Technical Foundation
What Is a Dunnage Rack?
A dunnage rack is a low-profile shelving unit, typically 8 to 20 inches off the floor, used to store bagged, boxed or loose goods off a warehouse or cooler floor without requiring a full pallet rack bay. Unlike pallet racking, dunnage racks are freestanding, do not need forklift-height clearance to load, and are commonly nestable (stacking flush inside one another when empty) or stackable (loaded units stacking directly on top of one another) to maximize storage density and minimize empty-rack footprint.
Deck material is chosen for the load and environment: wire decks allow airflow and drainage, useful in coolers and wash-down areas, while solid steel or structural decks handle point loads and heavier unit weights. Capacity is rated per shelf level, not per unit, and stackable racks specify a maximum stack height or number of tiers before the compressive load on the bottom rack's legs becomes limiting.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity per Level | Rated uniformly distributed load (e.g. 2,000-3,000 lb) | Exceeding rated capacity risks deck deflection or leg buckling under stacked loads |
| Deck Type | Wire mesh, solid steel, structural steel channel | Wire decks drain and ventilate in wash-down/cold storage; solid decks resist small-item fall-through |
| Nestable vs. Stackable | Nestable racks stack flush empty; stackable racks stack loaded | Determines whether racks can be stored flat when not in use or must remain stacked with product |
| Footprint | Standard 48x40 in matching pallet footprint, or custom | Matching pallet footprint keeps racks compatible with existing aisle and dock layouts |
| Corrosion Protection | Powder coat, galvanized, or stainless for wash-down/cold storage | Uncoated steel corrodes quickly in cooler condensation or wash-down environments |
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Applications
Where Dunnage Racks Get Used
Dunnage racks are specified anywhere goods need to be kept off the floor for sanitation, drainage or space efficiency without the cost or footprint of full pallet racking.
Cold Storage & Coolers
Wire-deck dunnage racks keeping bagged and boxed product off wet cooler floors while allowing air circulation and drainage.
Food & Beverage Distribution
Stackable racks storing bagged ingredients and packaged goods in dry storage and staging areas ahead of pallet racking.
General Warehousing
Nestable dunnage racks used for overflow and cross-dock staging where full pallet rack bays aren't justified.
Manufacturing Floor Storage
Low-profile racks staging raw material and work-in-process bins at point of use without blocking forklift traffic.
Retail Backroom Storage
Compact stackable racks maximizing floor storage density in space-constrained backroom areas.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Nestable racks that collapse flat for efficient storage and shipping when not loaded with client product.
Brands
Dunnage Racks Brands in the Catalogue
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FAQ
Dunnage Racks Questions, Answered
What's the difference between nestable and stackable dunnage racks?
Nestable dunnage racks are designed to stack flush inside one another when empty, saving storage space when not in use, but must be unstacked before loading each one. Stackable dunnage racks are designed to be loaded first, then stacked with product still inside, up to a rated stack height — this is the better choice when you need to build vertical storage density with product already in place.
How do I determine the capacity I need per rack level?
Rate the rack to your heaviest anticipated uniformly distributed load per level, with margin — most dunnage racks are rated 2,000-3,000 lb per level for standard steel construction, but always check the manufacturer's rated capacity rather than assuming based on similar-looking racks, since deck gauge and frame construction vary between models.
Are wire deck dunnage racks suitable for cold storage?
Yes — wire decks are the standard choice for coolers and freezers because they allow air circulation around stored product and let condensation or wash-down water drain through rather than pooling on a solid deck, which reduces the risk of product sitting in standing water or ice buildup.
Can dunnage racks be moved with a pallet jack or forklift?
Most dunnage racks are designed to be handled the same way as a loaded pallet — from underneath with a pallet jack or forklift — since their footprint typically matches standard pallet dimensions (commonly 48x40 in). Confirm the specific rack's base clearance and footprint against your handling equipment before ordering.
What corrosion protection should I choose for a wash-down environment?
Powder-coated steel is adequate for dry warehouse use, but wash-down areas, coolers, and freezers benefit from galvanized or stainless steel construction to resist the corrosion that repeated moisture exposure causes on painted steel over time, particularly at weld points and cut edges where coating coverage is thinnest.
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