100% selectivity | DACO |
| Common bay size | The most common bay size is 96 inches wide by 44 inches deep | DACO |
| Frame depth for 48″ GMA | for a standard GMA pallet that's 48" deep, the frame is typically 42" deep | Interlake Mecalux |
| Upright frame depth options | Upright frame depth 36″, 42″, 48″ — 42″ is standard for a 48″-deep GMA pallet | MH-USA |
| Load beam length | Load beam length 96″, 108″, 120″, 144″ — 96″ holds two 40″-wide pallets; 108″ holds two 48″-wide pallets with clearance | MH-USA |
| Rack height range | Rack heights typically range from 4' to 40' | Interlake Mecalux |
| Upright adjustability | posts are slotted every 2" | Interlake Mecalux |
| Beam pair capacity | typically 2,000–12,000 lbs per pair | MH-USA |
| Frame capacity | typically 15,000–30,000 lbs | MH-USA |
| Wire deck capacity | Standard wire decks support 2,000–2,500 lbs per level | MH-USA |
| Price per position (MH range A) | Selective pallet rack typically costs $40–$80 per pallet position for a standard 3-level setup | MH-USA |
| Price per position (MH range B) | Selective rack starts at roughly $150–$300+ per pallet position | MH-USA |
| Bay section cost | A standard 3-level selective rack bay section typically runs $150–$350 per bay section | MH-USA |
| VNA aisle width | Narrow Aisle & VNA reduce aisle widths from 12′ down to 5′–6′; Gain 40–50% more pallet positions with 100% selectivity | MH-USA |
| One-deep definition | stores pallets one deep, providing 100% direct forklift access | Warehouse Solutions Inc |
One-deep access and common sizes
DACO lists 100% selectivity and One pallet deep, 100% direct access, with Bay size: 96″ wide by 44″ deep is the most common. Interlake Mecalux lists direct access to each pallet and for a standard GMA pallet that's 48" deep, the frame is typically 42" deep. MH-USA lists Upright frame depth 36″, 42″, 48″ — 42″ is standard for a 48″-deep GMA pallet, and Load beam length 96″, 108″, 120″, 144″. Warehouse Solutions Inc says stores pallets one deep, providing 100% direct forklift access and supports FIFO inventory rotation.
Heights, capacity, and VNA aisles
Interlake Mecalux says Rack heights typically range from 4' to 40' and posts are slotted every 2". MH-USA says beam pair typically 2,000–12,000 lbs per pair, frame typically 15,000–30,000 lbs, and Standard wire decks support 2,000–2,500 lbs per level. Narrow Aisle & VNA reduce aisle widths from 12′ down to 5′–6′ (MH-USA); Mecalux notes VNA trucks at height up to 40'.
Price ranges (MH-USA)
MH-USA range A: Selective pallet rack typically costs $40–$80 per pallet position for a standard 3-level setup. MH-USA range B: Selective rack starts at roughly $150–$300+ per pallet position. Bay cost: A standard 3-level selective rack bay section typically runs $150–$350 per bay section. Installation typically adds $3–$8 per square foot of rack footprint (MH-USA).
Sources (fetched 2 Sep 2026): DACO — selective racking; Interlake Mecalux — pallet racking; MH-USA — pallet rack; Warehouse Solutions Inc — selective pallet racking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is selective pallet racking?
Selective pallet racking stores pallets one deep, providing 100% direct forklift access (Warehouse Solutions Inc). DACO lists One pallet deep, 100% direct access. MH-USA lists 100% pallet selectivity with direct forklift access to every position. Selective pallet rack accounts for roughly 85% of all pallet rack installations (MH-USA).
What bay and frame sizes are common for selective pallet racking?
DACO says The most common bay size is 96 inches wide by 44 inches deep. Interlake Mecalux says for a standard GMA pallet that's 48" deep, the frame is typically 42" deep. MH-USA lists Upright frame depth 36″, 42″, 48″ — 42″ is standard for a 48″-deep GMA pallet; Load beam length 96″, 108″, 120″, 144″.
How much does selective pallet racking cost?
MH-USA says Selective pallet rack typically costs $40–$80 per pallet position for a standard 3-level setup (MH-USA range A). MH-USA also says Selective rack starts at roughly $150–$300+ per pallet position (MH-USA range B). A standard 3-level selective rack bay section typically runs $150–$350 per bay section (MH-USA).
What load capacities do selective beams and frames carry?
MH-USA lists beam pair typically 2,000–12,000 lbs per pair and frame typically 15,000–30,000 lbs. Standard wire decks support 2,000–2,500 lbs per level (MH-USA). Interlake Mecalux says Rack heights typically range from 4' to 40' and posts are slotted every 2".
How narrow can selective pallet racking aisles get with VNA?
MH-USA says Narrow Aisle & VNA reduce aisle widths from 12′ down to 5′–6′ and Gain 40–50% more pallet positions with 100% selectivity. Interlake Mecalux says VNA trucks can reach height up to 40'. Warehouse Solutions Inc says works seamlessly in both standard and narrow aisle layouts.