Glossary of TermsBack To Back:  In this configuration, pallet racking is installed  back to back. Some major advantages of this are reduced lanes, and the stability to the racking structure, as the bays of racking are tied together with the use of row spacers. See also: Double Deep (below)

Bay:  This is another term used to describe a section of racking or shelving. As in a bay of racking, or a bay of shelving.

Beams:  The horizontal beam determines the size of the bay and holds the load. At Econo-Rack, we carry mostly ledged beams and some sizes in box beams, but our plant can produce box beams for you in the size and weight capacity that works best for your storage applications.

Box Beams:  Box Beams have no inset step and have four flat sides like a box. All load beams typically mount onto an upright frame column with integral rivets or hooks. Some systems utilize an extra clip or bolt to lock the beam to the upright.

Carton Flow:   Carton Flow is a pallet racking system also designed for depth space; it uses a slightly inclined conveyor that makes pallets or totes move easily along a sloped plane. These systems are also called gravity flow or dynamic flow racking systems. The pallet flow system often has complex motion and braking systems to control the speed of the moving pallet. 

Cantilever Racking:  Cantilever racking is a specialized form of racking designed for storing long items, such as lumber and piping through the use of arms that are anchored on one end to the racking column, and then protrude outwards at an angle slightly higher than horizontal, to prevent the product from falling off.

D.I.P.S.  This acronym stands for drop in panels, which are used in our QA racking line of heavy duty shelving

Double Deep:  Double deep is a term used to describe a racking layout with back to back rows of 2 deep selective rack.

Drive In Racking:  With the use of Drive In Racking, forklifts enter into the individual bays of the racking themselves and high density storage can be achieved with 80% less storage space.

FIFO:  FIFO is an acronym for First In, First Out. This expression describes the principle of a queue processing technique for product SKU's. Product enters the racking from the rear and removal is done from the front. In other words, the first product added to the queue or position in the racking will be the first one to be removed.

Frames:  In a pallet racking structure, the ends are known as the frames ,  and they are in turn joined together with the addition of the beams.

Ledged Beams:   Most Ledged Beams, or Step Beams, are roll formed members with a step along the top inside edge. This step is used to hold any load support components such as pallet supports or wire decks.

LIFO:  LIFO is an acronym for Last In, First Out. This means that the last product entering the storage racking is the first one to be removed. This is found in Double Deep pallet racking.

Pallet Flow:  Pallet Flow and Carton Flow is a pallet racking system also designed for depth space; it uses a slightly inclined conveyor that makes pallets or totes move easily along a sloped plane. These systems are also called gravity flow or dynamic flow racking systems. The pallet flow system often has complex motion and braking systems to control the speed of the moving pallet. 

Pallet Racking:  Pallet Racking is a material handling storage aid system designed to store materials on pallets (or "skids"). Although there are many varieties of pallet rack, all types allow for the storage of palletized materials in horizontal rows with multiple levels.  

PDF:  This acronym stands for Portable Document Format, and all the printable forms within our website are created using the PDF format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader V4.0 (or higher) you can the download the Reader only version for free at the Adobe website.

Pick Modules:  In a multi level environment, pick modules are large and complex structures which facilitate the storage and retrieval of loads. Typically essential to large distribution centres, they are a combination of basic pallet racking components, such as uprights and beams, and subcomponents that facilitate the movement of product and inventory control.

PSR:  PSR is an acronym for Pre-Start Health & Safety Review.

Push Back:  Push Back racking is a racking system that utilizes a series of nested rolling carts.

Racking:  Racking is a term used to describe a storage structure using frames and beams. It is sometimes referred to as shelving, but the name racking is used where higher weight capacities for product storage are required.

Roll Formed:  Roll Formed is a process that is used to produce storage rack components that make up the uprights of the frames. The uprights are then either welded together to form the finished frames using diagonal and horizontal braces, or they are assembled to produce our bolted racking .

Row Spacers:  Row spacers are sometimes used if uprights are arranged in back-to-back rows; the spacers are mounted between adjacent columns to ensure that the rows are kept straight and to give the pallet racks even more strength and steadiness.

Safety Bars:  Safety Bars are metal cross bars that assure proper load balance and prevent misplaced pallets from falling through. Safety bars would be used instead of wire decks.

Safety Clips: Also called MSC ( manual safety clip ) These are inserted into the beam brackets so that the beams do not accidently disconnect from the frames. They are typically used in pallet racking, but we recommend they be used in all types of racking, including hand loaded light duty racking. Please note that the stock clips are identified by the red arrows. The rest are available by special request.

Selective Racking:  Selective Racking is an effective method of storing pallets one deep from the aisle while utilizing the vertical space. It is the cheapest, most economical storage solution.  This style of racking is readily available at Econo-Rack and can free up your valuable floor space.

Shelving:  Shelving is a term that is used to describe a storage unit used in the storage of hand loaded products as opposed to racking which is typically pallets stored with the use of a forklift or other mechanical device. Shelving is generally composed of metal components which create a multi-level shelf system that can support a wide range of materials.

SKU:  The term SKU is an acronym for Stock Keeping Unit. Invariably it is used to describe a particular product in one's stock inventory listing.

Structural Racking:  Structural pallet rack systems are very similar to roll formed pallet rack systems except the horizontal load beams are attached to the uprights with bolts and have much greater weight-bearing capacity. Also, structural pallet racking can be designed into the structure of the building itself, so that the upright columns are simultaneously used to support the roof of the storage facility, in which case the structural pallet rack uprights replace the storage building's vertical support I-beams. This system is a rack supported building.

T & D:  The term T & D is the common acronym for tie and diagonal. (See Roll Formed above)  The ties are the horizontal braces welded to the frame, and the diagonals are the braces which are welded diagonally to the frame.

Uprights:  Uprights, or upright Frames (also called upright columns) vary in size and design depending on load requirements, and styles. The most common upright column is produced by roll forming flat coil stock steel into a modified "C" shape with returns. This style is often referred to as open-back roll-formed columns. Holes or slots are punched during manufacturing up and down the column at standard intervals so that the load beams can be mounted into the upright columns. Upright frames can also be constructed utilizing structural C shapes for columns. Structural uprights have an increased weight capacity over roll formed uprights.

VNA:  In a Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) system, pallet racks can be placed closer together than other solutions because they are loaded and unloaded using a side loading fork truck. This enables aisles to be extremely

Wall Spacers:  Until a few years ago, wall spacers were  used to tie or anchor the racking uprights to the walls of the buildings. This is now known to be an unsafe practice and we do not condone or sell this product. Econo-Rack offers a more safer alternative for single runs of racking. For more

information, please call one of our salesmen and they will be happy to explain the other options we have to offer you.

Wire Mesh Decks:  Wire   Mesh Decking  is commonly used as a safety measure on selective pallet rack to prevent pallets or the products stored on them from falling through the rack structure. Wire mesh decking comes in various thicknesses and mesh dimensions. Wire mesh construction also allows for easy identification of shelf contents and prevents dirt and other debris from accumulating on the shelves because of the holes in the mesh. Most wire mesh decking has U-shaped channel supports, also known as struts, to support the load. With this waterfall decking, the wire mesh extends across the top and down the front of the beam to provide more support, and is more desirable in the marketplace.

GLOSSARY OF SHELVING TERMS - SHELVING MADE EASYClick on bold terms to be sent to product page that shows a picture to better understand term. Some page links show only one version of the product but many are available in different sizes and colors.

•Adjustable Wall Mount Double Shelf Bracket: Attaches to post and supports shelves side by side

•ARA Bracket: Bracket anchored to wall that allows for a shelf to slide into the adjustable support.  Similar to the JAM and SPLASH brackets, the base underneath the shelf comes out further and is longer

•ATLAS Bracket: Two brackets that connect to the shelf as a post underneath with rubber washers that protect the finish.  Allows for easy leveling and efficient cleaning.  Allows for shelf to be picked up off of bracket 

•BELT Bracket: Support anchored to wall that spans the width of the shelf and is the same thickness allowing for it to slide over the shelf at either end.  The “foot” at the bottom of bracket can also be reversed to the top. 

•Bracket: Anchored to wall or upright to support weight of shelf

•Brass Mounts: Mental bracket that anchors to wall to hold glass shelf

•BRIDGE Bracket: Bracket that is mounted to wall for a sleek actual bridge looking design 

•Caster: A wheel or tire mounted on the bottom of a larger object (a shelf) that enables the object to easily move, available as a base option

•Corner Round: Curved clothes rod that connects two straight rods

•CUBE Bracket: Support mounted to the wall and gives illusion that shelf is floating once in place

•Donut Bumper: Placed on post above the caster to protect the shelving unit and walls

•Footplate: A triangle accessory that screws into the post and provides more stability.  This base option can also be  anchored to the floor

•GO-Box: Short for Garage Organizational Box.  Same as an O-Box but made specifically for garage storage. A  modular unit that allows for more organized space and storage.  Can come with shelves (one or multiple), drawers or  can be left empty.  Can be stacked, set side by side or mounted to uprights.

•Hanger Rail: Used only in wire shelving and fits into a post. Can be run either the length or the width of your standing unit

•Hanging Rail: Screws into wall and stands as base to entire shelving wall system.

•JAM Bracket: Bracket that allows for shelf to be slid into it, so the shelf sets into the support.  Adjustable so shelves

 of different thickness can be accommodated.  Similar to the SPLASH and ARA brackets but base underneath shelf is curved.

•Loop Hook:  Clips onto shelving post for extra storage.  Ideal for hangers. 

•O-Box: Stands for Organizational Box.  A modular unit that allows for more organized space and storage.  Can come with shelves (one or multiple), drawers or can be left empty.  Can be stacked, set side by side or mounted to uprights. 

•Post: Strong piece of material, like medal, that sits upright as a support for a whole unit and serves as place of attachment

•Post Cap: Fist securely into top of post for a finished look

•Post Clamp: Adjoins two shelving units for greater stability

•Post Leveler: Comes with all wire shelving, screws into bottom of post for a stationary spot in your home

•Post Wall Bracket: Bracket that is anchored into wall to support the post of your shelving unit

•S-Hook: Metal accessory used to hook free standing wire shelving together

•SCOOP Maxi Bracket: Bracket anchored to wall that is adjustable so shelf can easily slide in.  Has a scoop underneath as the base so the shelf actually sits on the bracket

•SHAKER Bracket: Two wooden brackets in shape of half circle with slit that allows for easy shelf slid-in

•Shelf Locator: Holds shelf securely in place and forms a bond between bracket and shelf using adhesive tab

•SI Chrome Wire Shelving: Shelving, Inc., brand chrome wire shelving.  Easy to assemble with free-standing and mounted units.  Available in one, two, three, four or five shelf units.  Add-On shelving kits help to maximize space.  Site has numerous accessories that can be added to units, like hooks, hardwood inserts and liners that can turn a shelving unit into a bench or even a desk    

•Single Wall Mount Bracket: Attaches directly to wall allowing for placement of a single shelf

•Sliding Tie and Belt Rack: Fits onto upright like a bracket but has a sliding rack mounted on top and fitted with  hooks to organize ties, belts and scarves

•Spanner: Attachment that connects to two uprights allowing for additional storage like a basket

•SPLASH Bracket: Bracket, which is anchored to wall and adjustable, allowing for easy shelf slid-in.  Similar to ARA and JAM brackets except base underneath shelf is a greater width and has a pointed end for a sleek look.

•Split Sleeve: Plastic connecter used to attach wire shelves to posts, comes with all wire shelving. Split Sleeves will comfortably fit around 1" diameter chrome posts. The chrome split sleeves lock into the grooves that are spaced 1" along the pole, allowing for many options of chrome shelf heights.

•Threaded Caster: Stem part of caster that screws into the post, therefore you can unscrew the wheels, available with or without brakes

•Threadless caster: Stem part of caster that is pounded into post and has to be forcibly removed, available with or without brakes

•Upright: Hangs vertically on hanging rail and supports shelf brackets and O-Boxes

•Valet Rod: Fits onto upright but no shelving is placed on it.  It is fitted with a sliding rack mounted on the wood  bracket that pulls out to display clothing

•Ventilated Bracket: Support that can be added to uprights or hanging rails fitted in place to ventilated shelving with a slit taken out in the middle to hold shelf in place 

•Ventilated Shelf Hook: Attaches directly to upright and used a multipurpose accessory

•Wall Mount Double Wire Shelf Bracket: Attached directly to wall and supports shelves side by side

•Wall Mount Shelf Brackets: Attached to wall mounted post to place a shelf on

•Wall Mounted Post: Post that can be attached to wall to create wall mounted shelving unit

•Wave Hook:  Snaps onto shelving post for extra storage.  Unique wave design allows for multiple items to hang on hook

•Wire Accessories: Custom options that can be added to the wire shelving shelving units. The accessories make the kits more useful by adding on casters, hooks, posts and handles.

•Wire Carts: Wire shelving on durable casters, allowing easy movement and transportation. Available with or without handles and various numbers of shelves to accommodate storage needs.

•Wire Corner Kits: Sturdy corner kits are chrome plates steel units that will utilize the extra corner space in your home. The kits are easy to clean and don't accumulate dust because of their ventilated design.

•Wire Shelf Enclosure: Create an easy-to-access cabinet on your shelving kit that conceals all items inside. The enclosures comes in a variety of different colors and makes side panels for your kit to use as a desk or even a coffee table.

•Wire Shelf Liners: Durable liners that can be places on your wire shelves for protection of small items and adding a touch of style. Our shelf liners are available in many colors, are moisture resistant and are extremely versatile.

•Wire Shelving Add-On Kits: Extra shelves for existing wire shelving units that can be customized by re-arranging posts to form a long shelving unit or a 90 degree corner angle unit. Add-on kits are ventilated and open, preventing dust accumulation and constant cleaning.

•Wire Shelving Kits: Prepackaged for your convenience, each kit includes shelves, posts, leveling feet and split sleeves. There are different dimensions to choose from and if you can't find the exact dimensions you are looking for you can always design your own. 

•Wood Bracket: Support that fits onto uprights allowing you to place a wood shelf on top of it and is hollow to place shelf locators in for a secure fit.

•Wire Wardrobe Kits: Equipped with a strong rod that runs along the top of the wardrobe and sturdy wire shelves at the bottom, the kits are sleek and stylish. Keep them comfortably hidden in a closet or in the open to keep your clothes looking clean and organized.

•Wire Wine Racks: Durable racks that contain individual cradles to safely hold full size wine bottles. They can hold anywhere between 30 and 168 bottles of wine or you can build your own kit to hold as many bottles as necessary.