Procurement Knowledge Base
Frequently Asked Questions on Longspan Shelving & Global Sourcing
Direct technical answers from HEDA Shelves engineering and export teams covering design considerations, customs compliance, freight planning, and on-site assembly.
What is the structural difference between longspan shelving and standard pallet racking?
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Longspan shelving is specifically optimized for manual hand-loaded items, medium cartons, bins, and unpacked bulk inventory. It typically operates with level capacities between 300kg and 1,000kg using steel shelves, wire mesh decking, or wood panels fitted onto step beams. Pallet racking is built for forklift pallet handling with beam load ratings spanning 1,500kg to over 4,500kg per pair and aisle widths ranging from 2.8m to 3.5m. Longspan aisles can be narrowed to 0.9m to 1.2m, substantially elevating floor space usage.
How do you calculate the correct load rating per level for our warehouse inventory?
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Load calculation is governed by the Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL) principle. We calculate the maximum combined weight of all stock bins or boxes intended for a single clear beam level, add a dynamic safety factor of 1.4 to 1.5, and verify that the calculated deflection under test conditions does not exceed L/200 (length of beam divided by 200). Our engineers generate structural load distribution calculation sheets alongside free CAD drawings before manufacturing begins.
How do you optimize shipping costs for overseas export?
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All HEDA longspan shelving and selective racking systems use knocked-down, boltless components. Upright frames are either pre-bolted or shipped un-assembled with bracing bundles, while stepped beams and steel decks are tightly nested and strapped to heavy wood pallets. This packing technique eliminates empty container space, enabling a standard 40HQ container to pack between 22 to 26 metric tons of racking, minimizing the freight cost per stored unit.
What certifications and international standards does HEDA Shelves comply with?
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Guangzhou Heda Shelves Co., Ltd. holds official CE Certification (Certificate No. 2435-CPR-8605159), ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certification (Certificate No. 18624Q00169R0M, valid through June 2027), and RoHS compliance. Our manufacturing follows European FEM 10.2.02 codes and ANSI/RMI industrial steel storage standards.
Can your longspan shelving be converted into a multi-tier mezzanine in the future?
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Yes. Provided the ground-level upright frames are initially engineered with appropriate steel gauges and footprint base plates to support superimposed vertical floor loads, our modular systems can be expanded upward. We supply engineered catwalks, steel grating, staircase flights, safety handrails, and pallet drop gates that connect to standard longspan uprights.
What is the standard production and shipping lead time for volume orders?
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For standard export orders (1 to 5 full container loads), our manufacturing lead time is typically 15 to 20 working days following drawing confirmation and deposit clearance. We coordinate sea freight bookings departing from Nansha or Huangpu ports in Guangzhou, or Yantian/Shekou in Shenzhen, under FOB, CIF, or CFR Incoterms.