Heavy Duty Bulk Shelving

When you need more capacity than standard shelving but don't require pallet racking, choose our Heavy Duty Bulk Shelving. These industrial bulk storage systems are designed with wide spans and robust construction to handle large, heavy, non-palletized items and bulk quantities. Maximize your organization and safety with a dedicated high load storage shelving solution.

Heavy Duty Bulk Shelving2026-01-02T10:56:19+00:00

Overview of Bulk Shelving

Bulk shelving, often referred to as wide span shelving, is a mid-range storage solution built for manual handling of heavier products that are too large or heavy for typical boltless shelving, yet are not stored on pallets. The system uses robust beams and deep frames, providing greater clearance and capacity for items like tools, machine parts, large boxes, and tires. This solution is highly popular in back-of-store areas, auto parts warehouses, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) facilities.

What You Get in Bulk Storage Layout

Our bulk shelving packages are configured to support significant weight and provide easy access for manual loading.

Heavy-Gauge Uprights

Reinforced vertical posts designed to manage the substantial weight of industrial bulk storage.

Wide Span Beams

Longer, stronger horizontal beams that allow for wider shelf openings (up to 8 feet wide), minimizing the need for vertical supports.

Decking Options

Durable shelf surfaces, including steel decking, wire mesh, or heavy particle board, selected based on the specific load requirements.

Foot Plates and Anchors

Necessary hardware for stability and securing the system to the floor for safety.

Adjustable Shelf Levels

Beams are easily adjustable vertically, allowing you to quickly change shelf height to accommodate different product sizes.

Modular Design

Components designed for scalability, allowing you to easily extend rows or height as your storage needs grow.

Benefits of Industrial Bulk Shelving

Opting for heavy duty bulk shelving provides focused advantages for managing oversized and heavy inventory.

High Load Capacity

Built specifically to handle heavier weights (often exceeding 1,500 lbs per shelf level) far beyond the capacity of light duty shelving.

Wide Span Access

Long beam lengths create fewer upright obstructions, providing better access for large, unwieldy items.

Adaptable Storage

Ideal for storing different sizes of non-palletized inventory, from auto parts and hardware to large archive boxes.

Related Warehouse Solutions

Depending on the weight, size, and handling method of your products, you may need to integrate or transition to these related systems.

Boltless Shelving

Ideal for lighter-duty, high-SKU items where quick assembly and maximum flexibility are prioritized over high load capacity.

Single Selective Racks

For systems that must handle full pallet loads; this is the next step up from bulk shelving in terms of capacity.

Cantilever Racks

Necessary for items that are excessively long (e.g., pipe, lumber) that cannot be constrained by the vertical frames of bulk shelving.

Shelving-Supported Catwalks

Bulk shelving often serves as the base for building multi-level picking systems where heavy manual loads are involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine the correct depth for my industrial bulk storage system?2025-12-16T12:56:54+00:00
The depth should be slightly less than the dimensions of the items you are storing to prevent the items from protruding excessively into the aisles. We customize the depth based on your largest non-palletized products.
Is bulk shelving compatible with standard pallet rack components?2025-12-16T12:55:53+00:00
No. While similar in appearance, bulk rack systems use lighter-gauge steel and different connection points than industrial pallet racking. The two systems should not be mixed for structural integrity and safety.
Are there any fire code requirements specific to bulk shelving?2025-12-16T12:54:38+00:00
While bulk shelving typically doesn't trigger the stringent High-Pile Storage Permits (unless over 12 feet tall), fire codes still mandate adequate horizontal and vertical clear spaces and may require wire decking for water penetration.
Can I use wire mesh decking on bulk shelving?2025-12-16T12:52:32+00:00
Yes. Wire mesh decking is a common choice for high load storage shelving as it provides strong support, promotes air circulation, and complies with fire codes by allowing sprinkler water penetration.
Is professional installation required for heavy duty bulk shelving?2025-12-16T12:51:28+00:00
We highly recommend professional installation. While assembly is simpler than racking, proper leveling, correct beam connections, and securing the system to the floor are essential for handling the large loads safely.
What is the main load difference between bulk shelving and pallet racking?2025-12-16T12:49:23+00:00
Bulk shelving is designed for high-capacity manual loading (up to 2,000 lbs per shelf). Pallet racking is engineered for much greater weight and is designed for the dynamic, concentrated loads and impact forces delivered by forklifts.

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