What is drive-in racking and how does it work?

Drive-in racking is a deep-lane pallet system that lets forklifts enter the rack and place pallets on rails in depth using a last-in first-out (LIFO) sequence. By eliminating extra aisles, it increases pallet density compared to selective rack.

When should I choose drive-in over selective pallet racking?

Choose drive-in racking when you have many pallets of the same SKU, limited need for FIFO rotation, and a strong need to maximize storage density. If you require direct access to every pallet location, selective pallet racking is usually a better option.

What is the difference between drive-in and drive-through racking?

Drive-in racking has a single entry point and operates as LIFO, with forklifts entering and exiting from the same side. Drive-through racking has entry points on both sides to support FIFO flow, with pallets loaded from one side and unloaded from the opposite side.

What pallets and forklifts are recommended for drive-in racking?

Drive-in racking works best with consistent, undamaged pallets that sit cleanly on the rails. Standard counterbalance or reach trucks can be used as long as mast, carriage, and overhead clearances match the lane width, height, and depth designed for the system.

How deep can a drive-in lane be?

Lane depth is determined by batch size, product stability, and throughput requirements. Many drive-in designs run between four and ten pallets deep, but the optimal depth is the one that aligns with your SKU profile, rotation pattern, and handling capacity.

What safety accessories should I consider for drive-in racking?

Common safety accessories include floor guides, rub rails, post protectors, pallet stops, and clear signage for entry alignment, heights, and lane direction. Proper operator training is essential for safe entry, travel, and exit within the structure.

Drive-In Racking: High-Density Pallet Storage for Warehouses

Drive-In racking condenses aisles to unlock maximum pallet density for cold storage, 3PL peaks, and manufacturing buffers. Our specialists design, engineer, and install turnkey systems that align lane depth, clearances, trucks, and SKU profiles to your throughput goals. Whether you’re replacing selective bays or planning a new freezer, we’ll guide you on guides, pallet stops, protectors, and code compliance plus alternatives like drive-through for FIFO flow. Ready to plan your layout and budget? Request a consultation to get right-sized capacity, safer handling, and lower cost per stored pallet at your facility.

Push back pallet racking sytem for LIFO pallet storage in warehouse

What Is Drive-In Racking

Drive-in racking uses drive lanes and pallet rails so operators can enter the rack with a forklift, place pallets in depth, and retrieve them using a LIFO sequence. This deep-lane approach removes multiple aisles and increases the number of pallets stored per bay, which is ideal when many pallets share the same SKU.

Because pallets rest on elevated rails, consistent pallet quality and driver accuracy are important. Proper guide angles, rail heights, and clear entry widths help maintain smooth travel, stable loads, and predictable throughput.

Useful Applications

Deep-lane LIFO storage for bulk, homogenous SKUs
Pallet rails support loads rather than beams acting as shelf decks
Fewer aisles, more pallet positions per square foot
Forklifts enter the lane for putaway and retrieval
Best fit for stable, predictable rotation

Drive-In vs Drive-Through Racking (LIFO vs FIFO)

Drive-in racking is LIFO: the last pallet stored is the first out, which works for non-perishable or date-flexible product lines. Drive-through racking is the related configuration with two entry points; it supports first-in first-out (FIFO) flow where date order matters.

Choosing between the two depends on inventory rotation, dock orientation, and traffic patterns. If you must preserve sequence, drive-through with dual access is the right path. If density and simple, bulk staging matter most, drive-in keeps the build straightforward.

Features

Drive-in = single entry, LIFO sequencing
Drive-through = dual entry, supports FIFO
Pick based on rotation requirements and dock flow
Both eliminate aisles to boost density
Similar components, different access pattern

drive through pallet racking system for FIFO warehouse storage

drive in pallet racking system for high density warehouse storage

Where Drive-In Racking Excels

Cold storage and freezer rooms benefit from dense, deep-lane storage because every eliminated aisle reduces refrigerated cubic feet and energy spend. Drive-in racking concentrates pallets, shortens travel, and keeps locations simple for bulk SKUs.

It also fits seasonal surges, promotional buys, and manufacturing buffers where large runs of the same item need compact staging. When SKUs are homogenous and velocity is high, deep lanes keep operations lean without over-engineering.

Features

Cold storage and freezer rooms with high pallet counts
Large batches of the same item, limited SKU variety
Promotional or seasonal builds needing compact staging
Manufacturing buffers for raw materials or WIP
Energy savings from fewer refrigerated aisles

drive through high density pallet racking for cold storage — Maximize pallet density and reduce door-open time in coolers and freezers with deep-lane Drive-In Racking.

Cold rooms and freezers gain immediate density by eliminating aisles and staging same-SKU pallets in deep lanes. Operators enter the structure to place and retrieve pallets on rails, shortening travel and minimizing exposure to warm air.

With lane guides, pallet stops, and proper clearances, Drive-In racking supports predictable, repeatable handling in low-temperature environments while lowering energy use per stored pallet.

Deep lanes for high-count frozen SKUs
Lower refrigeration load from fewer aisles
Floor guides and stops improve alignment

Various load size racks for drive in pallet racking — Stage promotions and seasonal surges with simple, lane-based LIFO storage.

3PL and retail DCs often receive large waves of the same item. Drive-In racking dedicates a lane per batch so teams can receive fast and pull short travel paths during peak season.

When the surge ends, lanes are quickly reassigned without complex flow equipment or re-slotting—keeping operations lean between promotions.

Lane-per-promo organization for quick waves
High density without complex moving parts
Easy reassignment after seasonality shifts

Drive-in rack used for metal storage and industrial work — Compact buffers for raw materials and WIP right beside production cells.

Production lines need reliable, high-count buffers for homogenous inputs like packaging, resin, or paper. Deep-lane Drive-In racking places capacity near the point of use while preserving floor space for traffic and QA.

Teams replenish lanes in bulk and pick from the face as needed, reducing touches and travel versus spread-out selective storage.

High-count storage near cells
Bulk replenishment with lane-face picking
Compact footprint saves travel and space

Frequently Asked Questions

Drive-in racking is a deep-lane pallet system that lets forklifts enter the rack and place pallets on rails, using a last-in first-out sequence. It removes extra aisles to increase pallet density.

Choose drive-in when you have many pallets of the same SKU, limited need for FIFO rotation, and a strong need to maximize density. If you need direct access to every pallet, selective racking is better.

Drive-in has a single entry and uses LIFO. Drive-through has entry points on both sides to support FIFO. The right option depends on your rotation and dock layout.

Use consistent, undamaged pallets that sit cleanly on rails. Standard counterbalance or reach trucks can work if mast and carriage clearances match the lane and height design.

Depth is set by batch size, product stability, and throughput. Many designs run four to ten pallets deep, but the best depth is the one that matches your SKU profile and turn pattern.

Common options include floor guides, rub rails, post protectors, pallet stops, and clear signage for entry alignment and heights. Operator training is essential for safe entry and exit.

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 drive in racking sales, design, installation, and maintenace support wherever you need it.

Drive In 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