Stop shipping air. In the glass fabrication and solar manufacturing sectors, the cost of reverse logistics often kills the margin. Your trucks go out full of Low-E units or solar collectors, but return carrying empty, bulky A-frames that eat up trailer space. The equation changes when you can fit 112 empty racks in a single container.
For operations managers in glass fabrication or HVAC manufacturing (like those handling solar thermal panels), the "empty leg" of a delivery loop is a persistent bleed on the budget. Traditional static A-frames or wooden crates are single-use or rigid. Returning them means you are essentially paying fuel and driver hours to transport air.
The Collapsible Glass Storage Transport Rack (AGrack) fundamentally shifts this operational reality. By engineering a heavy-duty steel structure that folds flat, we allow logistics teams to stack these units 11-high inside a standard shipping container or trailer during the return trip.
Figure 1: A single unit folded flat, ready for high-density stacking.
This isn't just about saving space; it's about volume. In a standard 40HQ container, you can load approximately 112 folded units (16 stacks of 7). For domestic trucking, the density increases further. This capability transforms a cost center into a sustainable, closed-loop asset recovery system.
In the glass industry, "collapsible" cannot mean "flimsy." Whether you are transporting 3mm annealed float glass, heavy laminated safety glass, or solar collector panels, edge trauma and shell chips are the enemies. Wooden bucks degrade, and standard foam compresses over time, leading to glass-on-steel contact.
Our racks utilize a proprietary 10mm rubber strip reinforced with an internal steel plate. Unlike glued-on pads that peel off after a few months of weather exposure, our rubber is mechanically fastened with self-threading pins.
Figure 2: 10mm Steel-Reinforced Rubber Base preventing glass-to-metal contact.
This design ensures that even under the load of 4,400 lbs (approx. 2000kg) of stone or glass, the cushioning material will not deform to the point of failure. It provides the necessary friction to prevent sheet slippage during transit while protecting the critical bottom edge from impact damage.
Floor space in a manufacturing plant—whether you are making windows or assembling Rheem HVAC units—is premium real estate. Spreading inventory out horizontally is inefficient.
The folding glass shipping racks are designed with precision stacking feet (stacking bowls) that allow fully loaded racks to be stacked 3-high. This triples your storage density instantly without requiring permanent racking infrastructure.
Figure 3: Fully loaded racks stacked securely, optimizing warehouse vertical space.
This feature is critical for MRO storage solutions and WIP (Work In Progress) staging. You can stage raw materials (like solar glass sheets) vertically, feed the production line, and then immediately collapse the empties to clear the floor for the next shift.
Speed creates risk. In a fast-paced loading dock, forklift operators need equipment that is forgiving and predictable. We engineered the AGrack with fully welded Q235 steel profiles and integrated forklift channels. For facilities dealing with extra-long loads, such as curtain wall units or oversized solar panels, we offer four-way entry options to allow side-loading into containers.
Figure 4: Secure forklift handling via integrated channels.
Furthermore, for sites utilizing overhead cranes (common in stone and heavy glass fabrication), lifting lugs are integrated into the corner posts. This dual-handling capability allows the glass storage transport rack to move seamlessly from the cutting table via crane, to the warehouse via forklift, and onto the truck without re-handling the glass itself.
Below represents our standard heavy-duty configuration suitable for most industrial glass and stone applications.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Q235 Carbon Steel (Industrial Grade) |
| Load Capacity | Up to 4,400 lbs (2000kg) |
| Stacking (Loaded) | 3 Levels High |
| Stacking (Folded) | Up to 11 Levels High (Container/Warehouse) |
| Surface Treatment | Powder Coated (Standard) or Hot-Dip Galvanized (Outdoor/Marine) |
| Protection | 10mm Rubber with Internal Steel Plate + Lashing Rings |
Q1: Can these racks really support 2000kg of stone or glass when stacked?
Yes. The transfer of weight goes directly through the heavy-duty vertical posts to the stacking feet. The bottom rack is structurally engineered to support the static load of the two fully loaded racks above it (totaling over 13,000 lbs on the bottom unit's frame).
Q2: We store racks outdoors in a humid climate. Will they rust?
Standard powder coating is sufficient for indoor use. However, for outdoor storage or humid environments (like stone yards), we recommend our Hot-Dip Galvanized finish, which provides long-term corrosion resistance comparable to highway guardrails.
Q3: Is the rubber liner replaceable?
The rubber is extremely durable due to the steel core, but it is attached via self-threading screws, not glue. If accidental damage occurs (e.g., from a forklift blade), maintenance crews can easily unscrew and replace the strip without special tools.
Q4: How many folded racks fit in a standard truck?
While a 40HQ container holds about 112 units, a standard 53' semi-trailer can hold significantly more depending on weight restrictions. The folding ratio allows you to recover dozens of racks in a single trip, slashing return freight costs by over 80%.
Q5: Can you customize the dimensions for specific solar panels or oversized windows?
Absolutely. We function as an OEM manufacturer. We regularly adjust the length, width, and post height to accommodate specific SKU dimensions, ensuring the load is secure and doesn't shift during transport.
