What is a mobile racking system and how does it work?

A mobile racking system places heavy-duty pallet racks on powered bases that move on rails so operators open only the aisle they need—significantly increasing pallet capacity without adding building space.

Can mobile racking systems be used in freezers or cold storage?

Yes. Mobile pallet racking systems can be specified for cold or freezer applications down to –20°F for food, pharmaceutical, and distribution environments.

Can mobile racks be added to existing pallet racking?

Yes. Most standard pallet racks can be mounted onto mobile carriages to convert a static system into high-density mobile storage.

What control options are available for mobile racking systems?

Options include mechanical-assist handles for manual movement or powered controls with touchpads, remote access, and programmable settings.

Mobile Racking for High‑Density Pallet Storage

Mobile racking eliminates wasted aisles by placing rolling pallet racks on tracks that open only where you need to work. The result is a safer, high‑density solution that can double pallet capacity in the same footprint while preserving full selectivity. From freezers to distribution centers and 3PLs, our engineers design mobile racking systems around your loads, workflows, and budget—including rail layouts, controls, and safety features. Get BIM support with downloadable Revit files, fast budgeting help, and turnkey installation from Southwest Solutions Group. Talk with our storage experts for a free consultation and learn how mobile racking can reduce costs and unlock space in your current facility.

mobile pallet racking system in energy company warehouse for secure and efficient storage

Understanding Mobile Racking

Mobile racking increases storage capacity by removing fixed aisles. Pallet racks are mounted on mobile carriages that move along floor tracks, so only one aisle is open at a time. This design can double storage in the same footprint while keeping aisles forklift-accessible for loading and retrieval.

This mobile racking helps facilities store more without building expansions. They improve organization, reduce travel time, and keep pallets secure. Compact Pallet Racking is suitable for raw materials, finished goods, or seasonal items. Compact pallet racks provide heavy-duty strength and adapt to changing storage needs. Many systems use warehouse rolling racks that glide on rails to maximize space and accessibility.

Mobile racking benefits include:

Mobile carriages eliminate fixed aisles to increase storage density by near 100%
Heavy-duty steel construction supports full pallet loads
Compatible with existing pallet racking uprights and beams
Easy aisle access for forklifts and material handling equipment
Configurable layouts to match facility needs
Scalable design for future capacity expansion

Benefits of Mobile Pallet Racking Systems

These systems help facilities reduce the footprint required for pallet storage or double their capacity within the same space. Mobile racking is ideal for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and cold storage areas where space is limited but inventory accessibility is still critical.

Features Include:

Doubles storage density
Preserves 100% pallet selectivity
Maximizes use of existing space
Reduces new construction costs
Increases operational efficiency

rolling compact pallet racks for efficient warehouse storage and improved accessibility

mobile pallet racking system for police department secure evidence and material storage

Powered & Mechanical Mobile Pallet Racking

Systems are available with either mechanical-assist or powered movement. Mechanical systems use ergonomic hand cranks to shift carriages, while powered systems use push-button or touchpad controls for advanced automation, motion sensing, and remote operation.

Features Include:

Mechanical-assist or powered controls
Low-effort, ergonomic carriage movement
Optional safety sensors and soft start/stop features
Auto-aisle open and park settings
Touchpad, keypad, or remote access

High-Capacity Storage in Cold Rooms & Industrial Zones

High-density pallet racking can be used in coolers, freezers, or package rooms. These refrigerated rolling pallet racks and compact storage systems maintain performance even at -20°F. Components can be ordered with finishes and seals rated for extreme temperatures and conditions to maintain performance and safety.

Features include:

Rated for -20°F freezer environments
Moisture- and corrosion-resistant finishes
Smooth operation on sealed rail systems
Secure and tamper-resistant configurations
Ideal for food, pharma, and cold chain facilities

mobile pallet racking system for cold storage of brewery kegs and supplies

Mobile racking in a cold storage warehouse — Maximize freezer space without losing pallet access.

Cold storage warehouses face high utility costs and limited expansion options. Static pallet racking wastes aisle space—especially in expensive freezer zones.

High-density pallet racking can be used in environments such as coolers, freezers, clean rooms, or secure inventory zones. Components can be ordered with finishes and seals rated for extreme temperatures and conditions to maintain performance and safety.

Rated for -20°F freezer use
Sealed rail systems for clean environments
Corrosion-resistant materials
Lower energy per stored pallet
Ideal for food, pharma, and cold chain

High-density mobile racking for distribution centers — Increase capacity without moving warehouses.

Distribution centers under pressure to expand face high lease or construction costs. Mobile racking provides a faster, lower-cost solution that installs over an existing slab.

By eliminating fixed aisles, DCs can fit twice as many pallet positions in the same square footage. Powered or mechanical controls keep pick operations moving.

Manual or powered movement options
Preserves full pallet accessibility
Higher pick‑face density
Lowers cost per stored pallet
Fully expandable pallet rack systems

Mobile racking for manufacturing plant storage — Store raw materials and WIP inventory more efficiently.

Manufacturers often need more room for machinery—not just storage. Static racking occupies floor space that could be used for value‑added operations.

Mobile racking relocates inventory to high‑density zones, freeing production areas without losing access. Systems can be customized for heavy loads and vibration resistance.

Industrial‑grade components
Supports staging or WIP inventory
Powered or crank‑handle options
Forklift‑friendly layouts
Custom load ratings available

Mobile racking for government and military supply — Increase capacity in secure or space‑limited areas.

Government and defense warehouses require secure, high‑density storage. Mobile racking maintains item‑level access and accountability while expanding storage without new construction.

Designs can support DOD inventory control and include locks, electronic access, and enclosed carriages for sensitive materials.

Locking controls and restricted access
Supports DOD/OSHA/GSA compliant designs
Double pallet count in secure zones
Tamper‑resistant options available
Ideal for MRO, deployment gear, and spares

High‑density mobile racking system — Boost storage revenue per square foot.

3PL operations earn revenue based on stored pallet volume. The higher the high-density pallet racking per square foot, the higher the return. But clients also demand fast, accurate picking.

Mobile Racking helps 3PLs increase client capacity without sacrificing aisle access. They allow for denser layouts and more profitable use of existing buildings.

Expand capacity without expansions
Compact pallet racks enable open-isle access
Powered controls reduce labor effort
Flexible layouts for rotating SKUs
Ideal for e‑commerce and fulfillment

Frequently Asked Questions

A mobile racking system, sometimes called High-Density Pallet Racking on Carriages, places heavy-duty pallet racks on powered bases that move on rails. Operators open only the aisle they need, tripling pallet capacity without adding building space.

A typical mobile racking system provides up to three times more pallet storage within the same footprint, increasing capacity without constructing new warehouse areas.

Yes, mobile pallet racking systems perform well in cold or freezer applications down to –20°F, making them ideal for food, pharmaceutical, and distribution centers.

Each mobile racking carriage can support up to 16,000 lbs per bay, depending on the configuration and load type.

Yes. Most standard pallet racks can be mounted onto mobile carriages, making it easy to convert a static system into high-density mobile storage.

Yes, mobile racking systems include photo eyes, emergency stops, light beams, and motion sensors for full operator safety and code compliance.

You can choose mechanical-assist handles for manual movement or fully powered controls with touchpads, remote access, and programmable settings.

In many cases, yes. Existing mobile racking can be mounted onto mobile bases to reduce project cost while improving space utilization.

Powered mobile pallet racks operate on standard 480 V three-phase electrical service with variable-frequency drives for smooth acceleration and braking.

Typical mobile racking system lead time is 16–22 weeks, depending on project complexity and structural engineering requirements.

Honest Results

“We have worked with Southwest Solutions Group for 16 years. They are a very good company and have done a wonderful job for all of our clients.”

“Southwest Solutions Group is one of those rare subcontractors that you don’t realize they were here – as you’re team is so efficient and focused on getting the project completed. You come in, complete your work and your guys are out. Thanks for the job well done! Our client loves their new high density filing system.”

“The entire Southwest Solutions team did a terrific job. From planning and designing the product to the installers wiping down all the file room shelves. The high density shelving fit perfectly and looks excellent. Thanks for taking care of us."

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 mobile racking sales, design, installation, and maintenance support wherever you need it.

Mobile Racking 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