As industrial and e‑commerce operations grow, so does the demand for smarter, more efficient warehouse storage solutions. Keeping up with SKU variety, order volume, and vertical space demands means traditional shelving and pallet rack systems are often insufficient. That’s where wide span shelving—also known as longspan or bulk shelving—shines.
At Bradford Systems, our shelving products are purpose-engineered for rugged use, high weight capacity, and adaptability. Whether you’re storing heavy machinery components or overflow stock, wide span shelving provides a versatile, scale-ready platform that suits today’s industrial demands.
What Exactly Is Wide Span Shelving?
Wide span shelving bridges the gap between standard industrial shelving and pallet racking. Unlike pallet racks designed for forklifts, wide span systems are typically hand-loaded and consist of steel uprights, heavy-duty beams, and solid decking—wood, metal, or wire mesh—to handle loads in the 1,000–3,000 lb per shelf range.
Bradford Systems’ wide span shelving line, powered by solutions like Spacesaver’s RaptorRAC™, provides industrial-grade durability, load capacity, and design flexibility to match the needs of modern warehouse operations.
Bradford Systems’ Wide Span Shelving Specifications
- Heavy-Duty Uprights: Roll-formed boxed-style posts provide structural integrity; modular splice options build reach efficiently
- Beam Options: Low-profile, Heavy-duty, Extra heavy-duty—for loads up to 3,000 lb/shelf
- Decking Options: Wire mesh, steel, plywood, particle board—each suiting specific usage and weight needs
- Custom Fit: Mix widths, heights, and decking to fit your warehouse design. Use back-to-back or wall-mounted options with color finishes for aesthetics and ease of identification.
- Mobile Integration: Pair with mobile base units to reclaim aisle space when access is not needed—ideal for dense storage needs.
Use-Cases in Warehouse & Industrial Settings
Spare Parts & Tool Storage
Bulk machinery parts, hand tools, and service trays fit neatly and stay accessible—no special handling required.
MRO & Maintenance Stock
Heavy replacement parts or kits require heavy-duty shelving; wide span holds weight and keeps parts visible and reachable.
Non-Palletized Bulk Items
Containers like 55-gallon drums or gypsum bags need solid decking and heavy beams—something wide span delivers.
Integration with Production Lines
Partner with conveyors or mezzanines to create picking islands or work cells—Rails and decking align with robotic systems .
Why Partner with Bradford Systems?
When you choose Bradford Systems, you get more than shelving—you get a storage partner.
- Expert Consultation: Our team analyzes workflows, inventory size, and facility design to recommend the optimal wide span setup.
- Turnkey Services: We manage cradle-to-grave: design, quotes, procurement, staging, installation, and validation.
- Mobile-Ready Design: We integrate wide-span solutions with Spacesaver mobile systems for ultra-high-density and clean aesthetics.
- Support & Scalability: We offer post-install service, expansion guides, and on-call support for future changes.
- Compliance & Safety: Our solutions meet OSHA and industry standards—and Bradford ensures professional installation and compliance.
Conclusion
For warehouse and industrial operations looking to do more with less, wide-span shelving is a transformative solution. It delivers:
- Massive storage increases in existing layouts
- Strength to hold industrial weights
- Fast access and full visibility
- Future-ready adaptability
- Cost-effective, long-lasting value
With Bradford Systems by your side, your facility gets a high-performance, fit-for-purpose storage solution you can rely on now—and expand later.
Ready to Rethink Your Warehouse?
Let Bradford Systems help you design, supply, and install the wide span shelving system that works for your operation. Schedule a Warehouse Evaluation.
