Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) Practice Exam

What type of storage equipment allows materials to be loaded at one end and retrieved at another end?

1. Flow through rack

2. Push-back rack

3. Selective rack

4. Mezzanine rack

The correct answer is: Flow through rack

The type of storage equipment that allows materials to be loaded at one end and retrieved at another end is known as a flow through rack. This system is designed to facilitate a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management method, which is particularly beneficial for perishable goods or items with expiration dates. Flow through racks utilize a sloped design, enabling items to glide from the loading side to the retrieval side due to gravity. As new stock is added, it pushes older stock forward, ensuring that the oldest items are accessed first. This not only optimizes space but also enhances the efficiency of picking operations by minimizing the need for labor-intensive searching and reorganization of stored items. The other types of racks mentioned, such as push-back rack and selective rack, serve different functions and storage methodologies. Push-back racks allow loading and retrieving from the same side and are typically used for a different inventory rotation method. Selective racks provide easy access to all pallets but do not facilitate the FIFO system effectively. Mezzanine racks are primarily used for creating additional storage space but do not specifically address loading and retrieving mechanics in the manner that flow through racks do.