Learn how to properly outfit your warehouse from the outside in. Every step of the process is of utmost importance for the overall safety and efficiency of your warehouse operations.
Location Location Location
Picking the right location is essential for any operation. When it comes to the location of your warehouse there are a few factors you must consider such as access to a transportation hub or highway, and space requirements. We also recommend having your warehouse in a commercial area. Please also be aware of any local and federal laws regarding warehouses and labor.
Loading Dock
Any warehouse needs dock equipment to assist in bringing goods in and out of the warehouse. Warehouses have loading docks to load and unload trucks and vans.
Dock Boards and Plates
Dock Boards and Dock Plates are used daily on loading docks. They move material to and from your loading dock.
When looking for a dock board or plate there are many questions you must ask yourself.
Some of these questions include:
Will the board or plate be used with powered or manual equipment?
What is your usable width and length?
What is your height differential up and down?
Of course, you must also consider your budget and specific requirements.
Dock Plate VS Dock Board
The biggest difference between a dock board and a dock plate is the amount of weight each can handle. Dock plates are used for lighter loads and hand-operated loading whereas dock boards are meant to handle thousands of pounds. Dock boards also often have curbs.
The curbs on dock boards are a good safety precaution. They prevent forklifts and other powered lifting machines from falling off the ramp.
Yard Ramps
Yard ramps are for jobs where a dock board or dock board will not quite cut it. They are the larger and heavier duty dock board or plate. They can bridge larger gaps as well.
Dock Levelers
Dock levelers help with the loading and unloading. Unlike dock boards, dock levelers stay attached to the dock itself. This makes deliveries simpler and more convenient.
An Edge of Dock Leveler will never slip out of position, get lost, or stolen. The lip automatically drops when the truck pulls away.
Dock Lifts
Every dock should have a dock lift. They are used when trucks are not well served by your dock. For example, the brown UPS truck is best served by a dock lift. You need the dock lift because the height difference is often too much for a dock board or plate to handle safely.
You should never try to lift the item you are transporting by yourself. This is very unsafe and can cause serious injury. It can also lead to workman compensation claims.
Chock those Wheels
Wheel chocks are essential for dock safety. When wheels are not chocked, trucks can roll, and people can get injured. They are an inexpensive yet vital piece of dock equipment. A small addition can go a long way in your warehouse.
Fully applianced wheel chocks include chain and hanger with reflector. Proof coil chains are sold separately.
If budget allows, dock lock systems are a great alternative to wheel chocks. They install in front of a loading dock and the electric/ hydraulic system automatically grabs the truck's ICC bar. For your safety, the dock lock includes a traffic light system showing green to move and red to stop.
Loading Dock Bumpers
Similar to wheel chocks, dock bumpers are also forgotten about yet essential. They protect trucks and your loading dock from damage due to accidents.
Dock bumpers work best in high-traffic areas, so it is good to know your loading truck’s most frequent routes before installing.
Safety
Warning Lights
Warning lights let everyone working in the dock know whether it is safe to go. A loading dock can be a dangerous place without the proper safety precautions. These lights are an inexpensive way to prevent collisions.
Dock Gates
Dock gates prevent damage and increase safety. They are highly visible and can withstand heavy impact.
Trailer Stabilizing Jack
Trailer Stabilizing Jacks support trailers when loading and unloading. They are a must-have when a semi-trailer is not attached to the tractor and prevent upending of semi-trailers and worker injury.
Dock Seals and Shelters
Dock shelters and seals provide protection against the elements. Here are some questions to ask yourself when ordering a dock seal or shelter:
What are your dock dimensions?
Is this door next to another door that requires a dock seal or shelter?
Does this door have a face-mounted Edge-O-Dock?
Shelters and seals cover up those tiny gaps around parked trailers. This in turn saves time and money. Those tiny gaps can cause product damage and create an uncomfortable work environment when left exposed.
Dock Shelters Vs Dock Seals
Dock Seals and Shelter are remarkably similar with a few differences. Dock shelters tend to have a longer life span and typically fit in areas with larger dock door openings. Dock seals on the other hand are better at covering smaller gaps. They are more prone to wear and tear, but these features can be reduced with friction-resistant fabric. They are less expensive than dock shelters.
Industrial Storage
Warehouses need plenty of space to store parts. Smart storage increases overall warehouse efficiency and protects inventory. Different storage options include shelving, racks, bins, and lockers.
Industrial Shelving
Shelving is typically ordered in starters and adders. One starter unit is a whole unit that can stand on its own whereas an adder unit shares a post. An adder unit cannot stand on its own. A run of 5 shelving units requires 1 starter and 4 adders. Two runs of 5 shelving units require 2 starters and 8 adders.
Closed or Open
Both closed and open, or even a combination of closed and open shelving, can be seen in a warehouse setting.
Open shelving is the less expensive option. This type of shelving has no side or back panels. When there is no concern for items rolling off, open shelving is the way to go. Closed shelving might be more expensive but prevents roll-off. This type of shelving is great for lose parts.
Steel Shelving
Steel shelving is the most seen shelving type in the warehouse. In fact, steel shelving is the most seen shelving in most any industry.
When it comes to capacity, typically lower gauge means higher capacity. 12 GA metal is stronger than 20 GA metal. However, when figuring out the capacity of steel shelving, gauge is not the only factor. Commercial shelving systems have additional welded bends which increase capacity without increasing gauge.
Bin Shelving
Bin shelving is a great way to organize small parts such as nuts and gears. Bins vary in size depending on your need. With proper bin shelving, you will never need to hunt down that small essential piece ever again.
Bins
Bins are a great way to store parts whether they are a part of bin shelving unit or not. A Plus Warehouse has many heavy-duty bins meant for warehouses everywhere.
Rotabins
Rotabins are a great way to store small parts while saving space. They can utilize those corners that typically go unused. Rotabins are very easy to assemble.
Racks
A wide variety of racks are needed at warehouses depending on size and application. Pallet racks, cantilever racks, and storage racks are excellent for commercial use. People order racks in starters and adders just like shelving.
Pallet Racks
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when ordering pallet racking:
How many Starters and Adders are needed?
How many beam levels do you need per unit?
Do you need wire decking?
How many post protectors do you want per upright?
Pallet Racking provides much-needed organization to a warehouse. Make the most out of your space!
Wire Decking
Wire Decking is a popular option with pallet racking. The decking allows for increased stability and protection for the pallet rack. With wire decking, you can store items on your pallet rack without needing to use a pallet.
Other Racking Options
People ordering pallet racks are typically interested in row spacers, wall spacers, crossbars, and post protectors. All of these are additional safety features.
Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking is a great place to arrange aluminum sheets, flake boards, drywall, sheet steels, and other materials by commodity and size. Some questions you may ask when ordering a cantilever rack include:
Are you looking for single or double-sided uprights?
Do you prefer straight or incline arms?
Do you want arm lips?
Some people prefer the convenience of preconfigured cantilever racks while others prefer ordering by parts. To ensure you are ordering a proper cantilever rack first choose the correct amount of arms so the divided weight does not exceed the arm capacity. In other words, a 4000 pound load would require at least 4 arms with 1000 pound capacity per arm.
You also must figure out the total overhang with the equation (1/# of arms) X product length. For example, a 20-foot run with four arms- (1/4) X20 equals 5 feet. In this case, 2.5 feet can overhang left and right.
Work Benches
In a warehouse, people are working hard! Work benches can provide a surface to work on as well as storage. Warehouses need industrial workbenches with massive capacities- some up to 10,000 pounds.
Shop Desks
Shop desks are designed for industrial use in fast-paced environments. Whether you are sitting or standing, a shop desk helps work get done more efficiently.
Shop desks stand higher than normal desks to fit your ergonomic needs. Surfaces are also often sloped for better ergonomics.
The Foreman’s Shop Desk
Every warehouse has a foreman, and every foreman can benefit from a shop desk. The foreman’s shop desk provides a sturdy writing surface while also providing plenty of storage space.
The compartmentalized riser is perfect for storing writing utensils, forms, and papers. Shop desks feature 14-gauge corner posts and heavy steel construction.
Materials Handling Equipment
In a warehouse, you will need to move many products! Materials Handling Equipment has existed since the beginning of time. We need this equipment. Think of the alternative. If boxes and other items were constantly moved by hand this would be inefficient and quite dangerous.
Conveyors
Conveyors are responsible for moving materials from one location to another via rollers, skate wheels, or roller beds. They are essential in any materials handling operation.
Gravity Conveyors
Gravity Conveyors are the most used type of conveyor in warehouses across the nation. They convey materials from point a to point b with the help of gravity. Some questions you need to ask when ordering a gravity conveyor include:
What is your desired length?
How many inches are you looking for between frame?
What is your infeed and discharge elevation?
What is your desired capacity per foot and maximum load weight?
Are you looking for rollers to be set high or low?
It is also important to consider what you will be conveying. Most objects can be conveyed with a sturdy roller conveyor.
Roller Conveyors
Roller conveyors are the most popular type of gravity conveyor. They are a safe and flexible alternative to using a forklift.
The roller diameter ranges from at the smallest ¾” for light duty operations and at the largest 3 ½” for heavier duty operations.
Stands
Conveyor stands are used to stabilize the conveyor. A Plus Warehouse sells stands with varying capacities.
Skate Wheel Conveyors
You are likely to see skate wheel conveyors in warehouses. They are great for conveying items such as bags of flour or soil.
Expandable skate wheel conveyors are commonly seen in assembly lines. A Plus Warehouse stocks skate wheel conveyors in 5 and 10 foot lengths as well as 45 and 90 degree curves. Expandable skate wheel conveyors are the flexible option! They expand and contract with ease.
Power Conveyors
Powered conveyors are necessary in warehouses. They handle large loads and are great for the everyday demands of an industrial facility. Here are some questions to ask yourself when ordering a power conveyor:
Do you need a horizontal or incline conveyor?
How much power do you need for the conveyor?
Do you need any controls such as variable speed drive, emergency stop etc.?
General conveyor questions should be asked as well. Remember, power Conveyors can be very dangerous when not properly used.
Pallet Trucks
Seen in any warehouse nationwide, the classical pallet truck will take you far. Pallet trucks enable workers to move full pallets of materials. A Plus Warehouse offers both manual and powered pallet trucks.
The pump handle on a pallet truck is used to lift and lower the load. It is important to restrain the load for safety purposes.
Manual
Manual pallet trucks are the economical way to move heavy pallet loads without a fork truck. They are user-friendly. Manual pallet trucks are best for lower volume warehouses.
Powered
For larger warehouses, sometimes a little power is needed. Powered conveyors are more expensive but work well for heavy use.
Hand Trucks Too
Hand trucks are used in most any warehouse. They are sometimes referred to as wheelers, two wheelers, dollies, 2 wheel dollies, and Magliners.
Hand Trucks come in all different types, sizes, and styles for many different industries. Convertible hand trucks are also popular because they can be used as both a hand truck and a platform truck!
Platform Trucks
Platform trucks move a wide variety of materials across the warehouse floor. Aluminum and steel platform trucks are our top sellers. Aluminum is lightweight. It weighs about a third of steel which cuts manufacturing costs.
Lift Trucks
You need a lift truck to receive items from your racks! Lift trucks allow for safe and efficient product access. A Plus Warehouse lift trucks and lift truck attachments are meant for non-continuous application.
Straddle Stackers
Straddle Stackers are supported by the frame. The legs straddle the pallet being lifted, so no counterbalance plates are required. Straddle stackers can be all powered or manual. Stackers offer flexibility and versatility.
Counterbalance Lifts
Counterbalance lifts get their name from the counterbalance needed on the back of the machine to prevent it from tipping over when it picks up a load. Counterbalance lifts typically can typically lift a bit higher.
Ladders
Warehouse ladders are necessary to reach inventory stored on racks. The proper ladder ensures safety for you, those around you, and the products. Reach new heights with ladders!
Rolling warehouse ladders allow warehouse workers to easily navigate the warehouse. Industrial rolling ladders with platforms are the safest and easiest way to access inventory.
In warehouses, ladders with wide steps are usually used. We offer platform ladders with wide platform steps which are convenient for people who use the top step as a work platform.
Considerations
When purchasing rolling ladders for your warehouse, you must consider a few things.
What type of tread type are you looking for?
What height do you need for your ladder and how many steps?
The serrated tread type offers the highest level of traction, followed by perforated, then solid stairs with an anti-slip strip. When figuring out the height of the ladder, consider ergonomics. One should not have to lift below the knee or above the shoulders. Add half the height of your average warehouse worker to the top step height to get to an appropriate ladder height.
Ultra Heavy Duty Monster Ladder
The Ultra Heavy Duty Monster Ladder is a great industrial ladder. It has all the bells and whistles. It has a massive 600 pound capacity.
This ladder includes a 21-inch deep top step and weight-actuated lockstep. Its base frame is ultra stiff 2” X 1” rectangular tubing. The ladder exceeds OSHA and ANSI standards.
Stairway Slope Ladder
Stairway slope ladders are safer than a typical rolling warehouse ladder due to the gradual slope. The ladder also has a 400-pound capacity, so it is very durable.
Fixed Ladders
Fixed ladders are also commonly used in warehouses and can also be installed onto mezzanines. The ladders help you access a full range of products and materials. They are designed for daily use.
Work Stands
If you need a bit of extra reach without an entire ladder, a work stand is for you! The adjustable step mate can be used as an adjustable work platform step stool or a semi-permanent step. It features a grip strut surface for safe footing.
A Note on OSHA
When outfitting your warehouse, it is important to meet OSHA regulations. All products sold at A Plus Warehouse meet or exceed OSHA regulations. CAL OSHA products are also available for customers in California.
Packaging
Before sending products out of the warehouse, you need to package them first! This is where packaging equipment comes in.
Stretch Wrapping
Stretch wrapping is essential to protect pallets from freight damage. Stretch wrapping can be done by hand in a smaller warehouse, but we highly recommend stretch wrap machines for larger warehouses.
Semi Automatic Stretch Wrap Robot
The stretch wrap robot makes for a more efficient warehouse. It can wrap 200 pallets per charge and wraps a wide variety of pallet sizes. It is portable and includes 250% powered pre-stretch film carriage.
Strapping Machines
A strapping machine is the easiest way to tightly wrap your items. Strapping machines are used especially with larger bundles. A Plus Warehouse offers strapping dispensers and strapping machines.
The automatic strapping machine works automatically and has easy access for reloading. It cycles through 30 times in 1 minute. It is heat welded and features adjustable strap tension. It can be operated by panel-mounted controls, a foot pedal, or a tabletop ball switch.
Packaging Equipment
A Plus Warehouse offers a wide variety of packaging equipment to help with the packaging process. Gummed tape dispensers help to quickly tape boxes. Carton sealers and open arch banding machines also help with packaging.
Do not forget to get shipping tape, bags, and boxes as well. A Plus Warehouse can help you out with all these needs.
Your Right Source Right Now
For further information and help on outfitting you warehouse, do not hesitate to reach out to A Plus Warehouse. Call us at 800-209-8798 or text at 781-592-7214. Our website is easy to navigate, and the sales staff is always eager to help!
