Dunnage Racks, Merchandisers and Displays

A dunnage rack is a low-profile platform used to keep products off the floor, helping reduce contamination risk and making it easier to clean underneath.
 • In food environments, the FDA Food Code says food should be stored at least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor (with specific exceptions).
 • Dunnage racks are a common way to create that clearance while supporting heavy, bulk items.

A dunnage rack is used to store heavy or bulky items off the floor while keeping them accessible for daily operations and cleaning.
 • Common use: bulk ingredients, boxed goods, and supplies that shouldn’t sit directly on the floor.
 • In regulated spaces, it can support “off-the-floor” storage expectations (with stated exceptions in the FDA Food Code).

Dunnage racks are commonly used in walk-in coolers, freezers, dry storage rooms, prep areas, and back-of-house storage spaces.
 • They’re especially common anywhere you need bulk storage that stays off the floor.
 • They can also show up in warehouse or retail backroom storage where sanitation and cleanability matter.

Use a dunnage rack when you need high-capacity bulk storage near the floor with a cleanable gap underneath; use shelving for smaller items and pallets mainly for transport or staging.
 • Versus shelving: dunnage racks are built for bulky, heavy loads and quick floor cleaning access.
 • Versus pallets: pallets can be harder to sanitize and aren’t always the best fit for food or cold-room storage workflows.
 • The FDA Food Code includes a baseline expectation of storing food at least 6 inches off the floor (with specific exceptions).

Capacity depends on the model. Forte’s dunnage racks on this page range from 900 lbs up to 4,000 lbs.
 • 18″ x 22″ (Part #8002526): 900 lbs
 • 30″ x 22″ (Part #8002031): 1500 lbs
 • 36″ x 22″ (Part #8002027): 2000 lbs
 • 48″ x 22″ (Part #8002028): 4000 lbs
 • 48″ x 36″ (Part #8002030): 4000 lbs
 • 60″ x 22″ (Part #8002029): 4000 lbs

Dunnage racks are commonly made from aluminum, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic. Forte’s dunnage racks on this page are listed as durable commercial grade plastic.
 • Material choice usually comes down to cleanability, corrosion resistance, and load requirements.
 • For Forte’s models, the product pages describe a one-piece commercial grade plastic construction.

They can be, as long as the rack is rated for the temperature range and is appropriate for food environments. Forte’s dunnage racks listed here are NSF approved and rated from -20°F to 180°F.
 • The Forte product pages list NSF approved and a -20°F to 180°F temperature tolerance for these dunnage racks.
 • Food storage rules vary, but the FDA Food Code’s baseline is storing food at least 6 inches off the floor (with specific exceptions).