A dunnage rack is a low, heavy duty platform that keeps cases, sacks and kegs off the floor in dry storage, walk-in coolers and freezers. Ours are welded aluminum, 8 or 12 in. high, and rated for 1,300 to 1,850 lbs depending on size, so they carry the heaviest goods at the level where they are safest to lift.
Shop the equipment in this article: wire shelving, ingredient bins and commercial kitchen wall shelving. Freight is included on every order.
This guide explains what the Food Code says about storing food off the floor, how a dunnage rack differs from shelving, and how to choose a size.
For the rule itself, including what may sit on a clean, dry floor, see how far above the floor food should be stored.
What the Food Code says about floor storage
Under the FDA Food Code (section 3-305.11), adopted in Virginia as 12VAC5-421-610, food must be stored in a clean, dry location, not exposed to splash, dust or other contamination, and at least 6 inches above the floor. Two exceptions matter for storerooms:
- Food in packages and working containers may be stored less than 6 inches above the floor on case lot handling equipment that meets the code’s design rules.
- Pressurized beverage containers, cased food in waterproof containers such as bottles or cans, and milk containers in plastic crates may be stored on a floor that is clean and not exposed to floor moisture.
Cleaned equipment, laundered linens and single-service items also go at least 6 inches above the floor (12VAC5-421-2000). Both heights of our dunnage racks clear 6 inches. Your local health department has the final say on what it accepts in your storeroom.
How a dunnage rack differs from shelving
Wire shelving is tall and holds a range of products at several heights. A dunnage rack is a single low level built for weight. A 50 lb sack of flour is awkward to lift onto a mid-height shelf, and heavy cases on the bottom wire shelf can bow it. A dunnage rack takes that load just off the floor, where staff can slide or lift it with less strain.
Our dunnage racks
| Rack | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | — |
| Express KitchQuip aluminum dunnage rack | 14, 20 or 24 in. deep, 24, 36, 48 or 60 in. long, 8 or 12 in. high; 14 sizes | 1,300 to 1,850 lbs, by size |
| Thunder Group ALDN2036 | 20 x 36 x 12 in. | 1,500 lb |
Both are aluminum, which does not rust in walk-ins and freezers, and both list NSF certification. Our own racks are all-welded with open slats for airflow.
Dunnage rack or the bottom shelf
Wire shelving units can put the bottom shelf 6 inches or more off the floor, so why add a rack? Three reasons come up in most storerooms. Sacks and cases of 50 lb or more are easier to slide onto a low, solid platform than to lift onto a shelf. A dunnage rack has no posts in the way, so a hand truck can pull up to it. And a welded aluminum rack does not rust in a walk-in, where chrome shelving is not suited; our chrome wire shelving pages say chrome is for dry storage and point damp areas to epoxy coated shelving. Many kitchens use both: shelving for cases that are opened often, and a dunnage rack for bulk stock that moves in and out by the sack or keg.
Where to use one
- Dry storage for sacks of flour, sugar, rice and beans.
- Walk-in coolers for cases of produce, dairy and drinks.
- Walk-in freezers for boxed proteins.
- Bars and back rooms for kegs and cases.
- Receiving areas as a staging spot while a delivery is checked in.
How to choose a size
- Measure the footprint of what you store. Cases and sacks should sit fully on the rack without hanging over the edge.
- Compare the rating on the product page with the heaviest load you will stack, and spread the weight evenly.
- Measure the floor and the door opening, and leave room to sweep around the rack, as the product page advises.
- Pick 12 in. where you want more space to clean under the rack and less bending; pick 8 in. where headroom above a stack is tight.
Loading and cleaning
- Keep the heaviest items low and lift with a partner when needed.
- Stack only as high as staff can reach and see over safely.
- Rotate stock first in, first out: new deliveries go behind older stock.
- Pull the rack out on a schedule and clean the floor under it. Wash the rack with warm soapy water and let it dry before reloading.
Pairing with other storage
Most storerooms use dunnage racks for the heaviest goods, wire shelving for cases and boxes, and ingredient bins for opened dry goods that staff scoop during prep. Moving an open sack of flour into a sealed, labeled bin keeps pests out and makes the product easier to use. On the line, commercial kitchen wall shelving keeps small items off the work surface.
Frequently asked questions
How high is a dunnage rack?
Ours come in 8 or 12 in. heights. The Thunder Group ALDN2036 is 12 in. high.
How much weight can a dunnage rack hold?
Our aluminum racks are rated for 1,300 to 1,850 lbs depending on size, and the ALDN2036 for 1,500 lb. Check the rating for the exact size on the product page.
Can I put a dunnage rack in a walk-in freezer?
Yes. Aluminum does not rust, and our product page lists walk-ins and freezers as intended uses.
What is the return window?
As a non-powered item, a dunnage rack has a 14 day return window from delivery. Freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price.
Next steps
Compare sizes in dunnage racks and the rest of our storage racks to lay out your storeroom.