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Used Flow Racks for FIFO Inventory Systems

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Optimize Space and Efficiency with Gravity-Driven Flow Racks

  • Converts selective pallet racking into a gravity flow system for improved efficiency.
  • Maximizes warehouse space with high-density storage capability.
  • Modular design accommodates a wide variety of materials and product types.
  • Interested in selling your used flow racks? Learn More About Our Purchasing Program
Used Carton Flow Rack
Used Carton Flow Rack
  • Better Organization
  • Quicker Picking Times
  • Reduce Labor Cost
  • Accurate Inventory Control
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Used SpanTrack - Carton Flow Rollers
Used SpanTrack - Carton Flow Rollers
  • Increased Visibility
  • Efficient Use of Space
  • Reduce Labor Cost
  • Easy Reconfiguration
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Used SpanTrack - Carton Flow Beds
Used SpanTrack - Carton Flow Beds
  • Selec Deck Case Flow
  • Dura-Flow by Unarco
  • SpanTrack Wheel Bed
  • Minimal Maintenance
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Used Pallet Flow Rack
Used Pallet Flow Rack
  • Gravity Flow Rack
  • 2-15 Pallets Deep
  • Single or Double Wheel
  • Saves Time, Space, and Labor
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Used Pallet Flow Rails
Used Pallet Flow Rails
  • Single & Double Rollers
  • Install on Selective Rack
  • Includes Brake Assembly
  • Ideal for High-Volume
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Used Mobile Gravity Flow Rack
Used Mobile Gravity Flow Rack
  • Mobile Gravity Flow Rack
  • Ideal for FIFO Inventory
  • Flow Rack Carts
  • Increase Productivity
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We Buy Used Warehouse Equipment

Are you moving or liquidating your facility and looking to sell your used warehouse equipment or material? American Surplus Inc. can help! American Surplus Inc. offers a purchasing program for new and used warehouse and material handling equipment. Learn more about our purchasing program online or call our sales office at (800) 876-3736 to get started.

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About Flow Racks

Flow racks come in four main types: pallet flow, carton flow, skate wheel, and span track. Each type is suited for specific storage applications but operates on the same core principle—using gravity to move products from the rear to the front of the system through integrated rollers or wheels. These systems are designed for facilities that follow a first in, first out (FIFO) inventory method.

Pallet Flow Rack

Pallet flow systems use inclined rails with skate wheels to allow palletized inventory to move forward as front pallets are removed. This setup maximizes space and is ideal for high-density storage of uniform pallet loads.

Carton Flow Rack

Similar in function to pallet flow, carton flow rack is designed for smaller, lighter products. It is commonly used in picking operations and allows for efficient stock rotation and improved visibility of individual SKUs.

Skate Wheel Flow Rack

Skate wheel systems provide more flexibility than pallet or carton flow. They can accommodate a variety of box sizes and weights, making them suitable for mixed inventory and variable packaging formats.

Span Track Rack

Span track uses rollers instead of wheels and is designed for heavier or denser inventory. Like skate wheel systems, span track is versatile but offers additional load capacity and durability.

Dynamic System Considerations

All flow racks are considered dynamic systems—they are loaded from the rear and picked from the front. This improves picking efficiency and reduces forklift congestion in active areas. However, flow rack systems typically require more aisle space compared to static racking, which is accessed from a single side.

Need help choosing the right flow rack system?
Contact our sales team for expert guidance. We’ll help evaluate your facility layout, inventory type, and throughput goals to recommend the best solution for your operation.

Advantages of Flow Racks

Flow racks, also known as gravity flow racks or carton flow racks, are a type of material handling system designed to optimize storage and order picking processes in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. Here are some of the key advantages of using flow racks:

  • Improved Order Picking Efficiency: Flow racks operate on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system. Products are loaded from the rear and flow forward to the picking side, reducing picker travel time and supporting faster, more accurate fulfillment. 
  • Maximized Storage Density: By leveraging vertical space and deep lane storage, flow racks support high-density storage configurations. This is especially valuable in facilities with limited floor space or tall ceilings. 
  • Reduced Labor Costs: With items positioned at the front of the rack, pickers spend less time locating products. This results in fewer labor hours required for picking tasks and contributes to overall cost savings. 
  • Better Inventory Rotation: The FIFO design ensures that older stock is used first, helping reduce product expiration, obsolescence, or overstocking of newer inventory. 
  • Improved Ergonomics: Flow racks present products at the front edge of the lane, which reduces reaching and bending. This minimizes physical strain and supports safer, more ergonomic workflows for warehouse staff.
  • Reduced Product Damage: Because items are moved via rollers or wheels instead of being manually handled or stacked, flow racks help lower the risk of product damage during storage and retrieval.
  • Versatility and Customization:
  • Quick Installation and Adaptability: Flow racks are often modular and easy to install, which allows for quick setup and reconfiguration as business needs change. This adaptability makes them suitable for dynamic and growing warehouse environments.
  • Efficient Stock Rotation: The dynamic nature of flow racks ensures that the oldest products are positioned at the picking face, enabling efficient stock rotation, and reducing the risk of stale or expired inventory.
  • Compatibility with Automation: Flow racks can integrate well with automation systems, such as conveyors or automated guided vehicles (AGVs), further enhancing efficiency and reducing manual handling.

Flow Racks Applications

Flow racks are versatile material handling solutions that find application in various industries and environments. Some of the common applications for flow racks include:

  • Order Picking: Flow racks are widely used for order picking in e-commerce fulfillment centers, warehouses, and distribution centers. The "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) flow ensures efficient and accurate order fulfillment.
  • Assembly Lines: Flow racks are utilized in manufacturing facilities to supply components and parts to assembly lines. This ensures a steady and organized flow of materials, improving production efficiency.
  • Retail Store Replenishment: Flow racks are employed in retail backrooms to restock shelves efficiently. They make it easy for store associates to access products and replenish store shelves quickly.
  • Cold Storage and Food Distribution: In temperature-controlled environments like cold storage facilities or food distribution centers, flow racks aid in organizing and rotating perishable items effectively.
  • Automotive Industry: Flow racks are used in automotive manufacturing plants to deliver parts and components to assembly stations, facilitating smooth production processes.
  • Pharmaceutical and Healthcare: Flow racks are suitable for pharmaceutical distribution centers and healthcare facilities, ensuring proper handling and rotation of medical supplies and pharmaceutical products.
  • Electronics Manufacturing: Flow racks play a crucial role in electronics manufacturing, helping to supply electronic components to assembly lines efficiently.
  • Textile and Apparel Industry: Flow racks are employed in textile and apparel warehouses to organize and retrieve garments, making them suitable for fast and efficient order processing.
  • Automated Warehouses: Flow racks are compatible with automation systems, making them ideal for use in automated warehouses with conveyors or robotic systems.
  • Small Parts Storage: Flow racks are used for storing and organizing small parts, such as screws, nuts, bolts, and other hardware components, in workshops or manufacturing environments.
  • Tool Cribs: Flow racks can be utilized in tool cribs to organize and store various tools, making them easily accessible for workers.
  • Lean Manufacturing and Kanban Systems: Flow racks are often integrated into lean manufacturing setups and Kanban systems to support just-in-time inventory management and minimize waste.
  • Beverage Distribution: Flow racks are used in beverage distribution centers to handle and organize products like bottles and cans efficiently.
  • Aerospace Industry: In the aerospace industry, flow racks are employed to organize and deliver components and materials required for aircraft assembly.

Flow Racks Manufacturers

  • UNEX Manufacturing, Inc.
  • Span-Track by UNEX
  • Flexpipe
  • Mallard Manufacturing Corporation
  • FlexQube
  • Interroll Group
  • Bastian Solutions
  • Hy-Tek Material Handling, Inc.
  • Frazier Industrial Company
  • Creform Corporation

Other Names for Flow Racks

  • Gravity Flow Racks
  • Carton Flow Racks
  • Roller Racks
  • Flow Shelving
  • Dynamic Racks
  • FIFO Racks (First-In-First-Out)
  • Live Storage Racks
  • Carton Live Storage
  • Gravity Flow Shelving
  • Case Flow Racks
  • Flow Through Racks
  • Pick-to-Light Racks
  • Pallet Flow Racks
  • Dynamic Storage Racks
  • Gravity Feed Racks

Flow Rack Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does a flow rack work?
A: Flow racks use the principle of gravity to move products. Products are loaded onto the higher end of the rack, and due to the slope of the rollers or conveyor lanes, they move downward toward the picking end. This ensures that the oldest products are automatically presented for picking, promoting first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management.

Q: What types of products are suitable for flow racks?
A: Flow racks are ideal for products with a high turnover rate or those that need to be picked quickly and efficiently. They are commonly used for small to medium-sized items in various industries, including retail, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage.

Q: How do I maintain a flow rack system?
A: Regular maintenance is essential to keep a flow rack system functioning optimally. This includes inspecting and lubricating rollers or conveyor lanes, ensuring that flow lanes are clear and free of obstructions, and addressing any damaged or worn components promptly.

Q: What safety measures should be in place when using flow racks?
A: Safety measures for using flow racks include providing proper training to employees who operate them, ensuring clear access to emergency shut-off controls, and implementing safety guardrails or barriers to prevent accidents.

Q: Can flow racks be combined with other types of storage systems?
A: Yes, flow racks can be integrated with other storage systems such as pallet racks, shelving units, and mezzanines to create a comprehensive and efficient storage solution that suits the specific needs of the facility.

Q: What are the cost considerations when implementing a flow rack system?
A: The cost of implementing a flow rack system depends on factors like system size, complexity, customization, and the type of products being stored. While there is an initial investment, the efficiency gains and improved inventory management often result in a favorable return on investment (ROI).