A Guide to Buying Used Pallet Racking

Welcome to our Used Pallet Rack Guide. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know when buying used structural pallet racks to ensure quality. Here, we’ll answer any questions you may have about purchasing used pallet racking because there are more variables involved when buying used vs. new pallet racks. We hope this page will help you navigate and avoid obstacles throughout the process.

For more info on new pallet racking specifically, see our comprehensive pallet rack guide.

Things to Consider When Buying Used Structural Pallet Racking

Looking to add a pallet rack system to your warehouse? Here are some things to consider before purchasing a system to determine if used structural racking is right for you:

  • Are you adding to an existing storage system or filling a new space?
  • If you have an existing storage system, what are the manufacturer and dimensions of your current pallet rack beams and frames? See our pallet rack identification guide for help.
  • Have you measured your warehouse space? See the warehouse floor plan example.
  • Is the used racking you’re looking at still manufactured today? If not, replacement parts may be expensive and hard to find.
  • Is it universal or a specific design that only works with one style?
  • Have you checked the reseller’s reputation on Google?
  • Are they a reputable company or an individual with little experience?
  • Can they answer your questions?
  • Are safety and compatibility their top priority?
  • Have you looked for bad reviews?
  • Does the pallet rack you’re purchasing have labels or stamps identifying the model number or brand?
  • Stamps may be required to confirm capacity and load ratings or pull permits and meet code requirements.
  • Does the structural pallet racking meet your current capacity needs? 
  • Does your city require that you have stamped engineered drawings?
  • Is it important to have a warranty? If so, you may want to consider buying new pallet racks instead.
Floor plan of a warehouse

This is a warehouse floor plan

The 5 Steps to Buying Used Warehouse Racking

So, you’ve decided to take the used pallet rack route? Follow the five steps below to find and purchase a storage system: 

  1. Measure your warehouse and determine the brand/dimensions of any current pallet rack storage systems.
  2. Find a reputable used pallet rack beam and frame reseller. Here are some questions to ask:
    1. Where are they located? (Consider freight cost).
    2. Are they willing to go above and beyond to meet your needs?
    3. Is safety and product compatibility their top priority?
  3. Get a quote. 
  4. Request images and video of the product. You’ll want to inspect the product for damage/correct sizing.
  5. Make sure you’ll be able to purchase replacement parts.

How to Spot Damage on Used Pallet Racking

As previously stated, it is vital to acquire some sort of product photos, video, or a detailed description of the product’s current state. Here are some examples of product photos and common issues you’ll run into in the used pallet racking industry. 

Stack of mismatched pallet rack beams

Incompatible Brands

Check to make sure the racking matches. If you have an assortment of beams from different manufacturers, like in the image above, it can be an issue with installation and capacity. Additionally, those beams are rusty!

Stack of pallet rack frames with rust and dents

Structural Damage

Take a look at these damaged teardrop pallet rack uprights. The frames themselves are rusted and dented. This type of structural damage is caused by Reach trucks and can affect the overall capacity and stability of your new warehouse.

Pallet rack frames precariously bolted together

Altered Product

Look at these precariously configured upright frames. As you can see, these used uprights were just stacked and bolted together. Unless this was designed by an engineer, this is a red flag.

Stack of rusted-out pallet rack beams

Rust

Look at these Speedrack, old-style pallet rack beams. Not only are they rusty from being stored outside, but this specific beam style has been discontinued. Keep in mind that you want to make sure the storage racking you are purchasing is compatible with your existing rack

Measuring a pallet rack frame

Sizing

Make sure to confirm the exact measurements of any used racking you buy. For example, double-check that 24” uprights are really 24” deep or you might end up with a strange frame that measures 23.5” deep. Half an inch difference is all it takes to throw off your whole pallet rack alignment. 

Get a Used Pallet Rack Quote

We hope our used pallet rack guide can assist you in searching for a used storage system. For more information, call Pallet Rack Now at (888) 915-3499, and we will happily answer any questions. Get a used pallet rack quote with PRN today as well!