Warehouse Racking Quote: Information Required | Yoneup

An accurate warehouse racking quote requires more than the total warehouse area or the number of racks you want to purchase.

Rack dimensions, load capacity, aisle width, storage density, safety accessories, and total project cost all depend on your pallets, inventory, forklift, warehouse layout, and operating requirements.

Providing complete project information allows the racking supplier to prepare a more accurate layout, calculate the required pallet positions, recommend a suitable storage system, and reduce revisions later in the project.

This guide explains what information you should prepare before requesting a pallet racking quotation.

Quick Warehouse Racking Quote Checklist

For an initial quotation, prepare the following information:

• Warehouse length, width, and clear height
• Warehouse drawing or floor plan
• Pallet dimensions
• Maximum loaded pallet weight
• Total number of pallets to be stored
• Number of SKUs
• Forklift type and model
• Required inventory rotation method
• Preferred racking system, if known
• Project location
• Required delivery date
• Installation requirements

If some information is unavailable, a supplier can still prepare a preliminary proposal. However, the final design and price may change after the missing details are confirmed.

1. Warehouse Dimensions and Layout

The first requirement is an accurate warehouse drawing.

A simple floor plan can be used for a preliminary quotation, while a CAD drawing is preferable for a detailed racking layout.

The drawing should include:

• Internal warehouse length and width
• Clear storage height
• Roof height and lowest obstruction
• Building column dimensions and positions
• Wall and partition locations
• Doors and loading docks
• Emergency exits
• Stairs and elevators
• Offices and restricted areas
• Pedestrian routes
• Existing equipment
• Sprinklers and fire protection systems
• Lighting, pipes, and ventilation systems
• Electrical panels and other fixed obstructions

The clear height is especially important. It should be measured from the finished floor to the lowest obstruction rather than to the highest point of the roof.

Warehouse photos and videos are also useful, but they should not replace accurate dimensions.

2. Pallet Dimensions

The racking system must be designed around the pallets that will actually be stored.

Please provide the following pallet information:

• Pallet length
• Pallet width
• Loaded pallet height
• Fork entry direction
• Pallet material
• Pallet construction
• Load overhang
• Bottom deck configuration
• Condition of the pallets

Pallet dimensions should include the product load, not only the empty pallet.

For example, if the goods extend beyond the pallet edges, the supplier needs the overall loaded dimensions. This information affects beam length, rack depth, pallet clearances, aisle width, and the number of pallet positions available.

If your warehouse uses several pallet sizes, provide the dimensions and quantities for each type.

3. Maximum Pallet Load Weight

Always provide the maximum gross weight of one loaded pallet.

The gross weight should include:

• Product weight
• Pallet weight
• Packaging weight
• Any containers or securing materials

Do not use the average pallet weight when requesting a quotation. Designing around an average weight can create problems when heavier pallets are placed on the system.

If different products have different weights, list the maximum weight for each pallet type or product group.

The load information helps the supplier determine:

• Beam section and capacity
• Upright frame specification
• Rack height and beam spacing
• Number of pallets per level
• Required pallet supports or decking
• Anchoring and structural requirements

Final rack capacity must be based on the complete approved configuration, not on the capacity of a single component.

4. Required Storage Capacity

Tell the supplier how many pallet positions you need.

Useful information includes:

• Current pallet quantity
• Maximum seasonal pallet quantity
• Target pallet positions
• Number of floor levels
• Number of storage levels
• Expected inventory growth
• Required reserve capacity

It is usually better to provide both the current requirement and the expected requirement over the next three to five years.

For example:

Current inventory: 1,200 pallets
Peak inventory: 1,500 pallets
Target capacity: 1,800 pallet positions

This allows the supplier to develop a layout that supports future growth rather than only current inventory.

5. SKU and Inventory Information

The number of SKUs and the quantity stored per SKU help determine the most suitable racking system.

Please provide:

• Total number of SKUs
• Average pallets per SKU
• Maximum pallets per SKU
• Fast-moving product categories
• Slow-moving product categories
• Seasonal stock changes
• Batch control requirements
• Expiration date requirements
• Required picking method

A warehouse with many SKUs and only a few pallets per SKU normally requires direct pallet access. Selective pallet racking may be the most appropriate solution.

A warehouse with fewer SKUs and many pallets of each SKU may be better suited to drive-in, push-back, pallet shuttle, or pallet flow racking.

6. FIFO or LIFO Requirement

Inventory rotation affects the racking configuration.

FIFO: First In, First Out

FIFO is commonly required for products with expiration dates or strict batch control, including:

• Food and beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals
• Cosmetics
• Fast-moving consumer goods

Pallet flow racking is a common high-density FIFO solution because pallets are loaded from one side and retrieved from the other.

LIFO: Last In, First Out

LIFO may be suitable for products without strict expiration requirements. Drive-in and push-back racking are commonly used for LIFO storage.

If you are unsure which method is required, describe how products enter and leave the warehouse. The supplier can then recommend an appropriate solution.

7. Forklift Information

Forklift data is essential for calculating aisle width, rack height, and operating clearances.

Provide:

• Forklift type
• Manufacturer and model
• Overall dimensions
• Turning radius
• Right-angle stacking requirement
• Maximum lift height
• Rated capacity
• Residual capacity at maximum height
• Mast height when lowered
• Fork length
• Load dimensions
• Existing aisle requirements

Common warehouse equipment includes:

• Counterbalance forklifts
• Reach trucks
• Double-deep reach trucks
• Very narrow aisle trucks
• Turret trucks
• Order pickers
• Pallet stackers

Do not estimate aisle width based only on the width of the forklift. The truck must have enough space to turn, carry the pallet, align with the rack, and safely place or retrieve the load.

If the forklift has not yet been purchased, the racking system and forklift should be planned together.

8. Preferred Racking System

If you already know which system you need, include it in your inquiry.

Common options include:

Storage Requirement	Possible Racking Solution
Direct access to every pallet	Selective pallet racking
Higher density with fewer aisles	Drive-in or pallet shuttle racking
Two pallets stored in depth	Double-deep pallet racking
High-density LIFO storage	Push-back pallet racking
High-throughput FIFO storage	Pallet flow racking
Narrow aisle operation	VNA pallet racking
Long pipes, timber, or profiles	Cantilever racking
Manual carton and parts storage	Long-span shelving

If you are unsure which system to choose, explain your operational priorities instead.

For example:

• We need direct access to every SKU.
• We want to maximize pallet capacity.
• We require FIFO inventory rotation.
• We want to use our existing forklifts.
• We need space for future expansion.
• We want to reduce the number of aisles.

This information is often more useful than selecting a racking type without a detailed warehouse analysis.

9. Operating Environment

Different environments may require different materials, finishes, and structural considerations.

Inform the supplier if the racking will be installed in:

• A standard indoor warehouse
• A cold storage or freezer warehouse
• A humid environment
• A food processing facility
• A pharmaceutical facility
• An outdoor or semi-outdoor area
• A corrosive environment
• A seismic region

Also provide the operating temperature and any special hygiene, corrosion resistance, fire protection, or regulatory requirements.

10. Floor and Building Conditions

The supplier may need information about the warehouse floor and building structure, particularly for tall or high-capacity systems.

Relevant information includes:

• Concrete slab thickness
• Concrete strength
• Floor condition
• Floor levelness
• Existing cracks or joints
• Underground pipes or cables
• Seismic conditions
• Wind exposure for outdoor racks
• Building and fire code requirements

If this information is not available during the initial inquiry, it may be required before final engineering, installation, or approval.

11. Safety Accessories

Specify any safety accessories required for the project.

Common options include:

• Upright protectors
• End-of-aisle barriers
• Column guards
• Row spacers
• Pallet support bars
• Wire mesh decking
• Steel or timber decking
• Back mesh panels
• Pallet backstops
• Safety locking devices
• Load capacity signs
• Rack labels
• Guide rails
• Anti-collapse protection

The required accessories depend on the rack type, pallet construction, forklift operation, local regulations, and warehouse risk assessment.

12. Project Location and Shipping Information

The delivery destination affects packaging, freight, import requirements, and total project cost.

Provide:

• Destination country
• City or delivery address
• Nearest seaport, if applicable
• Required trade term
• Delivery site accessibility
• Unloading conditions
• Whether unloading equipment is available
• Whether installation is required

For international projects, state whether you need an EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP, or another type of quotation.

If you are not familiar with trade terms, provide the delivery destination and ask the supplier to recommend suitable shipping options.

13. Project Schedule

Include your expected project timeline:

• Target quotation date
• Design approval date
• Required production completion date
• Required delivery date
• Installation period
• Warehouse opening date

If the schedule is urgent, inform the supplier at the beginning of the inquiry so that production capacity, shipping time, and installation resources can be evaluated.

Preliminary Quote vs Final Quote

The information required depends on the stage of the project.

For a Preliminary Budget Quote

You normally need:

• Warehouse dimensions
• Pallet dimensions
• Maximum pallet weight
• Required pallet positions
• Preferred rack type
• Forklift type
• Project location

For a Final Technical Quote

You may also need:

• Detailed CAD drawing
• Complete column grid
• Sprinkler and obstruction positions
• SKU and inventory data
• Forklift specification sheet
• Floor slab information
• Local design requirements
• Safety accessory list
• Approved layout
• Installation and shipping requirements

A preliminary quote is suitable for budget planning. A final commercial offer should be based on confirmed drawings, load information, specifications, quantities, and project conditions.

Warehouse Racking RFQ Template

You can copy and complete the following form when requesting a quotation:

Company Name:
Contact Person:
Email / Phone:
Project Country and City:
Warehouse Length × Width:
Clear Warehouse Height:
Warehouse Drawing Available: Yes / No
Pallet Length × Width × Loaded Height:
Maximum Loaded Pallet Weight:
Pallet Material:
Total Number of Pallets:
Required Pallet Positions:
Number of SKUs:
Average Pallets per SKU:
Inventory Method: FIFO / LIFO / Not Sure
Forklift Type and Model:
Required Aisle Width:
Preferred Racking System:
Operating Environment:
Required Safety Accessories:
Installation Required: Yes / No
Delivery Destination:
Required Delivery Date:
Additional Requirements:

Please attach your warehouse drawing, pallet photos, forklift specification, and warehouse photos if available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a quotation without a warehouse drawing?

Yes. A preliminary quotation can usually be prepared using basic warehouse dimensions, pallet information, and storage capacity. However, a detailed drawing is required before confirming the final layout and quantities.

Why is the forklift model required?

The forklift model affects aisle width, maximum rack height, pallet handling clearance, and the number of rack rows that can fit inside the warehouse.

Should I provide average or maximum pallet weight?

Always provide the maximum expected loaded pallet weight. The racking system must be designed for the heaviest pallet that may be stored.

Can a supplier recommend the most suitable rack type?

Yes. You do not need to select the rack type before requesting a quotation. Provide your inventory, pallet, forklift, and operational information so the supplier can compare suitable solutions.

How long does it take to receive a warehouse racking quote?

The time required depends on the project size and available information. A basic quotation may be prepared quickly, while a large or technically complex project may require several rounds of layout development and engineering review.

Will the final price be the same as the preliminary quote?

Not always. The final price may change after confirming the layout, component specifications, accessories, freight, installation conditions, and applicable project requirements.

Request a Customized Warehouse Racking Quote

A complete inquiry helps reduce unnecessary revisions and allows the supplier to prepare a more practical and accurate storage solution.

To request a warehouse racking quotation from Yoneup, please send us:

• Your warehouse drawing
• Pallet dimensions
• Maximum loaded pallet weight
• Required storage capacity
• SKU information
• Forklift specifications
• Project location

Our team can evaluate your requirements and prepare a customized racking layout, product specification, and commercial quotation for your project.

Send us your warehouse information today to receive a customized storage solution and quotation.