Cold storage and freezer warehousing represent one of the greatest challenges in internal logistics. Low temperatures, reaching as low as -30°C, and a specific microclimate mean that standard solutions quickly fail. Choosing the right racking systems is crucial not only for structural durability but, above all, for employee safety and supply chain continuity.
Find out what to look for when designing equipment for freezers and cold stores.
Material strength in sub-zero temperatures
Most standard steel grades become brittle in negative temperatures. This phenomenon, known as cold brittleness, can lead to structural components cracking under load or upon accidental impact by a forklift.
Freezer racks must be made of steel with increased impact strength. As a manufacturer, we ensure that the alloys used in production maintain their mechanical properties and flexibility even in extreme cold.
Corrosion and moisture – the greatest enemy of steel structures
Condensation (water vapor buildup) frequently occurs in cold stores and freezers, especially in loading zones. Moisture combined with low temperatures creates a highly corrosive environment.
To ensure many years of operation, racks must have specialized anti-corrosion protection:
- Hot-dip galvanizing: The most effective method, involving immersing components in liquid zinc. The coating reaches the inside of the profiles, creating a thick, resistant protective layer.
- Flake galvanizing: A modern alternative providing excellent sealing and chemical resistance with a thinner coating.
It is worth remembering that the foundation of safety in such conditions is the selection of the right load-bearing components. You can read more about how specific environments affect the load-bearing structure in our article: how to select rack uprights for working conditions. The appropriate steel thickness and type of upright coating are a “to be or not to be” issue for the entire system in the cooling industry.
Hygiene and ease of cleaning
In the food and pharmaceutical industries, which most frequently use cold storage, rigorous sanitary standards are key. The rack design should:
Minimize crevices where dirt or ice could accumulate.
Allow airflow around goods (crucial for stable temperatures).
Be easy to wash and resistant to aggressive disinfectants.
Space optimization – high-density storage
The cost of maintaining 1 $m^3$ of freezer space is several times higher than in a standard warehouse. Therefore, cold store racks should maximize the use of available volume. In these conditions, the best solutions are:
Radio Shuttle systems: Automation limits personnel exposure to harsh, freezing conditions.
Drive-in racking: Allows for maximum goods density.
Mobile (shuttle) racking: Combines high storage density with access to every pallet.
What to choose?
When choosing racks for a cold store or freezer, it is not worth looking for superficial savings. Invest in steel with the correct parameters and hot-dip galvanizing, which guarantees safety and durability for years.
Are you looking for a storage system tailored to your freezer? Contact our engineers—we will prepare a project for you that considers the specifics of your industry and temperature requirements.
Want to receive a free quote for a cold store racking system? Click here and fill out the contact form.