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Stop Shipping Air. Start Shipping Profit. |
In the architectural glass industry, whether you are moving Insulated Glass Units (IGU) or raw float sheets, the biggest bleeding point in your P&L is often the cost of returning empty racks. Standard wooden crates are single-use waste. Fixed A-frames consume the same floor space empty as they do full.
The solution lies in smart geometry. By utilizing a returnable shipping racks design with a precise L-shape nestable structure, we transform the economics of glass transport. Instead of fitting only 18-20 standard racks in a container, the Grack system allows for high-density "spooning" or nesting.
Figure 1: High-density stacking capability filling a 40HQ container to maximum capacity.
For a distributor shipping from a manufacturing hub to a regional warehouse (e.g., California to Nevada), this means one return truck takes back what five outbound trucks delivered. The math is simple: fewer trips, lower fuel costs, and a faster ROI on your steel assets.
Every glazier knows the sound of a "million-dollar chip." When transporting heavy tempered glass or expensive coated Low-E sheets, the slightest metal-to-glass contact during a truck's braking event can cause catastrophic edge failure. The common industry failure mode isn't the steel bending—it's the rubber delaminating.
Cheap racks use glue. We use mechanics. Our L-Shape Glass Holding Rack features a proprietary Steel-Core Rubber Profile. The EPDM rubber is vulcanized around a steel insert, which is then screwed directly into the rack frame.
Figure 2: Steel-core rubber profile mechanically fastened to prevent delamination under heavy glass loads.
This design prevents the "slicing effect" where heavy glass cuts through soft rubber to hit the metal frame. Whether you are hauling jumbo sheets or mixed window units, the barrier between your product and the steel is absolute and permanent.
Logistics isn't just about trucks; it's about your shop floor flow. In a busy glass fabrication plant, aisle space is premium real estate. Traditional A-frames force a "pyramid" footprint that kills walkway space.
Our L-racks are designed to sit flush against walls or back-to-back, freeing up critical turning radius for your forklifts and overhead cranes. The Q235 carbon structural steel construction ensures that even when loaded with 4,000 lbs of granite slabs or thick laminated glass, the 90° vertical support remains rigid.
Figure 3: Space-saving L-shape design allows for efficient aisle management in fabrication plants.
Furthermore, the design includes four-way forklift channels and crane lifting lugs, making it a universal tool that moves seamlessly from the cutting table, to the tempering furnace line, and finally onto the delivery truck.
Q1: What is the maximum weight capacity per rack?
Our standard heavy-duty models are rated for 3,300 lbs (1.5 Tons) to 8,800 lbs (4 Tons), making them suitable for both insulated glass units and heavy stone slabs.
Q2: How many empty racks fit in a 40HQ container?
Thanks to the nesting design, you can load up to 98 units of the standard 1600mm length model into a 40HQ container, maximizing your ocean freight investment.
Q3: Can these racks be used for outdoor storage?
Yes. While standard powder coating (RAL 5010) is excellent for indoor use, we offer a Hot-Dip Galvanized option for racks that will be stored in outdoor yards exposed to rain and humidity.
Q4: Do the racks come with securing straps?
Yes, the racks feature integrated anchor hooks compatible with standard ratchet straps and steel banding to secure the glass pack during transit.
Q5: Can I mix different glass sizes on one rack?
Absolutely. The L-shape design with a 3-5° tilt allows for mixed sheets. For smaller lites, we recommend using stop bars or our customized "trolley" versions with side barriers.
