Nestable Pallet Guide

Today’s distribution systems are becoming more and more complex. With shorter life cycles, increased inventory speed and more rapid order to delivery demands, it is critical that product moves quickly, safely and efficiently through the supply chain.

Nestable pallets move store and distribute loads within a single warehouse/distribution center. When empty, plastic pallets nest for a cost efficient return trip or warehouse storage. Nestable pallets also interface with all types of high-speed automation and material handling equipment. When combined with Top-Caps sleeves or seat belts a fully unitized load is completed, eliminating the need for stretchwrapping or banding. Here are the top 8 reasons to consider a Nestable Pallet from Material Flow.

1. Limited warehouse space. Nestability allows more storage in a smaller area.

2. Rising transportation costs. Nesting pallets take up less space on the return trip.

3. You can’t afford downtime in automated systems caused by wood pallets.

4. Wood pallets don’t meet your sanitary needs.

5. You frequently have to purchase wood pallets to maintain product flow.

6. Your pallet is used in retail environments where aesthetics matter.

7. You use RFID to track pallets and product.

8. Your shipments occur in closed loop systems.

For all your plastic products need visit Materialflow.com

Rackable Pallet Guide

Rackable plastic pallets optimize storage, reduce product damage and make moving loads easier. Unlike wood pallets, rackable plastic pallets can be ordered as fire retardant or FDA approved. They are also 100% recyclable.  Here are  9 reasons to consider a rackable plastic pallet.

1. Your unsupported racks require dimensionally consistent pallets.

2. Wood pallets can cause costly damage.

3. Your ASRS, AGVs or high rise storage system requires a dimensionally consistent pallet.

4. Your application has sanitation requirements.

5. Your application requires highly impact resistant handling solution.

6. Your wood pallets need frequent repair.

7. You have to invest in pallet support bars or wire decking to adequately support wood pallets in your facility.

8. Your insurance company recommends fire retardant pallets.

9. You use RFID to track pallets and product throughout your system.

Stacker Selection Guide

When choosing a stacker it’s important to get the right one for the job. By answering the following questions you can prevent the hassle of returns, or the headache of realizing the stacker you just purchased won’t work.

What lift height is required? Fixed mast units range from 50″ to 86″. Telescopic (2 stage) mast units range from 94″ to 144″.

What is the weight of the heaviest load? Capacities range from 1000 to 3000 lbs. Remember to consider the added weight of the pallet.

What type of lifting power? Manual operated lifts for energy savings and lighter work cycles. Electric (AC or DC) for heavier work cycles and loads.

What about overall height? Overall height is 14″-18″ higher than lifting height. Don’t forget to consider doorways, pipes, lighting, and other overhead obstructions.

What type of load is being lifted? Would special attachments help? Ram, boom with hook, remote control, special forks or platforms etc…

What are the width restrictions? Double check the width of doorways, narrow aisles and congested areas.

Many stacker models are available, the following information will help you decide which design is best for your application.

Platform Models: Platform models are used as portable lift tables in many ergonomic applications. Oversize platforms are available on special order.

Non-Straddle Fork Models: Non straddle fork models have base legs close together. Typically used for skids where wheels, base legs and forks go under skid.

Straddle Fork Models: Straddle fork models have wider base legs (out-riggers) which straddle load or pallet. (Example: 48″ wide pallet requires 50″ I.D. straddle legs)

Custom Applications: Many standard lifts can be altered for special lifting tasks. Please contact Material Flow at 1-800-338-1382 for more information.

The Proven Benefits of Metro Shelving

Metro Shelving is used in countless businesses across the U.S. here are some real world examples where Metro Shelving helped increase productivity and saved money.

Efficiency and Durability: Management at Circle K wanted to improve the efficiency of their cooler storage area. Metro Super Erecta Drop Mat Shelving with a Metroseal 2 finish was selected as the best storage solution. Storage density was increased by 30% and a 10 year warranted finish gave management piece of mind that their investment would last.

Accessories KeyLabs is the world’s largest commercial test facility for computer networking products. They chose Super Erecta shelving because of the shelving accessories that worked perfect for their business. Retractable keyboard shelves, wire drop shelves, wire management products, power strips and CD Rom towers were all important to increasing efficiency. Vice President of operations J.D Brisk had this to say about Metro Shelving, “The Metro racks convey a clean and attractive image, while providing us
with the value of solid, sturdy racking that we trust to support our equipment.”

Design: Shigeo Hair Salon need shelving but wanted a design that enhanced their space. They chose Metro Display shelving with the Etagere Top Accessory. After adding the shelving sales went up. Owner Tracy Constantine said, “When we added the Metro units,  we realized an immediate response. In addition to increased sales, clients commented on the shelving’s appearance.”