Pallet racking comes in a variety of styles, and understanding which one suits your operation best can be crucial for optimizing your warehouse space. At Total Warehouse, we specialize in helping businesses identify the perfect pallet racking setup, from engineering and installation to providing additional equipment like lighting and safety features to take your warehouse from early construction to full operation.
This guide will introduce you to the eight most common pallet racking styles found across the United States. Keep in mind that not all racking styles are compatible with each other, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your warehouse’s efficiency. Read on to learn more, and know that Total Warehouse is here to assist with every step of the process, from planning to installation.
Inspection of Pallet Rack Beams & Upright Connections
To determine the style of pallet racking you need, start by inspecting the connection points between the beams and uprights. Different types of connectors are often linked to specific manufacturers, with common options like hook & slot, pin & slot, or bracket and fastener connections. While some styles may appear similar at first glance, you can identify them by looking for defining features, such as locking mechanisms. Additionally, colors often vary by manufacturer, with certain color combinations being exclusive to specific brands.
Below is a breakdown of common pallet racking styles to help you make an informed decision.
Teardrop Rack
Teardrop pallet racking features a widely compatible design with tapered keyholes spaced on 2″ centers, making it easy to expand or repair existing warehouse systems. This roll-formed style allows for quick beam installation using riveted studs and tool-free locking mechanisms for a secure fit.
Available in multiple beam heights and gauges, teardrop racking offers flexibility without sacrificing strength. Its simple, standardized design is trusted across industries for fast assembly, high adjustability, and long-term warehouse efficiency.
Structural Rack
Hybrid structural racks combine the durability of structural steel uprights with the flexibility of roll-formed teardrop beams—offering a cost-effective and impact-resistant solution for high-traffic environments. These systems are ideal for operations where forklift damage is a concern, with thicker steel posts at key impact points for added strength.
At Total Warehouse, we engineer custom solutions using heavy-duty structural racks for advanced applications like Pick Modules, AS/RS, Push Back, and Drive-In/Drive-Thru, and Carton or Pallet flow systems.
New-Style Rack
Newstyle racking, also known as Interlake New Style, is compatible with Teardrop racking. This versatility makes it a great option when you need to mix and match components, especially if you are sourcing used materials. Newstyle uprights feature rectangular slots, with pins spaced 2 to 4 inches apart on the load beams. This style is commonly found with orange load beams and green uprights.
Additional Rack Styles
Sammons racking is most commonly seen on the West Coast. While it may resemble the Teardrop style at first glance, its distinctive feature is the mushroom-shaped connector pins that fit into slots spaced 4 inches apart. This style is typically paired with grey load beams and uprights.
Ridg-U-Rak racking features a hook & slot connection and can be identified by its unique rectangular slots on the uprights. The beams are relatively thin and connect to the uprights with a spring component and two pins that lock securely into place. This design makes Ridg-U-Rak a sturdy yet flexible option for many warehouses.
T-Bolt racking is easy to spot due to the rectangular slots on both the columns and load beams. The load beams are attached with bolts, ensuring a secure connection that’s especially useful in high seismic areas. T-Bolt racks usually come with blue uprights and yellow load beams.
Need Help Expanding or Servicing Your Racking System?
If you’re looking to expand your current racking, repair damaged components, or need help identifying your system—Total Warehouse is here to support you. Our team offers expert assessments, engineering, parts, and full-service installation to ensure your warehouse stays safe, efficient, and code-compliant.
For expert support with your racking system, contact us at (833) 868-2500 or online@totalwarehouse.com.
