What an Upright Is
Two steel columns joined by braces, on anchored footplates, with holes every 2" for beams. Sold by depth, height and capacity.
Anatomy of a Teardrop Upright
Gauge, section and beam spacing set capacity. Wider beam spacing usually lowers the frame rating; check the maker's chart. See roll-formed vs structural and the style guide.
Depths, Heights and Capacities
| Depth | Standard pallet | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 36" | 48 x 40 pallet, 40" side in | Pallet overhangs 2" front and back; common in older buildings |
| 42" | 48 x 40 pallet, 48" side in | The standard. 3" overhang each side keeps the load on the beams |
| 44" | 48" deep pallets | Used where product is set deep or decks must cover the full pallet |
| 48" | 48 x 48 pallets, drums, crates | Also used with wire decks for hand-stacked product |
Heights run 8' to 40'. Counterbalance trucks work 12' to 20', reach trucks 24' to 30', VNA higher. Frame ratings come from the maker's chart for your size and beam spacing.
How to Size an Upright
- Depth from the pallet, height from building and truck.
- Add every level above the floor: four levels at 5,000 lb each put 20,000 lb on an interior frame between equally loaded bays.
- Beam spacing: check the rating at your real spacing.
- Clearance: top load under the sprinkler limit in your fire design, and within the truck's lift height.
- Guard the aisle ends.
Anchors, Footplates and Shims
Every upright is anchored; heavy frames get larger plates and more anchors. See anchors.
Need Frames?
New frames built to any depth and height. See used uprights.
Common questions
What size upright do I need?
Depth: 42 inches for a 48 x 40 pallet loaded 48-inch side in. Height: pallet heights plus 6 inches per level, under the truck's lift and the sprinkler limit.
How much weight can an upright hold?
It depends on the maker, column size, gauge and beam spacing. Use the maker's capacity chart for your frame.
Teardrop or structural?
Teardrop costs less and suits most warehouses. Structural takes more abuse, for freezers, food plants and rough forklift traffic.
Can a damaged upright be repaired?
Unload it and have a qualified person assess it. They decide repair or replace. An approved repair kit often costs less than a new frame.
