Choosing new pallet racking is often the easy part. Getting the specification right, so that bay sizes, load ratings and beam levels actually match how your warehouse operates day to day, is where many buyers come unstuck. A system that looks sensible in a brochure can turn out to be the wrong depth, rated for the wrong load, or simply awkward to work around once it is installed. Before placing an order, it is worth working through the practical detail that determines whether a system performs well for years, or becomes a source of daily frustration.
Start With Load Ratings, Not Just Dimensions
Every run of new pallet racking should be specified around a UDL, or Uniform Distributed Load, rather than dimensions alone. Two bays can look identical yet carry very different weights safely, depending on upright thickness, frame bracing and beam profile. Pallet racking is classified as work equipment under PUWER regulations, so getting the load rating right from the outset is not just a performance question but a safety and compliance one. If you already know the weight and footprint of your heaviest pallet, share those figures early. It is far easier to specify a suitable system than to discover a shortfall after installation.
Bay Depths, Widths and Beam Configuration
Bay depth, width and the number of beam levels should be driven by what is actually being stored, not by what happens to be in stock. Longer or bulkier pallets need deeper bays, while narrower aisles call for careful thought about upright spacing and access. Monarch Shelving stocks new pallet racking across a range of established brands including Dexion, Link 51, Apex, Redirack, Hilo, Planned Storage, Polypal and Metalsistem, and can advise on matching a new run to an existing system where a warehouse is expanding rather than starting from scratch. This matters most when a business is adding capacity in stages rather than fitting out an entire warehouse in one go, since beam heights and upright spacings need to line up cleanly with what is already on the floor. Getting this stage right avoids costly reconfiguration later.
Accessories and Safety Components That Complete the System
A racking system is rarely just uprights and beams. Wire decking, column guards, load notices and other pallet rack accessories all play a part in how safely and efficiently a system performs once it is in daily use. Column guards protect uprights from fork lift impact, wire decking prevents small items falling between beams, and clear load notices help staff work within rated limits. These details are easy to overlook when specifying new pallet racking, but they matter just as much as the racking itself.
Stock Availability and Delivery Lead Times
Monarch Shelving holds large stock volumes of new pallet racking, which allows for faster, more reliable delivery once a specification has been agreed. Delivery costs are calculated at checkout, and our team is happy to advise on shipping for larger or heavier orders. Where a warehouse needs to move quickly, whether due to growth, a new site or a compliance deadline, having stock ready to despatch can make a meaningful difference to project timelines. It also means changes to an order, such as an extra bay or a different beam configuration, can usually be accommodated without the long wait times sometimes associated with made-to-order systems.
Speak to Monarch Shelving About Getting Your Specification Right
If you are planning a new installation or expanding an existing warehouse, our team can help you work through load ratings, bay configurations and accessory requirements before you commit to an order. Getting the specification right for your new pallet racking from the outset means fewer surprises during installation and a system that continues to perform as your operation grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Load capacity is expressed as a UDL, or Uniform Distributed Load, and depends on factors including upright gauge, beam profile and bracing. It is best confirmed before ordering, based on your heaviest pallet weight and dimensions.
In many cases, yes. Our team can review your existing system and advise on compatible beams, uprights and accessories so that new additions integrate cleanly with what is already installed.
Lead times vary depending on order size and specification, but Monarch Shelving holds substantial stock, which helps keep delivery times as short as possible. Contact the team for a lead time specific to your order.
Yes, our installation teams work across the UK and can fit racking to the agreed specification, alongside supply-only options for warehouses with their own installation resources.
Related Reading
- New vs Used Pallet Racking: Which Is Right for Your Warehouse?
- What Should You Check Before Buying Used Pallet Racking?
- Pallet Racking Inspections
Get in Touch
To find out more or to discuss your storage requirements, contact the Monarch Shelving team today on 0161 627 3444 or email sales@monarchshelving.co.uk.
