Dunnage Shelving

What is Dunnage Shelving and Why is It Important?

Dunnage shelving is a storage & transport solution for keeping inventory elevated off the ground. These restaurant shelving systems are important for complying with health code regulations and maintaining sanitary conditions. Dunnage shelving ensures products stay safe from moisture, spills, and debris, whether outfitting a walk-in cooler or organizing dry goods in your warehouse.

Benefits of Using Dunnage Shelving

Dunnage shelving offers 5 main benefits, including code-compliant storage, sanitary storage, and efficient organization.

• Health Code Compliance: Food safety standards require stored items to be at least 6 in (15.24 cm) off the ground, and most dunnage shelving units come standard with 12-in (30.48 cm) heights to ensure full compliance. This prevents contact with dust, mop water, pests, and debris, preserving your goods and protecting your business from citations.
• Sanitary Storage: Keeping perishables, bulk ingredients, and supplies off the floor helps minimize cross-contamination risks and supports easier floor cleaning beneath racks.
• Improved Airflow: Many dunnage shelving units use slatted, grated, or tubular construction to promote ventilation.
• Exceptional Durability: Commercial dunnage shelving supports loads ranging from 800 lb (362.87 kg) to 5,000 lb (2267.96 kg) per shelf.
• Efficient Organization: Dunnage shelves help segment items and create vertical storage strategies in walk-ins, storage rooms, and warehouses, improving accessibility and inventory tracking.

What are The 3 Key Features for Buying Dunnage Shelving?

Key features to consider when buying dunnage shelving include matching the height, material, and weight capacity options to your unique needs.

• Height: Most dunnage shelves are 12 in (30.48 cm) high, with some compact models offering 6 in (15.24 cm) clearance to meet minimum code requirements. They are available with 2, 3, or 4 tiers for added capacity.
• Materials: Choose from heavy-duty plastic, anodized or all-welded aluminum, epoxy-coated metal, wire, steel, or stainless steel. Aluminum and stainless steel resist rust and corrosion, making them ideal for use in walk-in coolers, freezers, and humid environments.
• Weight Capacity: Each tier on dunnage shelving supports loads ranging from 800 lb (362.873 kg) to 5,000 lb (96 kg).

Chef’s Deal proudly offers a curated selection of NSF-listed, Made in America dunnage racks and shelving from top-tier manufacturers, including Channel Manufacturing Inc., Metro, New Age Industrial, and Winholt. Explore other restaurant shelving solutions in the storage & transport category to complete your safe and efficient storage system.