Pallet Rack Capacities in 2 Simple Steps

Last week, we reviewed how to determine the basic pallet rack measurements required for your customer's warehouse.  Now, let's take a look at capacity requirements.  Making sure your customer has the correct pallet rack capacities is vital to ensure the system doesn't fail.  It also allows you to provide your customer with the most competitive bid possible.  Below is a quick and easy guide that can be used:

First, determine how much weight will be placed on each beam level and make sure the beams are being uniformly loaded.  For example, the customer has (2) 48" deep x 40" wide pallets weighing 2500# each to be used on 96" long beams.  The customer will have 5000# per level.  Since each manufacturer offers different capacities, you will need to refer to capacity charts or request a quote from the manufacturer to determine the appropriate beam to use.  Here we have Ridg-U-Rak's Teardrop Beam Capacity Chart.  Based on this chart, the customer will require a 4.10L x 96" beam providing 5200# capacity per pair of beams.

Second, determine how many levels the customer will put in each bay and at what elevation each level will be.  For example, the above customer will put 4 beam levels in a 16' tall bay, evenly spaced.  The levels will be placed every 4' at 48", 96", 144" and 192" top of beam.  Since each level needs 5000# capacity, we will need a frame with 20,000# at 48" vertical beam spacing.  Again, you will need to refer to capacity charts or request a quote from the manufacturer.  Below, we are using Ridg-U-Rak's Teardrop Frame Capacity Chart.  Based on this chart, the customer will need a 32I frame which provides 20,600# @ 48" vertical beam spacing.

The customer may have several variations to the above example.  Each application will be unique, and it is important to understand what your customer is loading, how it is being loaded and what specific requirements your customer may have.  If you have any questions on this or other applications, we are happy to help 888-578-1579 or e-mail.

Source: Rack Manufacturer's Institute, Ridg-U-Rak

Back to Basics with Pallet Rack in 3 Simple Steps

Sometimes we need to go back to the basics to help our customers determine the type of pallet rack for their warehouse location.  This may be as simple as determining the depth, height and width of standard selective pallet rack bays.  Below is a quick and easy guide that can be used:

First, look at the required width of the bay.  A standard GMA pallet is 40" wide.  In most applications, a forklift will require 5" width between each frame and the pallet as well as 6" between the pallets on a double wide bay for adequate turning radius for loading and unloading the pallet rack system.  This means we would take the width of the pallets (2 x 40") + 5" + 6" + 5" to get the bay width requirement as seen in the picture above.  In this case, we would require a 96" bay width or beam length.

Second, determine the upright depth.  A typical application requires the depth of an upright to be  6" less than the depth of the pallet.  For example, a standard GMA pallet is 48" deep.  The pallet should overhang the pallet rack beams 3" in the front of the system and 3" in the back of the system.  This ensures that a forklift driver has the most opportunity to sit the pallet on the beams when loading the material onto the pallet rack.  In this example, we would want 42" deep uprights (48" minus 6").

Third, determine the required height of the upright.  A 4" minimum lift is required for a forklift to pick up and move rack out of a position in a pallet rack system.  We need to add this 4" to the height of the load including the pallet to calculate the clear height required below each beam level.  For example, if the load including the pallet is 40" and we need 4" lift off, our clear height requirement is 44".  In this example, we will use a 4" high x 96" long beam.  We can add our clear height requirement (44") to the height of the beam (4") to figure out where our top of beam levels will be placed (levels at every 48").  If the customer required 2 beam levels in this example, we would have a top of beam level at 48" and one at 96".  This means our minimum height requirement would be 96".  Depending on the application, you may choose to have a taller upright for additional growth or to prevent product from falling into an aisle

By looking at the above example, we would provide our customer a upright that is 42" deep, 96" tall and 96" wide.  Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog to help determine the correct frame and beam capacity for your system.

If you have any questions on how to determine these dimensions for your pallet rack project, WPRP would be happy to help.  You can contact us at 888-578-1579 or e-mail us.

Meet Liz Richards from MHEDA

Welcome to our second post of the "Material Handling Helpful Tools Series". This series will blog spotlight many different material handling professionals and provide helpful information for the material handling industry. Our goal is to introduce you to individuals and websites that can improve your success in the industry. Today, we will introduce you to the executive Vice President of MHEDA Liz Richards.

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1. Tell us a little about yourself? Interests Outside of Work, Family, Pets, Hobbies, Entertainment, Special Talents...? 

I am so lucky because working at MHEDA is really a fun job that has blended my personal life and work life in such a satisfying way.  To have a position that involves travel and working with some of the greatest people in this industry has been incredibly interesting and rewarding.

When I was first hired by MHEDA, our daughter Katie was only 10 months old.  Before I accepted the position I was concerned about the travel involved and having such a young child (although my husband Ron is the best Mr. Mom husband ever), so the MHEDA Board suggested I bring her along to meetings whenever possible.  She grew up with MHEDA and it has been a terrific experience for her, not only to see the world but also to interact with some of the nicest, most professional people you’d ever meet.  As a Freshman in college now, Katie has made some wonderful contacts and friends who have helped mold her into the person she is today.

MHEDA is a big part of our family and my husband, parents, sister and daughter have all been at a MHEDA event at one time or another.

We are fortunate to live on lakefront property in the Chicago suburbs so we spend a lot of time on the water, boating, swimming, paddle boarding…of course, when it’s not snowing or raining here in the Midwest!  Even our Golden Retriever Roxy likes to paddle board!  (Photos of husband Ron and daughter Katie on the paddle board with Roxy attached on a tube)

2. Liz, as the executive Vice President of MHEDA what exactly is your role in the organization? My job is to work directly with the MHEDA Board of Directors and basically oversee all facets of the association.  The board members are volunteers and each year a new member is elected president.  It has been really interesting to learn a new management style every year and work with a new leader.  After 18 years working here, I can honestly say I have learned from every one of them (as well as all the individual board members) and consider each of them to be a mentor.  How cool is that?!

3. How did your career path land you in this role? Prior to working at MHEDA I was employed by a large Retirement Community/Health Care facility as the Executive Director.  Our attorney, Tony Colletti had left private law and ended up working at MHEDA as the Executive Vice President.  After one year working here, he realized the job wasn’t for him and asked me to meet with the search

committee.  It’s funny how things happen…I wasn’t looking for a new job and knew nothing about association management or material handling for that matter.  They offered me the position more or less on a trial basis and here I am today!

4. As a woman in a male dominated industry do you have any advice to offer other women looking to get into the material handling industry?
I don’t really think in terms of being a “woman” in this industry and of course I have been asked this question many times.  People have told me I am very approachable and perhaps that helps remove any barriers.  I have always felt like “one of the guys.”

5. What is the Overall Goal of MHEDA?
Our goal is provide members with the tools they need to succeed and prosper.  We developed a strategic planning process at MHEDA which has served us extremely well by uncovering the key issues and challenges members are facing.  As a board we go through a very comprehensive environmental analysis of the marketplace and as a result of this process we develop Critical Impact Factors defining these issues.  Annual goals and action steps are built around these.  Personally, my goal is to make sure I am always uncovering the needs of our members and providing solutions for them.

6. Rumor has it you are on google+ and twitter..very impressive.. How have you seen social media and marketing change the material handling industry? 
I am still a newbie with social media but we have gotten very involved with Twitter most recently and have begun “dipping our toes” in the Google+ pond.  Twitter has been a great way to connect with existing members and meet hundreds of other industry professionals.  I do feel like I have become an active part of the Twitter community.  It’s not only fun but has also reaped some real benefit for MHEDA by raising awareness of who we are and what we do.  A few members have joined as a result.  You can follow me on Twitter @MHEDAOffice or use hashtag #MHEDA to follow our updates.

7. How does one become a Member of MHEDA?
It’s easy to join MHEDA right from our website: www.mheda.org.  Just click on Join MHEDA!  Of course I am always interested in hearing from anyone who wants to learn more about what we offer and how MHEDA can benefit an organization.  Call or email me anytime: 847-680-3500 or e-mail.

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WPRP would like to thank Liz for taking the time to help us out and tell us a little bit about herself.
Make sure to follow and connect with Liz on...   Google+   |    Twitter    |     Linkedin   and feel free to contact WPRP with any questions you may have 888-578-1579 or e-mail.

Meet Dean Millius Material Handling Wholesaler

Welcome to our first post of the "Material Handling Helpful Tools Series". This series will spotlight many different material handling professionals and offer helpful information for the material handling industry. Our goal with this series is to introduce you to individuals and websites that can improve your success in the industry. Today, we introduce you to General Manager/Publisher of the Material Handling Wholesaler Dean Millius.

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I have been the General Manager/Publisher for Material Handling Wholesaler for over 13 years and with our corporation for 29 years. In today's world, this is sort of a weird statement when the average employee remains at one business between 3-7 years in their business career.  I have been blessed to be part of an employee-owned communications company which is based in Dubuque, IA and is also my hometown.  During college, I was a part-time DJ on the radio moving to sales after graduation from Loras College in 1986.  In 1995, I accepted a position with our newspaper as a specialty publications sales manager and then advancing to retail sales manager.  In 2000, I was asked to be General Manager/Publisher of Material Handling Wholesaler.  Again, I am blessed to have been introduced to an exciting and well niched publication with some of the best business relationships I have ever had across the globe literally.  It's great going to trade shows and having people stop me and say how much they love Wholesaler and what a great job it does for their business and helps them to keep in touch with industry trends and news.

When I'm not selling on the phone, you can find me on the Mississippi River in pools #11 and #12 between Guttenberg and Bellevue, Iowa.  I have a 2007 Crownline CR 250 Cruiser which I share with my family and my dogs.  I would be lost without living near the river.  

I also love the history of the river including being an activist for bringing the Delta Queen back on America's rivers.  I recently took my family on the Delta Queen for an over-night stay in Chattanooga, TN.  It is now a floating hotel until Congress gives it the OK to sail the rivers.  Even though it has a sterling safety record, it has to conform to the rules and regulations of a sea-going vessel.  Congress in the past has given the Delta Queen exemptions from the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) act until 2008 because it has over 50% wood structure throughout the boat.  

Talking about activists, I have been known to express my views on politics.  I think the picture says it all.

 
Oh, I almost forgot I love my big cars.  Here is my 1979 Lincoln Town Car.  The last year for the big cars.

If you want to talk about material handling, the river or politics be sure to call, write or text me.  Thanks for reading.
Dean Millius
General Manager/Publisher

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WPRP would like to thank Dean for taking the time to share about himself and the Material Handling Wholesaler.