|
Stop paying to ship "air" back to your factory. While traditional A-frames are great for static floor storage, they are a logistical nightmare on return trips. For glass wholesalers and glazing contractors managing Tempered Glass and IGU distribution, the math is simple: efficient nesting means slashing your reverse logistics costs by 70%. |
In the glass fabrication industry, we often conflate "storage" with "transport." If you are strictly storing raw float glass sheets near your cutting table, a heavy-duty A-frame is a solid choice due to its dual-sided access. However, once that glass leaves your loading dock—whether it’s going to a job site in Long Beach or a distributor in Sacramento—the A-frame becomes a liability.
The primary pain point for Glass Distributors isn't the outbound trip; it's the return trip. An empty A-frame takes up the same footprint as a full one. This means you are paying full freight for a truck full of empty steel. This is where the L-Shape Glass Holding Rack changes the game through its "Nesting" capability.
Figure 1: Empty L-racks nested like shopping carts, saving 70% of floor space.
The L-shape design (often called an L-buck) allows empty racks to slide into one another, similar to shopping carts.
Transporting Insulated Glass Units (IGU) or Low-E coated glass requires more than just space saving; it requires absolute stability to prevent seal failure and coating scratches.
A common failure point in cheap generic racks is the rubber profile. Heavy glass loads act like a knife. Over time, the glass edge cuts through standard rubber, leading to metal-on-glass contact. This causes "shell-out" or immediate shattering of tempered lites.
Figure 2: Steel-core EPDM rubber prevents glass edges from cutting through to the frame.
Our glass transport rack solution utilizes Steel-Core Rubber Profiles. We don't just glue the rubber on; we mechanically fasten a rubber profile that contains an internal steel plate. Even if the rubber compresses under 4,000 lbs of load, the glass edge meets the internal steel plate (cushioned by rubber), never the structural steel tube. This is critical for preventing edge damage on polished or laminated glass.
When shipping to a job site, the rack must withstand the dynamic forces of the truck braking and turning. We use Q235 carbon structural steel with Full Seam Welding.
Unlike light-duty racks that might warp, causing the glass pack to lean dangerously, our racks are engineered with a specific 3-5 degree tilt angle. This ensures the glass sheets stay naturally leaned against the backboard, while the Ratchet Straps (secured to built-in anchor points) keep the pack tight.
Figure 3: Optimized for 40HQ containers, allowing high-density shipping for global distributors.
| Factor | L-Shape Rack (Grack) | Traditional A-Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Best Use Case | Truck Transport & Jobsite Delivery | Factory Floor Storage & Work-in-Progress |
| Return Logistics | Excellent. Nests (7:1 ratio). | Poor. Takes up full space empty. |
| Space Efficiency | Can be placed against walls. | Requires island placement (access both sides). |
| Loading Style | Single-sided (Deep ledge available). | Double-sided (Balanced loading required). |
1. Can these racks handle Jumbo Size (130" x 204") sheets?
Yes, we manufacture custom "Big Buck" L-racks specifically for Jumbo sizes. We reinforce the base with 100x50mm rectangular tubing to prevent deflection under the immense weight of jumbo laminated glass.
2. Do you ship to the United States (e.g., California/Texas)?
Absolutely. We regularly supply glass distributors in Los Angeles and Houston. Our racks are dimensionally optimized for standard shipping containers to minimize your landed cost.
3. Can I use a crane to lift these racks onto a high-rise glazing site?
Yes. All our heavy-duty transport racks come equipped with certified crane lifting eyes (lugs) at the top, allowing for safe vertical lifting by tower cranes at construction sites.
4. How do you prevent the racks from rusting in outdoor storage yards?
For outdoor applications, we recommend Hot-Dip Galvanizing, which provides 10-20 years of rust protection. For indoor use, our electrostatic powder coating (standard RAL 5010) offers excellent durability.
5. Are the rubber pads replaceable?
Yes. Because we use self-tapping screws to secure the steel-core rubber (not glue), your maintenance team can easily swap out worn rubber strips in minutes without special tools.
