A warehouse racking move is one of the most awkward jobs a small business takes on. Uprights are long, beams are heavy and every bolt seems to vanish halfway through. Even so, plenty of firms do it themselves when they move to a bigger unit. We supply van hire in Warrington to many of them from our Cockhedge depot. This guide covers which vans work, how to strip and pack the racking, and how to time the move.
Choosing Vans for a Warehouse Racking Move
Racking breaks down into three kinds of load. First come the uprights, or frames, which are long and fairly light for their size. Next come the beams, which are shorter but dense and heavy in a stack. Finally there is everything else, from shelf panels and decking to the stock that sat on the racking.
Each kind suits a different van. For that reason, many businesses hire two vehicles for the same day, or one after the other. Because our fleet runs to over 70 vans across seven types, we can usually pair them up. Tell us how many bays you have and how tall the frames are when you ring.
The XLWB for Long Uprights
Uprights decide the job. The extra long wheelbase van has a 4.3 metre load length, the longest floor in our panel van range. So measure your frames before you book. If they fit within that length, they lie flat and stack neatly on top of each other.
Lay two lengths of timber across the floor first, then stack the frames on them. That gap lets you get your fingers underneath at the other end. Also, keep the stack even from side to side. A lopsided pile shifts on every roundabout and wears the van lining.
The Tail Lift Luton for Beams and Shelving
Beams are a different problem. A bundle of them is too heavy to lift into a high box safely. Instead, the Luton van with tail lift lets you stand the bundles on the platform and raise them to floor level. It also takes shelf panels, mesh decks and boxed stock in one tidy load.
Bundle the beams in matching lengths and wrap each bundle with tape or bring your own straps. Then load the bundles flat against the front wall of the box. Keep the platform clear while it moves, and never ride on it. If the stock is on pallets, ask the new unit whether a forklift will be there to help.
Dismantling and Labelling Before the Move
Good labelling saves hours at the new site. Before you take anything apart, photograph each run of racking from the front and the side. Then number every bay and mark each frame and beam with the same number. Coloured tape works well because it survives a damp floor.
Strip each bay from the top down. Take off the stock first, then the decking, then the beams, and leave the frames until last. Two people should handle every beam above head height. Also, wear gloves, because cut steel edges and old pallet splinters catch hands quickly.
Keep bolts, safety locks and beam pins in labelled tubs, one per bay. Meanwhile, set aside any bent or damaged parts rather than packing them with the rest. A warehouse racking move is the right moment to retire them. Damaged racking is a safety issue in its own right. So check with your racking supplier before you rebuild with it.
Securing Racking in the Van
Steel moves around more than people expect. A stack of frames can slide forward under hard braking, and loose beams clatter about on every bend. The government guidance on securing loads sets out the principles. It is written for operators, but the ideas apply to any van.
In practice, push the load hard against the bulkhead, strap it to the tie points and fill any gaps with soft packing. Bring your own ratchet straps and blankets, because we do not supply them. Check the straps again after the first few miles, since a load often settles once the van starts moving.
Moving Into a New Industrial Unit
Most of these moves run between industrial estates. Some businesses head east towards Birchwood, while others go north along the A49 or the M6. For firms moving that way, our page on van hire Astley covers the area north east of town. Likewise, van hire Newton-le-Willows covers that town.
Before moving day, check the new unit’s loading door and yard. Find out where the vans can park and whether the floor needs marking out first. That way the racking goes straight to its final position instead of being stacked twice. Bring a tape measure and a chalk line, because bay positions should match your floor plan.
Timing a Weekend Warehouse Racking Move
Plenty of small firms move racking on a Saturday to keep weekday trading going. Our depot opens Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4pm and is closed Sunday. So collect at eight, run the uprights first and the beams second. That order means the frames can go up while the second load is still on the road. If the job needs more than one day, talk to us about a longer hire instead.
At collection, every driver needs a photocard licence and a DVLA check code. Our vans are all 3.5 tonnes or under, so a standard car licence covers them. There is no deposit on most vehicles, and free secure parking means staff can leave their cars with us. Also, booking two weeks ahead earns 10% off selected vehicles. See our van hire special offers for details. For wider advice, read our guide to van hire for small businesses and sole traders.
Tell us how many bays you are moving, how long the uprights are and where the new unit is. We will then match the vans to your warehouse racking move. Speak to the depot team on 01925 396 222, or send your bay count through the contact us page.
