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Warehouse Storage & Material Handling Solutions Guide

Comprehensive Warehouse Solutions

Warehouse storage and material handling solutions are the foundation of efficient operations in manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, food processing plants, agricultural operations, and industrial warehouses. The right system can help maximize storage density, improve inventory control, reduce labor costs, and create safer workflows throughout your facility. Whether you’re storing pallets, cartons, long materials, work-in-process inventory, or finished goods, selecting the proper solution is essential for maintaining productivity and supporting future growth.

 

Matco Material Handling Solutions offers a variety of warehouse storage systems designed to meet the needs of diverse industries, including dairy, egg processing, horticulture, manufacturing, and distribution. From selective pallet racking and FIFO flow systems to cantilever racks, mezzanines, and automated storage solutions, we help businesses create organized, efficient, and scalable warehouse environments that drive operational success.

 

FIFO (First-In, First-Out) Flow Racking

FIFO racking systems are designed to ensure the oldest inventory is picked first, reducing product spoilage and improving inventory rotation. Using gravity-fed rollers or carton flow lanes, products are loaded from one side and picked from the other, creating a continuous flow that minimizes handling and increases efficiency. FIFO systems are ideal for operations requiring strict inventory control, lot tracking, and expiration date management.

 

Common Industries:

Food & Beverage Distribution

  • Dairy & Egg Processing
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Manufacturing
  • Cold Storage Warehouses

LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) Push Back Racking

Push back racking utilizes nested carts and inclined rails, allowing pallets to be stored several positions deep. As pallets are loaded, they push previous pallets further back. The last pallet loaded is the first pallet retrieved, making it a LIFO storage solution. Push back systems maximize storage density while maintaining selectivity and reducing forklift travel time.

Common Industries:

  • Beverage Distribution
  • Manufacturing Facilities
  • Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
  • Consumer Goods Warehouses

Drive-In / Drive-Through Racking

Drive-in and drive-through racking systems maximize warehouse cube utilization by allowing forklifts to enter storage lanes. Drive-in systems operate on a LIFO basis, while drive-through systems support FIFO inventory rotation by providing access from both ends. These systems significantly reduce aisle space requirements and increase pallet storage density.

Common Industries:

  • Frozen Food Storage
  • Beverage Warehouses
  • Bulk Manufacturing
  • Agricultural Products

Pallet Flow Racking

Pallet flow racking uses gravity roller tracks to move pallets from the loading side to the picking side automatically. This dynamic storage system provides excellent inventory rotation, increased storage density, and improved order fulfillment speed. Pallet flow is commonly used in high-volume distribution environments.

Common Industries:

  • Grocery Distribution Centers
  • Pharmaceutical Warehouses
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Retail Distribution

Selective Pallet Racking

Selective pallet racking is the most common warehouse storage solution, providing direct access to every pallet location. It offers maximum flexibility, simple inventory management, and low installation costs. Selective racking is highly adaptable to changing product mixes and warehouse layouts.

Common Industries:

  • General Warehousing
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail Distribution
  • Automotive Parts Storage

Double Deep Racking

Double deep racking stores pallets two positions deep, increasing storage density while reducing aisle requirements. Specialized reach trucks retrieve pallets from the rear positions. This system balances accessibility with improved space utilization compared to standard selective racking.

Common Industries:

  • Consumer Goods Warehouses
  • Manufacturing Facilities
  • Beverage Distribution
  • Third-Party Logistics Providers

Cantilever Racking

Cantilever racking is specifically designed for storing long, bulky, or irregularly shaped materials. Open-front arms provide unrestricted loading and unloading while eliminating vertical obstructions. This system is ideal for products that cannot be efficiently stored on traditional pallet racks.

Common Industries:

  • Lumber Yards
  • Steel Service Centers
  • Building Materials Suppliers
  • Furniture Manufacturing

Carton Flow Racking

Carton flow systems use gravity-fed rollers to automatically move cartons from the replenishment side to the picking side. These systems improve picking efficiency, reduce labor costs, and support FIFO inventory rotation. Carton flow is frequently used in high-volume order fulfillment operations.

Common Industries:

  • E-Commerce Fulfillment
  • Pharmaceutical Distribution
  • Food Service Distribution
  • Retail Warehouses