Keypoint Summary

• Drive in racking allows forklifts to enter from one side only, working on a last in first out basis, ideal for storing large volumes of a single product.
• Drive thru racking is open at both ends, allowing forklifts to load from one side and unload from the other on a first in first out basis, better suited to stock with expiry dates or rotation requirements.
• Both systems offer significantly higher storage density than selective pallet racking, since pallets are stacked several deep along continuous rails rather than in individual bays.
• The right choice comes down to whether your stock rotation needs LIFO or FIFO handling, and whether your building allows access from one side or both.
• Krost Shelving & Racking is one of South Africa and Africa’s leading manufacturers of drive in and drive thru racking, designing every system around your actual stock and layout.

When a warehouse needs to store large volumes of the same product, individual pallet accessibility often matters less than raw storage density. That is exactly the gap drive in and drive thru racking fill. Both systems pack pallets far more tightly than standard selective racking, but they work in noticeably different ways, and choosing the wrong one for your stock rotation needs can cause real headaches down the line. This guide explains how each system works, where they differ, and how to decide which one suits your warehouse.

What Is Drive In Racking?

Drive in racking is a high density storage system that allows a forklift to drive directly into the racking structure along continuous rails, stacking pallets several deep from a single entry point. Rather than each pallet having its own bay, as with selective pallet racking, pallets sit on rails that run the full depth of the lane, with the forklift lifting each one in and out from the same open end.

Because there is only one point of access, drive in racking naturally operates on a last in first out basis. The most recently loaded pallet sits closest to the entrance and is the first one removed, while older stock further back stays in place until the pallets in front of it have been cleared.

What Is Drive Thru Racking?

Drive thru racking uses the same basic structure as drive in racking, continuous rails supporting several pallets deep, but the lane is open at both ends rather than just one. This allows a forklift to load pallets from one side of the racking and unload them from the opposite side.

This open ended design supports first in first out stock rotation. Because loading and unloading happen from opposite ends, the oldest stock naturally reaches the unloading side first, without staff needing to manually track or reorder pallets to maintain rotation.

Key Differences Between Drive In and Drive Thru Racking

Access points. Drive in racking has a single entry point. Drive thru racking is open at both ends.

Stock rotation. Drive in racking works on a last in first out basis. Drive thru racking supports first in first out rotation, which matters significantly for perishable or date sensitive stock.

Building requirements. Drive thru racking needs access from both sides of the structure, which means it typically requires positioning in the middle of a warehouse or a building with loading access on two sides. Drive in racking can sit against a wall, since it only needs access from one end.

Storage density. Both systems offer similarly high density compared to selective pallet racking, since neither uses individual pallet bays. Density differences between the two mainly come down to lane depth and configuration rather than the drive in versus drive thru distinction itself.

Typical stock profile. Drive in racking suits bulk storage of non perishable or lower turnover stock where LIFO rotation is acceptable. Drive thru racking suits stock where rotation order genuinely matters, such as food, pharmaceuticals, or anything with a shelf life.

Benefits of Drive In and Drive Thru Racking

High storage density. Both systems make significantly better use of warehouse floor space than selective pallet racking, since aisles are only needed at the entry points rather than in front of every pallet position.

Efficient bulk storage. Storing large volumes of the same SKU in a single lane reduces the need to manage many separate pallet positions individually.

Reduced aisle space. Fewer aisles mean more of the warehouse floor is dedicated to actual storage rather than forklift access routes.

Rotation control where needed. Drive thru racking specifically solves the rotation problem that comes with high density storage, making it possible to combine bulk storage with proper first in first out stock management.

Which System Is Right for Your Warehouse?

The decision generally comes down to two questions: how does your stock need to rotate, and how is your warehouse laid out?

If you are storing large volumes of a single product where rotation order does not significantly matter, drive in racking is usually the simpler and more space efficient choice, and it can be positioned against a wall without needing access from both sides.

If your stock has an expiry date, a shelf life, or any other reason strict rotation matters, drive thru racking is generally the better fit, provided your warehouse layout allows access from both ends of the structure.

It is also worth considering whether your business genuinely needs this level of density at all. If your stock mix includes many different SKUs that need to be picked individually and often, selective pallet racking or a hybrid approach may actually serve you better than either drive in or drive thru racking.

Because both systems involve more complex design considerations than standard pallet racking, including rail depth, forklift specification, and structural bracing, getting the layout right from the start matters. Krost Shelving & Racking is one of South Africa and Africa’s leading manufacturers of drive in and drive thru racking, designing every system around your actual stock profile, warehouse layout, and rotation requirements rather than a generic template.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can drive in racking be converted to drive thru racking later? 

In some cases yes, if the building allows access from the opposite end, but this generally requires structural changes rather than a simple adjustment, so it is worth planning for future rotation needs upfront if there is any chance you will need it.

Is drive thru racking more expensive than drive in racking? 

Pricing depends on the specific configuration, but drive thru racking can involve additional structural considerations since it needs to be freestanding and accessible from both ends, which may affect overall cost compared to a single access drive in system.

What forklifts are needed for drive in or drive thru racking? 

Standard counterbalance or reach forklifts are typically used, though the forklift needs to be able to manoeuvre within the narrower internal lane widths that these systems use.

Is drive in racking safe for heavy pallets? 

Yes, when properly designed and load rated for the specific stock being stored. As with all racking types, correct specification and regular inspection are essential to maintaining safety.

Which industries typically use drive thru racking? 

Food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and any industry handling stock with expiry dates or strict rotation requirements commonly use drive thru racking to combine high density storage with first in first out control.

Does Krost manufacture both drive in and drive thru racking? 

Yes. Krost Shelving & Racking designs, manufactures, and installs both drive in and drive thru racking systems in house, tailored to your specific stock and warehouse layout.

Final Thoughts

Drive in and drive thru racking solve the same underlying problem, maximising storage density for bulk stock, but the way each one handles rotation makes them suited to genuinely different situations. Getting this choice right from the start avoids costly rework later, particularly for businesses handling stock with any kind of shelf life.

For a full breakdown of every racking type and how to choose between them, see our complete guide to racking systems. You can also view our Drive In Racking range directly, or get in touch with our team for a free site assessment tailored to your stock and warehouse layout.