What is Roller Racking? How Does it Work?
Within many workshops and warehouses, space is often at a premium. Efficiency is also paramount within these operations. And that’s where mobile shelving, also known as roller racking, comes into play.
This type of storage can dramatically increase your space capacity, streamline workflow, and provide robust, adaptable storage for even the most demanding environments.
So, what exactly is mobile shelving and roller racking?
Simply put, it’s a storage system designed to maximise space. Units, whether shelving, racking, or even drawer cabinets, are mounted on a mobile base that runs along rails. This allows you to condense your storage, eliminating the need for multiple fixed aisles.
In this guide, we discuss everything about mobile shelving from how it works, why it’s such a useful storage option and its uses across different industries.

At Polstore, we supply mobile shelving and workshop storage for different industries, including heritage, military and engineering workshops. Get in touch with our team today!
Call us on +44 800 008 6861 or complete our online enquiry form.
What is Mobile Shelving? How Does it Work?
Mobile shelving is a high-density storage system that eliminates the need for multiple fixed aisles. Instead, shelving units are mounted on mobile bases that glide along tracks, allowing you to create a single access aisle where needed. This simple yet ingenious design can boost storage capacity by up to 60%, a significant advantage for any organisation grappling with limited space.
Roller racking, often used interchangeably with mobile shelving, emphasises the smooth, effortless movement of these heavy-duty units. The precision-engineered rollers and tracks ensure that even fully loaded shelves can be moved with minimal effort, making it ideal for storing heavy or bulky items.
Benefits of Mobile Shelving
The advantages of mobile shelving extend far beyond mere space savings. Here are some key benefits:
- Maximised Space Utilisation – By eliminating redundant aisles, you can significantly increase your storage capacity within the same footprint.
- Improved Efficiency – Mobile shelving streamlines retrieval processes, reducing search times and boosting productivity.
- Enhanced Organisation – These systems allow for precise organisation and categorisation of your stored items, making it easier to locate and access what you need.
- Adaptability and Flexibility – Mobile shelving can be configured to accommodate a wide range of storage needs, from small parts and tools to large, bulky equipment.
- Security and Protection – Secure locking mechanisms can be integrated to protect valuable or sensitive items.
- Durability and Longevity – Built with robust materials, mobile shelving systems are designed to withstand heavy use and provide years of reliable service.

Applications Across Diverse Industries
The versatility of mobile shelving makes it an ideal storage solution for a variety of industries, including:
Engineering
- Engineers need to store everything from precision tools and components to heavy machinery parts. Mobile shelving allows for efficient organisation, reducing retrieval times and preventing damage. Imagine needing a specific tool quickly – with mobile shelving, it’s right where you need it.
- Workshops can use mobile shelving to create dynamic layouts, adapting to different projects and workflows.
Military
- In military applications, space is often at a premium. Mobile shelving can store weapons, equipment, and sensitive documents securely and efficiently.
- Rapid deployment and organisation are crucial in the military. Mobile shelving systems can be designed for quick access and relocation.
Heritage
- Museums and archives need to preserve delicate artefacts and documents in controlled environments. Mobile shelving allows for high-density storage, freeing up valuable space for exhibitions and research.
- The ability to move units easily allows for flexible layouts and improved access for conservation and research.

Mobile Shelving Solutions From Polstore
At Polstore, we understand the unique storage challenges faced by engineering, military, and heritage organisations. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality mobile shelving and roller-racking systems that are designed to meet your specific needs.
Our experienced team will work closely with you to:
- Assess your storage requirements.
- Design a customised mobile shelving solution.
- Install and maintain your system to ensure optimal performance.
We pride ourselves on providing durable, reliable, and space-saving storage solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity. With our expertise and commitment to quality, Polstore is your trusted partner in mobile shelving.
We understand that quality is paramount, and that is why Polstore partners with world-class manufacturers such as Famepla, to ensure that the products we supply are of the highest standard.
Ready to Transform Your Storage?
If you’re looking to maximise your storage space, improve efficiency, and enhance organisation, mobile shelving is the answer. Contact Polstore today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you revolutionise your storage.
Call our UK experts on +44 800 008 6861 or complete our online enquiry form to request a proposal. Let us work with you to create the perfect storage product solution for you.
Polstore Storage Systems is committed to providing high-quality, customised solutions for all your storage needs. Transform your workspace today with our expert services.
FAQs
How does mobile shelving work?
Mobile shelving, or mobile storage systems, utilises a rail system and carriage movement to compact storage units. Mechanical assist controls or manual mobile shelving enable efficient space usage by eliminating empty aisles. The design of mobile shelving prioritises maximising available space within an existing area, reducing waste space.
What is mobile shelving known as?
Mobile shelving is also known as roller racking or mobile storage solutions. These mobile systems, including mobile shelves and storage cabinets, are designed to optimise floor space. They are a type of shelving that significantly improves inventory management by compacting storage into a smaller footprint.
What is the importance of roller racking?
Roller racking, a key component of mobile systems, is crucial for ensuring smooth carriage movement and handling heavier loads. It enhances efficient space utilisation and minimises safety hazards. The rail system and robust design support a high load capacity, making it ideal for diverse storage needs.
What is the difference between mobile shelving and static shelves?
Traditional shelving, or static shelves, maintains open aisle spaces, wasting amount of space. Mobile storage solutions, like mobile shelves, consolidate storage by eliminating these aisles, increasing available space. Mobile shelving offers a smaller footprint and improved inventory management compared to static shelves, which occupy fixed aisle space.
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