Pallet Rack Cross Beams | Teardrop Step Beams

You can’t have pallet rack without warehouse racking cross beams. Crossbeams are an integral component of a selective pallet rack system. Horizontal crossbeams along with vertical uprights create pallet racking. Add to it the accessories including anchors, shims, row spacers, wire decking and you have a complete system.

There are many descriptive terms for pallet rack warehouse racking cross beams. Having been in the business for over 30 years we have heard them called beams, cross beams, step beams, load beams even stringers. The have one thing in common: they create a shelf and are often used to support palletized product in a warehouse.

The most common cross beams are teardrop style crossbeams. Teardrop refers to the shape of the hole on the upright as they resemble teardrops. Almost all factories manufacture a universal fit teardrop pallet rack including teardrop uprights and teardrop beams. They are also called step beams because they have a universal 1-5/8″ step that is used for decking.

Teardrop warehouse racking cross beams come in many different standard lengths and capacities as shown in the chart below. The height of the front face of the cross beam along with the thickness of steel used dictates the capacity. We keep a large inventory of teardrop uprights and warehouse racking cross beams in stock at 6 strategically located distribution centers across the United States.

Tip from the Pro’s: 96″ beam length is the most popular. It is designed to store two 40″ wide pallets side by side on a shelf. You would use a 108″ crossbeam if you were storing two 48″ wide pallets on a shelf. 120″ crossbeams are less common and used when storing non-uniform long loads. 144″ beams are designed to store three 40″ wide pallets on a shelf.