Pallet Flow Rack in Tacoma, WA

Pallet condition governs whether gravity flow rack performs as drawn. Split boards, protruding fasteners or hanging wrap can stall a load, so receiving acceptance should identify which pallets enter the lanes and which need another handling decision.

Rollers, slope and braking form one arrangement. Speed controllers regulate travel within the tested range; they do not correct a pallet that does not suit the lane. Separators can reduce pressure at the pick face, with their action confirmed during loaded trials.

A Free Design Consultation reviews SKU rotation, pallet data and aisle access before the installation scope is settled. For buildings that also need case picking or denser reserve storage, we coordinate flow lanes with carton flow and pushback areas so the systems work from one plan.

Pallet flow racking for Tacoma's port distribution

Tideflats buildings and cold-storage demand

The Port of Tacoma Tideflats and the Fife corridor hold a mix of older tilt-up stock and newer bulk buildings, with seafood, grocery and import distribution driving steady demand for both ambient and cold-storage rack. In freezer and cooler space, flow lanes concentrate faces and shorten travel, which is where the system's density pays back fastest.

Assign lanes by rotation

Match dated, repeat SKUs to dedicated lanes using real receipt and withdrawal quantities, keeping occasional stock in accessible positions.

Verify pallet travel

Test representative undersides on the selected rollers, checking slope and braking speed controllers across the approved load range.

Size depth to the receipt

Set lane length from normal replenishment quantities, weighing deeper queues against the number of pick faces the product mix needs.

Rehearse opposed-face work

Confirm replenishment behind the rack while picking continues opposite, with truck clearance and a defined response to a stalled load.