Cold & Freezer Storage
Cold & Freezer Storage Solutions
Racking engineered for sub-zero environments, tight clearances, and the high-density demands of refrigerated and frozen facilities.
-20°F
Freezer-rated steel specs and hardware for sub-zero environments
80–100%
More pallet positions with mobile racking vs. selective in the same footprint
20–30%
Lower energy cost per pallet with optimized density
$/Sq Ft
Why layout efficiency matters in conditioned space
Cold and freezer storage warehousing requires racking systems built with materials rated for sub-zero temperatures, designed for maximum density to minimize the cubic volume of expensive refrigerated space. Cold storage racking must account for frost buildup, condensation, and fire suppression requirements specific to temperature-controlled environments.
What We Understand
The Challenges Specific to Cold & Freezer Storage
Maximum Density in the Most Expensive Space
Cold and freezer space costs significantly more per square foot to operate than ambient warehousing. Standard selective rack wastes 40–50% of the floor area on fixed aisles. Drive-in, push-back, and mobile racking systems maximize pallet positions per sq ft, reducing operating cost per pallet stored.
Cold Environment Engineering Challenges
Steel behaves differently at -20°F. Concrete floors in freezers have specific thermal considerations. Forklift operators in heavy gloves in foggy environments need wider clearances. These factors require engineering that accounts for sub-zero conditions, not standard ambient warehouse specs.
Complex Fire Code for Cold Storage
High-density cold storage has complex fire code requirements: commodity classifications for frozen food, sprinkler anti-freeze requirements, and in-rack protection systems. We handle fire code coordination and coordinate with fire marshals on anti-freeze sprinkler systems and cold storage commodity classifications.
Our Approach
Density First: Engineering and Compliance Built In
In cold and freezer storage, the goal is always more product per cubic foot, because every wasted square foot has a direct operating cost. We start with your temperature zones, forklift types, and product profile to determine whether mobile pallet racking, drive-in systems, or high-bay selective rack gives you the best density for your operation.
Designs account for cold-rated steel specs, concrete thermal slab conditions, condensation management, and wider clearances for operators in heavy gear. We use drive-in, mobile, and push-back configurations to maximize pallet positions per sq ft, density that directly reduces operating cost per pallet.
All permitting and code compliance is handled in-house, including complex fire code requirements for anti-freeze sprinkler systems and cold storage commodity classifications.
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Recommended Systems
Storage Solutions We Commonly Install for Cold & Freezer Storage
Mobile Pallet Racking
Rack rows on motorized bases that compact together, eliminating aisles. The highest density option for cold storage, typically 40-50% more product per square foot than selective rack.
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Drive-In / Drive-Thru Racks
High-density lane storage for large quantities of the same SKU. Lower cost per pallet position than mobile racking, a strong option for frozen bulk storage.
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Pallet Flow Racks
FIFO gravity flow for cold perishables with strict rotation requirements. Keeps first-in, first-out discipline without manual intervention.
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What This Looks Like in Practice
200,000 sq ft cold storage facility in Dallas : drive-in racking maximizing pallet positions in a -10°F environment, fire code-compliant sprinkler clearances with anti-freeze system coordination, cold-rated steel specs throughout, 24/7 cold chain operation scheduling for install, increased pallet positions 35%, passed fire marshal inspection on first visit.
Every square foot in a freezer costs significantly more to operate than ambient storage. When a client needs more capacity, our first question is whether we can get it from the space they already have. Mobile racking and deep-lane systems often eliminate the need for a building expansion.
Dylan Andrews
VP Operations, Hammerhead Warehouse Systems
Related Industries
Building or Reconfiguring Cold Storage?
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