
Selective pallet racking is the most common pallet racking system in use today. It is called “selective” because it provides the highest degree of selectivity making every pallet or SKU in the system accessible with a “Pick Face”. It provides single deep pallet storage and can be configured as a single row or back-to-back rows.
Selective Pallet Racking is best suited for high mix, low volume SKUs.
How does Standard Selective Pallet Racking compare to other options?

Advantages
- Selectivity: 100% access to every SKU or Pallet in the system
- Inventory Rotation: FIFO is easily achieved through manual procedures or Warehouse Management Systems
- Material Handling Equipment: No need for specialized forklifts or reach trucks
- Availability: Components are readily available and often in stock
- Investment: Requires the least investment in the racking system on a cost per pallet position basis
Disadvantages
- Footprint: Requires the most square footage, which increases construction or leasing costs
- Density: Provides the least density (number of pallet positions for a given area)
- Travel Times: More distance to cover for storage and retrieval operations create longer travel times
- Throughput: More people and equipment may be necessary to obtain the required throughput
Standard Selective Pallet Racking Layout Dimensions and Equipment Considerations
Selective racking can be designed with aisle widths to accommodate a variety of material handling equipment and to achieve greater density.
Counter Balance Forklift
- Typical Aisle Width 12 feet or more
- Density Approximately 35%
Reach Truck
- Typical Aisle Width 9 – 10.5 feet
- Density Approximately 45%
Turret or Articulating Forklifts (VNA)
- Typical Aisle Width 6 to 7 feet
- Density Approximately 60%

Do you need components or design help with a selective pallet racking system?
We can help with design, product selection, and components from our existing inventory. Email us with the details and we’ll get back to you with more information.