Drive-in pallet rack requires the forklift to physically be driven into the pallet storage lane for loading and unloading. This process demands a well-trained, skilled driver. Apex is here to help ensure your drivers meet that requirement.

Our training video provides a solid overview and essential steps for training your forklift drivers. Note the steps to success and the cautions noted in the video:

Essential Steps Before Loading the System:
• Ensure all operators are OSHA trained
• Always use standardized, quality pallets
• Check for broken or splintered pallet boards – don’t place damaged pallets in the lane
• Check that the load weight is under the rated system capacity

Drive-In Pallet Loading Procedures:
• Square the forklift with the opening of the drive-in lane
• Lift the pallet 3” to 4” above the rails
• Slowly drive to the last open pallet position and carefully lower the pallet onto the rails. Always load a Drive-In lane working from the FLOOR-Up starting with the last (or furthest) location.
• Slowly back out of the system
• Continue to load pallets - floor up/ and from BACK to FRONT until the lane is full.

Important Cautions:
--Misaligned Pallets:
Should the pallet be misaligned (not centered squarely on the rails), the driver MUST re-enter the rack and re-secure the pallet onto the forklift.
Once the driver has the pallet secured on the forklift, it can be centered within the lane and lowered back onto the rails.
It is NEVER acceptable to attempt to push or pull the pallet along the rails hoping that it will “fall into place.” Unfortunately, that is a common and dangerous pallet loading error. This action stresses the system and could cause the pallet to shift and fall through the rails resulting in product and component damage and worker injury.

--Loading Floor Up
Load from the floor up and from the last (furthest) position to the front. Loading upper pallet locations first can impact the system's structural integrity and potentially lead to accidents or system failure.

To unload the system, the driver reverses the steps followed in loading the drive-in rack.
Drive-In Unloading Procedures:
• Enter the drive-in lane with the truck’s forks elevated to the height of the pallet to be removed
• Secure the pallet with the forks and raise it approximately 3” to 4” above the rail
• Slowly back out of the lane
Note, the driver must carefully consider the turning radius of the forklift once in the aisle to prevent rack impact and damage. The optional cant leg frame design provides additional clearance for easier forklift maneuverability around the drive-in system.

If you have any questions regarding drive-in pallet rack systems design, operation or maintenance, call the Apex team. Our pallet rack experts are available to answer your questions or even evaluate the safety of your system and operations.

Learn more about Drive-In Pallet Rack Driver Training: https://www.apexwarehousesystems.com/...

Contact the Apex team for design & installation through inspection & repair, if needed. Our team is here to help ensure the safety of your operation: https://www.apexwarehousesystems.com/...
Drive-in pallet rack systems: https://www.apexwarehousesystems.com/...