Plain-language definitions

Glossary

Plain-language definitions for pallet racking, shelving, warehouse capacity, aisle and storage-system terminology.

Pallet position

One designated storage location intended for one pallet.

Bay

The storage space between two adjacent rack frames, normally supporting one or more beam levels.

Beam level

A horizontal storage level formed by a pair of load beams or an approved system component.

Upright frame

The vertical structural assembly that supports rack beams and transfers load to the floor.

Selective rack

Pallet racking that normally provides direct aisle access to each pallet position.

Drive-in rack

High-density racking where a forklift enters a storage lane and pallets are supported on rails.

Push-back rack

A high-density system that stores pallets on nested carts or rails within a lane.

Pallet flow rack

Gravity storage that moves pallets from a loading side toward a discharge side.

Cantilever rack

A storage structure with projecting arms for long or awkward materials.

Carton flow

Gravity lanes that present cartons or totes at a picking face.

Clear height

Usable vertical space below building or service obstructions, not simply the roof height.

Load plaque

Displayed information identifying approved rack loads and configuration limits.

Flue space

Required vertical or longitudinal open space within rack storage associated with fire-protection design.

Honeycombing

Unusable empty storage locations created when lane-based storage cannot accept another SKU or lot.

Rack inspection

A documented process for identifying damage, changes, missing components and unsafe conditions.

Pre-start review

A jurisdiction-specific professional review that may apply before certain equipment or processes are used.

WMS

Warehouse management system used to control inventory locations and movement.

Cube utilization

The proportion of available building volume used effectively for storage.

Occupancy rate

The percentage of available storage positions currently filled.

End-of-aisle protection

Barriers or guards intended to reduce impact exposure at vulnerable rack-row ends.