What to Know Before Buying Used Pallet Racking: Cost, Condition, and Compliance

Steel shortages, import tariffs, and logistical bottlenecks have majorly disrupted the pallet racking industry over recent years. Rising costs, combined with the increasing demand for warehouse storage solutions, have led to the pallet racking market growing at nearly 5.8% CAGR, with the sector expected to reach a total market value of over $18.8 billion by 2035.

A clear example of this trend in action is in the continual increase in pallet racking costs over the past few years. In 2020, a linear foot of heavy-duty rack would cost up to $160. By 2025, prices have now reached upward of $210 per linear foot. With rising costs, more warehouse operators than ever before are looking at buying used pallet racking.

But, beyond just finding used pallet racking, you want to partner with suppliers that can ensure their products align with regulatory compliance and meet your quality expectations. In this article, we’ll explore everything you should know when buying used pallet racking, including factors that influence cost, a condition checklist, and tips for ensuring compliance. 

Source: Pallet racking market projected global industry value 2025 to 2035.

How Much Does Used Pallet Racking Cost?

Used pallet racking costs significantly less than completely new solutions, allowing warehouse operators to stock their facility for a reduced fee. Used pallet racking can be upwards of 50% more economical than new racking, depending on the quality and age of the model.

Here are some of the main factors that influence the cost of used pallet racking:

• Rack Type: Are you looking for a structural pallet rack? What about used teardrop pallet racking? The exact type of used pallet racking you’re looking for will dramatically influence its cost, with larger models with higher storage volumes costing more.
• Rack Condition: Even within the same rack model, there can be an enormous variance in the condition of your pallet racks. The condition of a rack will influence how much a vendor is charging, with models with less wear-and-tear being slightly more expensive.
• Installation and Transport: If you’re buying used warehouse racks locally, then the total cost of obtaining a pallet rack will be lower. Opting for a used rack supplier that operates nationally may increase prices, as they’ll have to ship further to get your infrastructure to you.

While not an exhaustive list, these demonstrate just how much the cost of a used pallet rack can vary. Where possible, ask for as many details from your supplier as possible so you can better estimate whether or not you’re getting a good deal. 

Pallet Racking Condition Checklist

When buying used pallet racking, you should have a standard go-to list of specifications and quality conditions that you closely follow. While you’ll be able to see many of these from vendor photographs, it’s useful to know what to look for so you can ask the right questions to your suppliers.

Here are a few main things that you should look for when assessing the condition of used pallet racks:

• Structural Integrity: Above all, used pallet racking needs to remain structurally integral, despite its age. Look out for any signs of deformation, including visual degradation, bent beams, or structural sagging. If you notice even minor damages, there could be more significant underlying problems that you will have to attend to.
• Capacity Labels: It is an OSHA-mandated policy that pallet racks maintain clear labels that document their load capacity. Any pallet rack that doesn’t have this information may be in non-compliance or even lead to a collapse in your warehouse. 
• Complete Hardware: Ensure that the used pallet rack has all of the necessary hardware to make it stable and compliant with OSHA security regulations. If possible, inspect or ask questions about the rack beams, footplates, connectors, and so on. 
• Free from Additions: Unauthorized repairs or direct undocumented modifications to pallet racks can cause non-compliance. Any strange additions or previous repairs without the proper documentation should be cause for hesitation on your part.

An open dialogue with your used pallet rack vendor will allow you to ask questions, receive more details, and better understand the quality of racks that you’re considering purchasing. In tandem with this checklist, it’s a good idea to look for any potential signs that a pallet rack needs a safety audit as well.

How To Ensure Compliance When Buying Used Pallet Racking

OSHA regulations change and shift over time, reflecting the best practices and safety precautions of that singular moment. Racking systems are a reflection of those standards, meeting the compliance obligations that were in place when they were created. When buying used pallet racking, the potential difference in compliance standards should be a top priority to consider.

As a buyer, it is your responsibility to ensure that the racking you buy meets regulatory compliance. An important aspect to remember is that exact building codes and compliance structures may vary from state to state. Ask questions before you buy any used pallet racking to ensure that the racks you’re looking at will meet your local code requirements. 

Especially if you’re looking at old pallet racking, there is no guarantee that manufacturing standards were the same when the racking was approved. Standards evolve over time, meaning that older models may now fall into non-compliance. 

Always do as much due diligence as possible, request documentation and photographs from used pallet vendors, and take extra time to smooth out any inconsistencies. A vendor that withholds information or doesn’t actively want to share as much as possible with you could be a red flag.

Where to Buy Used Warehouse Racks in New Jersey

If you’re looking for used pallet racking in NJ, you’ve come to the right place. As a compliance-first vendor, all of our stock aligns with OSHA regulations and provides your business with the racking solutions it needs. 

At Integrity, we help warehouse operators buy used warehouse racks that are structurally sound, affordable, OSHA-compliant, and useful for your company. Whether you’re expanding a warehouse or looking to outfit your distribution center, we have the right used racking solution for you. 

For a cost-effective, high-quality, and fully compliant solution, reach out to our team to see our used inventory list.