Maximizing Warehouse Space with Pallet Racking in Ontario, CA

Ontario, CA has become one of the fastest-growing logistics hubs in Southern California. With close access to major freeways, rail lines, and Ontario International Airport, the city is home to countless warehouses and distribution centers. But with warehouse lease rates at some of the highest levels in the Inland Empire, maximizing every square foot of storage space is more important than ever. For businesses in Ontario, pallet racking remains the most effective way to expand capacity, streamline operations, and avoid costly relocations.

At IMH, we work with Ontario companies every day to design and install racking layouts that maximize pallet positions without sacrificing safety or workflow. By going vertical and planning around forklifts, dock doors, and traffic flow, pallet racking allows businesses to store more while keeping products easily accessible. Learn more about our pallet racking services here.

Different Pallet Racking Options for Ontario Businesses

Not every warehouse in Ontario has the same needs. The right pallet racking system depends on SKU count, picking methods, and product flow. Here are three popular options that local businesses rely on:

Selective Pallet Racking
This is the most common and versatile style of pallet racking. Each pallet is accessible at all times, making it ideal for warehouses with a wide variety of products and frequent picking. Selective racks are cost-effective, flexible, and can be designed to fit nearly any building footprint.

Double-Deep Racking
For companies looking to increase storage density without moving to a larger facility, double-deep racking is a smart choice. By placing pallets two deep, you can store more product in the same space. This option works best for operations with fewer SKUs and larger quantities of the same product.

Drive-In / Drive-Through Racking
When high-volume bulk storage is the priority, drive-in and drive-through racks are a great solution. These systems allow forklifts to enter the racking structure itself, storing multiple pallets in depth. This maximizes density but requires specific forklift equipment and good operator training.

By carefully planning which style fits your business, Ontario warehouses can achieve the right balance between density, selectivity, and cost. For businesses unsure where to start, our warehouse layout design services can provide a free custom plan.

Key Considerations Before Installing Pallet Racking

Before racks are installed, several factors must be considered to ensure both safety and efficiency:

• Ceiling Height and Clearances – Ontario warehouses vary in height, but fire codes require specific spacing for sprinklers and tunnel aisles every 100 feet. We calculate this into every layout.
• Forklift Type – The equipment you use determines aisle width. Reach trucks can operate in narrower aisles than sit-down forklifts, which affects total pallet positions.
• Dock Door Placement and Traffic Flow – Racks should be designed to optimize movement from receiving to shipping, without creating bottlenecks.
• Permitting – Ontario follows California Fire Code Chapter 32, which requires permits for high-pile storage. IMH takes care of permitting and engineering so your racks pass inspection the first time.

Case Study: Increasing Capacity in Ontario, CA

Recently, a distribution company in Ontario faced the challenge of outgrowing its existing facility. Instead of moving to a larger building, we reconfigured their floorplan using double deep pallet racking. By increasing vertical storage and decreasing total number of aisles, we helped the company add over 12,000 new pallet positions. This saved them the cost of relocating while also improving picking speed and overall efficiency.

Work with a Local Racking Partner in Ontario

The Inland Empire is one of the most competitive warehouse markets in the country, and Ontario is right at the center of it. Working with a local racking partner means faster response times, stocked inventory, and installers who understand local building codes.

IMH’s Riverside location is only minutes from Ontario, allowing us to deliver, install, or dismantle pallet racking quickly. Whether you need a new system or want to reconfigure your existing one, our team will provide a free on-site consultation and layout drawing to show how many pallet positions you can achieve.

Conclusion
Maximizing warehouse space in Ontario, CA starts with the right pallet racking system. By choosing a solution that matches your products, equipment, and workflow, you can increase capacity, avoid unnecessary moves, and keep your warehouse running efficiently.

Don’t wait until your space runs out schedule a free racking design consultation today and see how many pallet positions your Ontario warehouse can gain.