What Is Long Span Shelving?
Long span shelving is a hand-loaded storage system designed for medium-duty goods that are too heavy for regular boltless shelving but do not require the robustness of heavy-duty pallet racks. It bridges the gap between light office shelving and industrial racking, making it one of the most versatile systems in the market.
Unlike pallet racking, which requires forklifts to load and unload pallets, long span shelving is intended for manual picking. Workers can place boxes, cartons, tools, or irregular-shaped goods directly onto the shelves. This makes it an ideal system for businesses where order picking, frequent stock movement, or mixed-size inventory are the norm.
Structurally, long span shelving consists of upright frames, horizontal beams, and shelf panels (commonly made of steel decking, wire mesh, or wooden boards). The beam levels can be easily adjusted in increments, allowing for different shelf heights depending on the type of goods stored.
Key Features and Structure
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Strong Upright Frames
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Made from high-quality steel, the uprights provide stability and strength.
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Perforated designs allow flexible beam adjustment.
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Adjustable Beams
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Long span beams are designed to lock securely into the uprights.
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Shelf levels can be changed quickly without special tools.
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Decking Options
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Steel panels: durable and fire-resistant.
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Wire mesh: improves airflow and visibility, suitable for safety regulations.
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Chipboard or plywood: cost-effective and easy to replace.
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Modular Design
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Additional bays can be added seamlessly as storage needs grow.
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Single-sided or double-sided configurations are available.
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Weight Capacity
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Typically supports 200–1000 kg per shelf level, depending on design.
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This combination of modularity, strength, and accessibility makes long span shelving a favorite in many industries.
Advantages and Benefits
1. Flexibility
Long span shelving can be adapted to different product types, from small cartons to bulky spare parts. Businesses can adjust shelf heights, change decking materials, or expand the system as inventory changes.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to pallet racking or automated storage systems, long span shelving has a much lower initial cost. It offers excellent value for businesses that need reliable storage without investing in forklifts or advanced automation.
3. Easy Accessibility
Workers can directly pick items by hand, eliminating the need for complex machinery. This increases picking speed, especially for e-commerce and retail operations.
4. Space Utilization
While not as dense as drive-in or shuttle racking, long span shelving optimizes vertical space up to 6–8 meters, depending on warehouse height. Multi-tier systems can even double usable floor area.
5. Durability and Safety
Constructed from industrial-grade steel, long span shelving is built to withstand repeated use. Properly installed systems can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
6. Versatility
From offices to factories, long span shelving adapts to different environments. It can be used as archive storage, retail backroom shelving, spare parts racking, or even mezzanine support structures.
Typical Applications
1. E-Commerce Fulfillment Centers
Fast-moving SKUs, light-to-medium cartons, and pick-and-pack operations.
2. Retail Stockrooms
Apparel, consumer goods, or seasonal inventory stored in an accessible way.
3. Automotive and Spare Parts Warehouses
Long span shelving is ideal for organizing small-to-medium components, tools, and spare parts.
4. Archiving and Office Storage
Document boxes and files requiring organized, accessible shelving.
5. Light Industrial Storage
Tools, raw materials, and semi-finished products stored without heavy machinery.
Installation and Maintenance
One of the reasons long span shelving is so popular is its simplicity. Installation usually requires only basic tools, and systems can be set up quickly by warehouse staff or professional installers.
Installation Tips:
- Ensure the floor is level and strong enough to support shelving loads.
- Anchor frames to the floor for added stability, especially in tall systems.
- Use decking materials that match the load requirements of your goods.
Maintenance Guidelines:
- Regularly inspect beams and uprights for bending or damage.
- Replace damaged decking immediately to avoid accidents.
- Keep aisles clear for safe and efficient picking.
- Train staff on safe loading practices to avoid overloading shelves.
With proper installation and periodic checks, long span shelving will provide decades of reliable service.
Conclusion
Long span shelving is more than just a middle-ground storage option—it is a versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable system that meets the needs of countless businesses worldwide. Whether you run a retail stockroom, an e-commerce warehouse, or a parts distribution center, long span shelving offers the perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and ease of use.
By investing in a well-designed system and maintaining it properly, companies can ensure smooth operations, faster picking, and a more organized warehouse environment. For businesses looking to expand or optimize storage without the cost and complexity of heavy-duty pallet racking or automation, long span shelving is an excellent solution.