Drive-In Drive-Thru Rack Systems

High-Density Storage

Drive-In Drive-Thru Pallet Racks

Tired of wasted warehouse space? Looking for more storage without expanding your facility?

At Massey Rack, we’ve helped countless Texas businesses solve their storage crunch with drive-in and drive-thru racking – the most space-efficient pallet storage system available. Based in Houston and serving the entire Gulf Coast region, our team brings hands-on warehouse storage equipment expertise to every high-density storage project.

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Storage That Works Harder For Your Business

Warehouse space in Texas isn’t getting any cheaper. That’s why smart operations managers are turning to drive-in and drive-thru rack systems to maximize every cubic foot of their existing facilities.

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Unlike traditional selective racking that requires an aisle between every row, drive-in and drive-thru configurations allow your forklifts to enter directly into the rack structure. This simple but revolutionary design eliminates unnecessary aisles, increasing your storage density by up to 75%.

The concept is straightforward but tremendously effective:

  • Drive-in systems have a single entry point (Last In, First Out inventory flow)
  • Drive-thru systems offer access from both ends (First In, First Out inventory rotation)
  • Both designs dramatically increase storage capacity in the same footprint

“We were facing a 40,000 sq ft expansion until Massey Rack showed us how drive-in racking could double our capacity within our existing walls,” says Tom R., Operations Director at a Houston distribution center. “The project paid for itself in under 8 months.”

The Right System For Your Operation

No two warehouses are identical – that’s why we start every project with a thorough assessment of your specific needs:

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Drive-In Racking (LIFO) works beautifully for:

  • Seasonal merchandise storage
  • Non-perishable bulk inventory
  • Building materials and industrial supplies
  • Any product where date rotation isn’t critical

Drive-Thru Racking (FIFO) excels for:

  • Food and beverage distribution
  • Date-sensitive inventory
  • Manufacturing supply lines
  • Operations requiring strict inventory rotation
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Both systems deliver exceptional space utilization, with most clients gaining 60-75% more storage capacity compared to traditional selective racking. That’s like getting extra warehouse space without the construction costs or increased overhead.

Components Built For Texas-Sized Demands

Our high-density storage systems aren’t just space-efficient – they’re built to handle the toughest warehouse environments. Each component is engineered for the specific challenges of high-density storage:

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Heavy-Duty Uprights

Reinforced frames that support multiple pallet loads across the depth of the system. We typically specify 12-14 gauge steel – significantly heavier than standard selective rack uprights.
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Continuous Load Rails

Unlike traditional beams, these specialized rails run the entire depth of the system, creating lanes for pallet support while allowing forklift clearance underneath.
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Entry Guides & Protectors

Critical safety components that protect your investment by guiding forklifts into proper alignment and preventing costly damage to the rack structure.
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Pallet Stops & Position Markers

Safety features that prevent push-through and ensure proper pallet positioning within the system.
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Floor-Mounted Guide Rails

Optional but recommended components that direct forklift travel within the rack structure, preventing collisions with support columns.
One facilities manager in Baytown told us: “After three years of heavy use, our drive-in system looks and performs like new. The rugged construction has stood up to everything our forklift operators have thrown at it.”

New & Used Options To Fit Your Budget

At Massey Rack, we understand that different operations have different budget constraints. That’s why we offer both new and quality used drive-in and drive-thru racking components:

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New Systems

  • Factory-fresh components with full manufacturer warranties
  • Custom configurations for exact fit to your facility
  • Available in various load capacities and heights
  • Typically delivered in 2-3 weeks

Quality Used Systems

  • Thoroughly inspected and certified components
  • 30-50% cost savings compared to new equipment
  • Many components available from our extensive Houston inventory
  • Same installation quality and load capacity guarantees
All our used rack components undergo a rigorous 27-point inspection before being approved for resale. We never compromise on safety or performance – just on price.

Our Installation Process

Professional installation is critical for drive-in and drive-thru systems. Our experienced crews handle the entire process:

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Site Assessment & Measurement

We’ll evaluate your facility’s floor capacity, clear height, and specific operational requirements to determine the optimal configuration. Our warehouse design services ensure you get the most efficient layout possible.

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Custom Layout Design

Our team creates detailed CAD drawings showing exactly how your system will integrate with existing constraints like columns, lighting, and sprinklers. We also handle permitting services for high-pile storage requirements.

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Professional Installation

Certified installers handle every aspect from delivery to final assembly, ensuring proper alignment, anchoring, and bracing.
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Safety Verification

Upon completion, we conduct load testing and provide detailed documentation of system capacities and safety features.
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Operator Training

We’ll train your forklift operators on proper techniques for using the new system safely and efficiently.
When asked about our installation process, one client said: “Their crew worked around our schedule, completed the job ahead of time, and left the site cleaner than they found it. Can’t ask for more than that.”

Common Questions About Drive-In/Drive-Thru Racking

How does drive-in racking compare to selective racking?

Selective racking offers 100% accessibility to every pallet but requires an aisle between each row. Drive-in systems sacrifice some accessibility for dramatic space efficiency, typically storing 60-75% more pallets in the same footprint.

What's the difference between drive-in and drive-thru?

Drive-in has one access point, creating a LIFO (last in, first out) inventory flow. Drive-thru has openings at both ends, enabling FIFO (first in, first out) rotation. Both deliver similar space efficiency.

What types of products work best in these systems?

These systems are ideal for homogeneous inventory – multiple pallets of identical products. They’re not suitable for operations requiring access to individual pallets of different products.

How deep can these systems be configured?

Most systems range from 3-10 pallets deep. The optimal depth depends on your inventory turnover requirements and forklift capabilities. We’ll help determine the most efficient configuration for your specific needs.

What weight capacities are available?

Our standard systems handle 2,000-3,000 pounds per pallet position. Heavy-duty configurations can support up to 4,500 pounds per pallet. All capacities are clearly documented for safety compliance.

Do these systems require special forklifts?

Most operations use standard counterbalanced forklifts with these systems. The key requirements are sufficient lift height for your system and properly trained operators. We can advise on specific equipment recommendations for your configuration.

How long does installation take?

Most installations take 3-5 days depending on system size and complexity. We work around your schedule to minimize operational disruption.

Get Expert Advice On Your Project

Not sure if drive-in/drive-thru racking is right for your operation? Let our storage specialists evaluate your specific needs.

At Massey Rack, we’ve been optimizing Texas warehouses for over 20 years. Our team brings hands-on experience with every type of pallet storage system, ensuring you get the right solution – not just a sales pitch.

Call our Houston office at (281) 310-5405 for straightforward advice on your warehouse storage needs. Or request a no-obligation consultation and quote online.