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Stop compromising your yield rate with generic storage. |
In the world of general logistics, demountable post pallets are a staple. However, when you apply them to the glass transport rack requirements of a modern fabrication plant or a wholesale distributor like Western States Glass, the limitations become costly liabilities.
Glass is not a tire or a crate of auto parts. It requires a specific lean angle (typically 3-5°) to prevent sheets from falling forward while avoiding the "suction" effect that happens when sheets are stacked too vertically tight—a nightmare for separating Low-E coated glass without scratching the soft coating.
The L-Shape design ensures a calculated 3-5° lean angle, critical for maintaining the integrity of stacked float glass or IGUs.
The most critical failure point in traditional wood crates or generic metal pallets is the contact surface. When a 2,000 lb load of tempered glass shifts during truck braking, the bottom edge acts like a knife. Standard rubber pads glued onto metal will slice open, leading to catastrophic metal-on-glass contact.
Our L-Shape solution utilizes a proprietary Steel-Core Rubber Profile. This isn't just a pad; it is an EPDM rubber extrusion with a steel plate vulcanized inside it. It is mechanically fastened (screwed, not glued) to the Q235 steel frame. This ensures that even under the weight of Jumbo sheets or heavy laminated glass blocks, the glass edge never touches the structural steel, effectively eliminating edge chipping and run-on cracks.
Close-up of the Steel-Core rubber profile preventing the glass edge from cutting through to the metal frame.
For glazing contractors and distributors, the "cost of the rack" is secondary to the "cost of shipping air." A-Frames are stable but bulky. Once the glass is delivered to the jobsite, you are paying full freight to return empty A-frames to your facility.
The L-Shape system functions as a returnable shipping rack with a nesting capability similar to shopping carts. You can stack 7-10 empty racks in the footprint of a single loaded rack. This reduces your return freight volume by over 70%, turning a logistical headache into a competitive advantage.
Empty L-Shape racks nesting together, minimizing storage footprint and return transport costs.
Distributors often need to mix disparate products on a single truck run—combining 1/4" tempered glass for shower doors with thick Insulated Glass Units (IGU) for windows. Demountable post pallets struggle with securing these varying thicknesses simultaneously.
The L-Shape rack features a single-sided loading design with a high backboard and integrated ratchet strap points. This allows your team to secure mixed loads firmly against the back structure. The 90° base (with a slight tilt) ensures that even if you are transporting sensitive L-Shape Glass Holding Rack compatible units like mirrors or acid-etched glass, the load remains static without the micro-vibrations that cause surface abrasion.
Versatile storage capability handles mixed dimensions and types of glass safely on a single rack unit.
1. Can these racks handle the weight of 3/4" laminated architectural glass?
Yes. Our racks are engineered using Q235 carbon steel with full-seam welding. The heavy-duty models are rated for loads between 3,300 lbs (1.5 tons) and 8,800 lbs (4 tons), specifically designed for dense laminated or thick float glass packs.
2. Will the rubber strips mark or stain Low-E coatings?
No. We use high-grade EPDM rubber that is formulated to be non-marking and resistant to ozone aging. It provides the necessary grip without transferring residue to soft-coat Low-E surfaces.
3. Can these racks be moved by crane as well as forklift?
Absolutely. Every rack comes standard with reinforced forklift channels at the base and 4 certified crane lifting lugs at the top, allowing for seamless transition from factory floor to open-top truck or high-rise construction site.
4. How do you prevent the racks from rusting if stored outdoors at a jobsite?
For standard indoor/truck use, we apply a durable electrostatic powder coating (RAL 5010). For clients requiring long-term outdoor storage or exposure to sea freight moisture, we offer a Hot-Dip Galvanized option which provides 10-20 years of corrosion resistance.
5. What is the advantage of the L-shape over a traditional A-frame for distributors?
Space efficiency. While A-frames are stable, they consume immense floor space when empty. L-shape racks can be nested (stacked into each other) when not in use, freeing up to 70% of your warehouse floor or return truck space.
