Frequently Asked Questions

ApexBeam (Nanjing Apexbeam Storage Equipment Co., Ltd.) is an ISO-certified industrial pallet racking manufacturer based in Nanjing, China. We specialize in designing, engineering, and supplying warehouse racking systems worldwide, including selective pallet racks, drive-in racks, shuttle racking, AS/RS systems, and rack-supported buildings (SILO). With decades of manufacturing experience. We serve logistics centers, warehouses, and industrial facilities across more than 50 countries.

ApexBeam has been in the warehouse racking industry since 2007, with about 20 years of manufacturing and export experience. We have completed thousands of projects worldwide, from small warehouses to massive distribution centers.

Our standard selective pallet racks support up to 3,000 kg per level. Heavy-duty configurations can handle up to 5,000 kg per level. Drive-in and shuttle racking systems are engineered based on specific pallet weight and dimensions. We design each system to meet or exceed your exact load requirements.

ApexBeam offers five core product lines:

1. Selective Pallet Racks — The most common and versatile system, offering 100% selectivity for all pallets. Ideal for warehouses with many SKUs.
2. Drive-In Racks — High-density storage where forklifts drive directly into the rack structure. Best for fewer SKUs with high volume.

3. Shuttle Racks — Semi-automated storage using a shuttle cart for 2-way or 4-wayaccess. Maximizes space utilization.

4. Rack Supported Building (SILO) — A structural solution where the racking system supports the building roof and walls, eliminating the need for separate structural columns.

5. AS/RS Racking — Automated Storage and Retrieval System for fully automatedwarehouse operations.

Selective racks allow direct access to every pallet from any aisle, making them ideal for warehouses with high SKU variety. Drive-in racks use a LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) approach where forklifts enter the rack lanes, providing higher density but lower selectivity. Choose selective racks for fast-moving, diverse inventory; choose drive-in racks for bulk storage of fewer product types.

A Rack Supported Building, also known as a Rack Clad SILO, is a structural system where the pallet racking itself supports the building envelope (roof, walls, and sometimes floors). This eliminates the need for separate structural steel columns inside the warehouse, maximizing usable storage space. It is ideal for large-scale cold storage facilities and high-density warehouses.

AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) is a fully automated racking solution that uses computer-controlled stacker cranes to store and retrieve pallets without manual forklift operation. It offers the highest density and speed, ideal for large distribution centers, pharmaceutical warehouses, and automated manufacturing facilities.

Yes. Every warehouse has unique requirements. Our engineering team provides custom design services including:

- Custom rack dimensions (height, width, depth, beam length)

- Custom load capacity (from light-duty to heavy-duty industrial)

- Seismic design for earthquake-prone regions

- Cold storage compatible designs (low-temperature rated materials)

- Mezzanine and multi-level racking systems

We use high-tensile structural steel (typically Q235B/Q355B/Q460C or equivalent) for all racking components. All steel is surface-treated with powder coating, pre-galvanization, or hot-dip galvanization for corrosion resistance. For cold storage applications, we use specialized low-temperature rated materials.

ApexBeam implements a rigorous quality control process at every stage:

1. Raw Material Verification — Every steel coil and profile comes with a mill certificate confirming chemical composition and mechanical properties.

2. In-Process QC — Quality checks during roll-forming, welding, and coating processes.

3. Automated Robotic Welding — Consistent weld quality with tight tolerance engineering.

4. Final Inspection — Dimensional accuracy, coating thickness, and load test verification before shipment.

5. Traceability — Each component is traceable back to its production batch.

Yes. All ApexBeam racking systems are designed and engineered in compliance with:

- FEM 10.2.02 — European standard for design of steel storage systems

- EN 15512 — Design, calculation, and approval of steel pallet storage systems

- RMI/ANSI MH16.1 — American standard for design of pallet rack systems

- GB 50017 — Chinese national standard for steel structures

ApexBeam provides a standard warranty covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty period varies by product type and configuration. Please contact our sales team for specific warranty terms for your order.

Lead time depends on order quantity and complexity:

- Standard selective racks: 15–25 days

- Drive-in /shuttle racks: 20–35 days

- AS/RS systems: 30–60 days

- Rack Supported Buildings: 50–75 days

Expedited production is available for urgent projects. Contact us for current lead times.

We accept orders starting from one full container load (FCL). For standard selective rack specifications, we also support LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments. Please contact us with your requirements for a tailored quote.

Yes. We offer flexible installation support options:

- Installation Drawings & Manuals — Included with every order (detailed assembly drawings and step-by-step instructions)

- On-site Installation Supervision — Our technicians can visit your site to supervise or lead installation, which is cost-effective and mostly adopted

- Full Installation Service — For certain large projects, we can provide a complete installation team

Simply send us the following information by email at sales@njapexbeam.com or through our website contact form:

1. Warehouse dimensions (length × width × clear height)

2. Pallet specifications (size, weight, type)

3. Desired storage capacity (number of pallet positions)

4. Any specific requirements (cold storage, seismic zone, automation level)
We typically respond within 24 hours.

Consider these factors:

1. SKU Variety — Many SKUs → Selective racks; Few SKUs, high volume → Drive-in racks.

2. Throughput Requirements — High turnover → Selective or shuttle racks; Low turnover →Drive-in.

3. Warehouse Height — High bay (>10m) → VNA racks or AS/RS;Standard height → Selective racks.

4. Budget — Selective racks offer the best cost-to-flexibility ratio; AS/RS offers highest efficiency at higher
investment.

5. Special Requirements — Cold storage, seismic zones, or automation needs will determine the optimal system.

Our engineering team can provide a free consultation to recommend the best solution.

VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) racks use specialized reach trucks that operate in aisles only 1.5–2.5 meters wide, compared to 3.5–4.5 meters for standard selective racks. This increases storage density by 40–60% while maintaining 100% selectivity. VNA systems require dedicated forklift equipment and smooth floor surfaces.

A satellite shuttle system combines a shuttle cart (which moves inside the rack lane) with a stacker crane (which transports the shuttle between lanes). It offers semi-automated, high-density storage with LIFO or FIFO access. It is ideal for warehouses with moderate throughput requirements and high space utilization needs.

Standard safety features include:

- Safety Locks — Prevent pallets from being accidentally removed

- Row Spacers / Back-to-Back Connectors — Stabilize rack rows

- Upright Protectors / Column Guards — Protect vertical posts from forklift impact

- Aisle End Guards — Protect the front and back of each aisle

- Load Stop Bars —Prevent pallets from sliding off beams

- Floor Anchors — Secure racks to concrete flooring

Yes. We design and engineer rackingsystems to comply with seismic codes for specific regions, including:

- ASCE 7 (USA)

- EN 1998 (Europe)

- GB 50011 (China)

- Other regional seismic standards.

Seismic design includes additional bracing, higher-grade connections, and specialized engineering calculations.

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Still have questions? Contact our team at sales@njapexbeam.com or call +86 185 1251 6598. We respond within 24 hours.