Drive-In / Drive-Thru Racking
Maximum Cube Density for High-Volume, Low-SKU Storage
What Is Drive-In / Drive-Thru Racking?
Drive-in racking allows forklifts to enter the rack bay from one side to place and retrieve pallets on shared rails—a LIFO (last-in, first-out) method ideal for low-SKU, high-volume loads. Drive-thru racking opens both ends of the bay so forklifts can pass through—supporting FIFO (first-in, first-out) rotation when needed.
At Vertical Storage USA, we engineer drive-in/drive-thru systems to maximize cubic space, reduce aisles, and keep throughput smooth in beverage, cold storage, food, paper, and building products.
Key Advantages
Maximum Density
Recover aisles and fill vertical cube for big gains in pallet positions.
LIFO or FIFO
Choose drive-in (LIFO) or drive-thru (FIFO) based on inventory rotation.
Ideal for Batch Loads
Perfect for production runs, staging, and reserve storage.
Configurable Depth & Height
Tailored rail heights, entry guides, and pallet stops.
Lower Cost/Pallet Position
Fewer aisles, more storage in the same footprint.
How It Works
Best Fit Applications
Drive-In / Drive-Thru vs. Other Racking
| Feature | Drive-In | Drive-Thru | Selective | Push-Back | Pallet Flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Type | LIFO | FIFO | Direct | LIFO | FIFO |
| Density | Very High | Very High | Low | High | High |
| SKU Variety | Low | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
| Aisle Count | Minimal | Minimal | Highest | Reduced | Reduced |
| Best Use | Reserve, batches | FIFO rotation | Mixed SKUs | Medium rotation | Date-sensitive |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between Drive-In and Drive-Thru racking?
Drive-In racking loads and unloads from one side, following a LIFO sequence – ideal for bulk storage. Drive-Thru racking opens both ends of each lane so forklifts can enter from either side for FIFO flow.
When should I use Drive-In vs. Drive-Thru racking?
Use Drive-In for high-volume, low-SKU products—perfect for reserve storage or cold-chain staging. Choose Drive-Thru when FIFO rotation is critical, such as food and beverage, or date-sensitive inventory.
How deep can Drive-In lanes go?
Typical designs store 2–10 pallets deep, depending on clear height, load weight, and forklift type.
What density gain can I expect?
Drive-In systems can reclaim 60–70 percent of aisle space compared to selective racks—ideal for maximizing cubic utilization.
Is special lift equipment required?
No—standard counterbalance or reach trucks work if mast height and clearance are planned correctly.
How much weight can each pallet position hold?
Usually 2,000–4,000 lb per position depending on frame gauge, rail spacing, and system height.
Can Drive-In racks handle mixed pallet sizes?
Not recommended within the same lane—uniform pallets ensure smooth entry and prevent rail damage.
Used & Refurbished Options
Save on cost without compromising quality.
Explore our Used Equipment & Systems inventory for inspected, certified drive-in/drive-thru inventory, rails, and guarding.
Start Your Project
Ready to compress aisles and unlock maximum cube? Vertical Storage USA will design a code-compliant system tuned to your product mix, lift fleet, and building.
