Overhead Storage Racks to Maximize Vertical Space

Overhead storage racks transform unused space above aisles, docks, conveyors, and workcells into safe, organized capacity. If you’re running out of floor space, our engineered overhead pallet racks help you stage pallets at the dock, hold changeover parts near production lines, and keep kitting areas clear without expanding your footprint. We design, permit, and install systems with verified load paths, guardrails/netting, and labeled capacities for code compliance and safety. Explore design options, review case photos, or request a consultation to get a turnkey layout and budgetary quote.

overhead storage racks installed in a school for sports equipment storage

What Are Overhead Storage Racks

Overhead storage racks are ceiling mounted or structure supported rack frames that create secure storage above active aisles and work areas. Unlike traditional pallet racking that occupies floor space, these systems leverage the open volume above forklift travel lanes, dock doors, conveyors, and work cells to add capacity where it is needed most.

Typical applications include above-aisle pallet storage, over-dock buffer zones, and ceiling mounted platforms that hold seasonal inventory, packaging, or maintenance stock. With the right clearances and load ratings, overhead warehouse storage racks integrate into existing layouts while maintaining traffic flow, visibility, and safety.

Reclaim Floor Space

Create storage above aisles, docks, and conveyors
Free up floor space for staging, picking, and throughput
Configure for pallets, cartons, parts, and equipment
Maintain forklift and pedestrian clearances
Integrate with existing racking and building structure

Over-Dock And Over-Aisle Storage Racks

Over-dock storage racks keep outbound pallets close to doors without crowding the dock floor. Pallets are staged overhead, so crews can load faster, reduce congestion, and keep lanes open for forklifts and pedestrians. Over-aisle platforms deliver similar benefits on the warehouse floor, adding reserve storage directly above active travel paths.

By placing buffer inventory overhead, facilities shorten travel, improve line-side replenishment, and preserve clear, safe working zones. These ceiling mounted warehouse racks are ideal for peak season surges, cross-docking, and fast-moving SKUs that require quick access near shipping and receiving.

Features

Create buffer storage directly above dock doors
Keep staging clear while improving load-out speed
Add reserve inventory above active forklift aisles
Reduce travel time between pick faces and docks
Support peak season volume without expanding

overhead ceiling storage racks installed in a warehouse above forklift aisles

overhead storage racks installed in an automotive warehouse for tire storage

Safety, Capacity, And Installation For Overhead Pallet Storage

Safety for overhead pallet storage focuses on engineered load paths, verified capacity, and proper clearances. Systems are designed to rated loads per bay, with anchors, bracing, and decking specified to application. Clearances for lift trucks, sprinklers, lighting, and signage are maintained, and guardrails or netting can be added to help contain loads.

Installation is planned to minimize downtime. Pre-engineered components speed fit-up, while field verification confirms structure, slab, and utility locations. Inspections and labels document rated capacities, and staff training reinforces safe loading, housekeeping, and visibility around above-aisle and over-dock zones.

Features

Engineered load ratings with labeled capacities
Anchoring, bracing, and optional guardrails or netting
Maintained forklift, pedestrian, and sprinkler clearances
Field verification of structure, slab, and utilities
Training on loading, inspection, and housekeeping

Overhead storage near dock doors clearing dock floor space — Move buffer pallets overhead to clear lanes and speed trailer turns.

High-volume docks crowd quickly during peaks. Overhead Storage Racks place buffer pallets above door positions so teams keep lanes open, maintain visibility, and reduce floor clutter.

Stage by route or carrier, then lower pallets as trailers arrive to hold steady load-out rhythms and safer walk/drive paths.

Stage pallets above each dock position
Keep forklift and pedestrian lanes clear
Shorten travel and improve trailer turn times

Production lines need quick access to changeover parts, packaging, and WIP, but floor space near equipment is limited. Storing these items on the ground clutters work zones and slows maintenance or setup teams as they navigate around pallets and totes.

Over-aisle overhead storage racks add reserve capacity above travel paths adjacent to lines. Crews keep critical spares, packaging, and fixtures overhead, then lower what they need for changeovers or kitting. Floor areas remain clear for operators and service carts, while material flows in smaller, safer batches right where it is needed.

Place changeover parts overhead adjacent to equipment
Support 5S and safer small-batch replenishment
Reduce trips to central stores

Frequently Asked Questions

They create storage above aisles, docks, and work areas to free floor space, add reserve capacity, and keep high-access inventory close to the point of use.

Yes, when engineered with verified load paths, labeled capacities, proper anchoring, and clearances for lift trucks, pedestrians, lighting, and sprinklers.

Capacity is engineered per application and labeled per bay or platform. Ratings depend on span, decking, anchors, and the supporting structure.

Design maintains required sprinkler, lighting, and signage clearances. Netting or guardrails can be added while preserving code-required spacing.

Over-dock buffers and above-aisle reserves near fast-moving SKUs, shipping, receiving, conveyors, and production lines.

Pre-engineered components and planned fit-up reduce downtime. Field verification confirms structure and utilities, and work can be phased by zone.

Honest Results

“Thanks for getting our Compact Pallet Rack system completed on time with little disruptions to our operation. Jim did a great job of listening to understand our needs and was able to design a system that works well for us. Kerry and the installation group were great. They were well organized and left the area very clean every day and at the end of the project.”

“Just wanted to reach out and tell you how pleased I am with the renovation. I have been at SMU for quite a long time and for a while I thought that I was destined for inefficient, terrible storage spaces. The transformation that took place was absolutely mind blowing.”

“Together your employees make a magnificent team that portrays good work ethics, dedication, and positive attitude that would make any company proud. The customer service that these gentlemen have given Team Tinker only ensures that we will continue to maintain a partnership with Southwest Solutions Group. Keep up the good work.”

Southwest Solutions Near You

With 7 offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado, plus teams covering every major metro area nationwide, Southwest Solutions Group delivers expert automatic pallet wrapper sales, design, installation, and maintenace support wherever you need it.

Automatic Pallet Wrapper Service Areas

Texas

Offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston & San Antonio w/ sales, design, and installation coverage statewide

Austin
Dallas
El Paso
Fort Worth
Houston
San Antonio

Oklahoma

Office in Edmond w/ sales, design, and installation coverage statewide

Broken Arrow
Edmond
Lawton
Norman
Oklahoma City
Tulsa

Kansas

Office in Lenexa w/ sales, design, and installation coverage statewide

Kansas City
Lawrence
Olathe
Overland Park
Topeka
Wichita

Colorado

Office in Englewood w/ sales, design, and installation coverage statewide

Aurora
Colorado Springs
Denver
Fort Collins
Lakewood
Boulder

Alaska