--- title: "Warehouse Space Optimization: Carton Flow for Fast Movers" description: When retail and order fulfillment space comes at a premium, it's time to consider a carton flow system for fastest-moving SKUs to grow your business. image: https://blog.unex.com/hubfs/UNEX-spantrack-carton-flow-system.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.unex.com/carton-flow-for-fast-movers#main-content) [![UNEX-logo-1](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UNEX-logo-1.png?width=170&height=53&name=UNEX-logo-1.png "UNEX-logo-1")](https://www.unex.com/) - [Applications](https://www.unex.com/applications) - Storage - [Warehouse Storage](https://www.unex.com/applications/storage/warehouse-storage) - [Storage for 3PLs](https://www.unex.com/applications/storage/storage-3pls) - [Retail Storage Solutions](https://www.unex.com/applications/storage/retail-storage) - [Lineside Storage](https://www.unex.com/applications/packing-assembly/lineside-storage) - [Beverage Storage](https://www.unex.com/applications/storage/beverage-storage) - [Keg Storage](https://www.unex.com/applications/storage/keg-storage) - Picking - [Order Picking](https://www.unex.com/applications/picking/order-picking) - [Case Picking](https://www.unex.com/applications/picking/case-picking) - [Each Picking](https://www.unex.com/applications/picking/each-picking) - [Picking Carts](https://www.unex.com/applications/picking/picking-carts) - [Pick Module](https://www.unex.com/applications/picking/pick-module) - Packing & Assembly - [Industrial Carts](https://www.unex.com/applications/packing-assembly/industrial-carts) - [Packing Stations](https://www.unex.com/applications/packing-assembly/packing-station) - [Industrial Workstations](https://www.unex.com/applications/packing-assembly/industrial-workstations) - [Manufacturing Supermarkets](https://www.unex.com/applications/packing-assembly/manufacturing-supermarkets) - [Solutions](https://www.unex.com/solutions) - [Carton Flow](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow) - [SpanTrack Lane](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-lane) - [SpanTrack Wheel Bed](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-wheel-bed) - [SpanTrack Keg Flow](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-keg-flow) - [Shelf Track](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/shelf-track) - [Flow Racks](https://www.unex.com/solutions/flow-racks) - [FlowCell](https://www.unex.com/solutions/flow-racks/flowcell) - [Roller Rack](https://www.unex.com/solutions/flow-racks/roller-rack) - [High-Density Storage](https://www.unex.com/solutions/high-density-storage) - [SpeedCell](https://www.unex.com/solutions/high-density-storage/speedcell) - [SpeedCartt](https://www.unex.com/solutions/high-density-storage/speedcartt) - [Pick Shelves](https://www.unex.com/solutions/high-density-storage/pick-shelves) - [Conveyors](https://www.unex.com/solutions/conveyors) - [Gravity Conveyor](https://www.unex.com/solutions/conveyors/gravity-conveyors) - [Pallet Track](https://www.unex.com/solutions/conveyors/pallet-track) - [About](https://www.unex.com/about) - 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[Keg Storage](https://www.unex.com/applications/storage/keg-storage) - Picking - [Order Picking](https://www.unex.com/applications/picking/order-picking) - [Case Picking](https://www.unex.com/applications/picking/case-picking) - [Each Picking](https://www.unex.com/applications/picking/each-picking) - [Picking Carts](https://www.unex.com/applications/picking/picking-carts) - [Pick Module](https://www.unex.com/applications/picking/pick-module) - Packing & Assembly - [Industrial Carts](https://www.unex.com/applications/packing-assembly/industrial-carts) - [Packing Stations](https://www.unex.com/applications/packing-assembly/packing-station) - [Industrial Workstations](https://www.unex.com/applications/packing-assembly/industrial-workstations) - [Manufacturing Supermarkets](https://www.unex.com/applications/packing-assembly/manufacturing-supermarkets) - [Solutions](https://www.unex.com/solutions) - [Carton Flow](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow) - [SpanTrack Lane](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-lane) - [SpanTrack Wheel Bed](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-wheel-bed) - [SpanTrack Keg Flow](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-keg-flow) - [Shelf Track](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/shelf-track) - [Flow Racks](https://www.unex.com/solutions/flow-racks) - [FlowCell](https://www.unex.com/solutions/flow-racks/flowcell) - [Roller Rack](https://www.unex.com/solutions/flow-racks/roller-rack) - [High-Density Storage](https://www.unex.com/solutions/high-density-storage) - [SpeedCell](https://www.unex.com/solutions/high-density-storage/speedcell) - [SpeedCartt](https://www.unex.com/solutions/high-density-storage/speedcartt) - [Pick Shelves](https://www.unex.com/solutions/high-density-storage/pick-shelves) - [Conveyors](https://www.unex.com/solutions/conveyors) - [Gravity Conveyor](https://www.unex.com/solutions/conveyors/gravity-conveyors) - [Pallet Track](https://www.unex.com/solutions/conveyors/pallet-track) - [About](https://www.unex.com/about) - [Resources](https://www.unex.com/resources) - [Blog](https://blog.unex.com) - [Press Releases](https://blog.unex.com/press-releases) - [Guides](https://www.unex.com/resources/guides) - [Product Brochures](https://www.unex.com/resources/product-brochures) - [Installation Guides](https://www.unex.com/resources/installation-guides) - [Case Studies](https://www.unex.com/resources/case-studies) - [FAQs](https://go.unex.com/faq) [Contact Us](https://www.unex.com/contact) [Build a Solution](https://www.unex.com/configurator) # Warehouse Space Optimization: Carton Flow for Fast Movers ## ![UNEX-spantrack-carton-flow-system](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UNEX-spantrack-carton-flow-system.jpg?width=1000&height=589&name=UNEX-spantrack-carton-flow-system.jpg) Running out of space? You may want to consider this unique way to implement carton flow for your fast-moving SKUs. Now more than ever, businesses need a consistent flow of revenue to survive - and for many in [retail](https://www.unex.com/industries/retail) and [order fulfillment](https://www.unex.com/industries/order-fulfillment-warehousing), that means a consistent flow of their fastest-selling products hitting store shelves. When space comes at a premium, it's time to reconsider how and where you're storing your fastest-moving SKUs to create more room to grow your business. ## Carton Flow for Fast-Movers When running out of space is your biggest challenge, [carton flow](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow) can help optimize storage for your most valuable SKUs, dramatically reducing your overall footprint. In [fulfillment](https://www.unex.com/solution/space-optimization-for-distributors/) warehouses, fast movers typically constitute up to 20% of your SKUs that make up as much as 80% of your volume. In [order picking](https://www.unex.com/order-picking/) operations, workers will spend most of their time and labor picking and replenishing these products (SKUs). ![Common Pallet Flow Layout](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/common-two-pallet-flow-pallet-reserve.jpg?width=425&name=common-two-pallet-flow-pallet-reserve.jpg) However, many companies store fast movers exactly like their slowest-moving products - in two-deep pallet positions on the floor. This common layout can work in a lot of instances, but when you're up against a huge space crunch and the cost to expand is prohibitive, you need to get creative. Operating a warehouse in a commercial hub like Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago means paying steep premiums for square footage. For example, it may cost $157 to construct one square foot of industrial warehouse space in New York City, compared to $80 per square foot in Phoenix. Using two-deep pallet positions for your fast-moving SKUs when space costs this much can result in a poorly optimized floor plan, reducing your storage density, and creating massive overhead for your company. To keep a consistent flow of product out of your facility and to minimize the square footage you need, you have to find an uncommon solution to a common and costly problem. #### Learn how to Design Your Own Carton Flow Solution! Download our step-by-step guide to designing carton flow systems.  ![UNEX-DIY-Carton-Flow-Guide-Cover-1](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketing/Guide%20Thumbs/UNEX-DIY-Carton-Flow-Guide-Cover-1.png?height=2000&name=UNEX-DIY-Carton-Flow-Guide-Cover-1.png) ## Implementing Carton Flow Systems ![Carton Flow Solution](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/carton-flow-storage-solution-with-pallet-push-back-1.jpg?width=418&name=carton-flow-storage-solution-with-pallet-push-back-1.jpg) Implementing a [carton flow system](https://www.unex.com/product/span-track-lane/) designed to reduce footprint will allow you to store three times the amount of SKUs in the same space. Here's how... In this layout, two pallet positions in a bay are replaced with 24 lanes of carton flow. Previously, two pallet positions could store two SKUs - by using a [carton flow storage system](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow), you can boost that to six SKUs in the same footprint. This reduces the length of the pick path from 198 feet to 66 feet, making it faster for order pickers to find and retrieve products. This also ensures the product is always at the most ergonomic point of pick. In the long run, this means more products picked per day in far less space. This particular application has many benefits, especially for [case picking](https://www.unex.com/case-picking/) operations. ### The Results? - **The pick path is reduced by 65%** - **Your storage footprint is reduced by 50%** - **Pick labor is reduced, which saves you money** - **Ergonomics are improved** ## **![Reduce Footprint with Carton Flow](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Reduce-Footprint-with-Carton-Flow-Floor-Plan.jpg?width=445&name=Reduce-Footprint-with-Carton-Flow-Floor-Plan.jpg)** Implementing a well-thought-out strategy using carton flow can provide many benefits to your order picking operation. When your biggest struggle is running out of space and space is super costly, examine your fast-moving inventory to determine if this alternate carton flow solution is right for you. ## Explore UNEX Carton Flow Solutions To achieve these impressive results and optimize your warehouse space, you need the right [carton flow solutions](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow). UNEX offers a variety of innovative products designed to help you maximize efficiency and storage density while reducing your operational footprint. Here’s a closer look at how [UNEX SpanTrack Lane](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-lane), [SpanTrack Wheel Bed](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-wheel-bed), and [Roller Rack](https://www.unex.com/solutions/flow-racks/roller-rack) can transform your fast-mover storage strategy: #### SpanTrack Lane [![UNEX-Spantrack-Lane-Carton-Flow-1](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UNEX-Spantrack-Lane-Carton-Flow-1.png?width=300&height=383&name=UNEX-Spantrack-Lane-Carton-Flow-1.png)SpanTrack Lane](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-lane) is an innovative carton flow solution that can be integrated into existing structures to maximize efficiency and storage density. This solution offers versatility, as it can be easily added to new or existing pallet racks without the need for shelves or intermediate support. SpanTrack Lane provides superior flexibility, making it suitable for storing products with wide variations in size and weight. Engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of active warehouses, [SpanTrack Lane](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-lane) is built for high-capacity durability. Additionally, it ensures unrivaled flow by providing maximum carton support and significantly more product contact than plastic wheel rails, ensuring smooth flow and fewer hang-ups. #### SpanTrack Wheel Bed [![UNEX-Spantrack-Carton-Flow-Bed](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UNEX-Spantrack-Carton-Flow-Bed.png?width=300&height=391&name=UNEX-Spantrack-Carton-Flow-Bed.png)SpanTrack Wheel Bed](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-wheel-bed) is another high-performance carton flow solution designed by UNEX. It transforms static storage into dynamic, high-density storage, optimizing space and improving picking efficiency. SpanTrack Wheel Bed offers excellent flexibility by accommodating cartons and totes of various sizes, ensuring a smooth flow of products. This system is designed to drop into any existing pallet rack structure, making it a seamless addition to your current setup. With its robust construction, [SpanTrack Wheel Bed](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow/spantrack-wheel-bed) can handle the demands of high-volume picking environments while minimizing product damage and increasing throughput. #### Roller Rack [![UNEX-Presentation-Gravity-Flow-Roller-Rack](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UNEX-Presentation-Gravity-Flow-Roller-Rack.jpg?width=300&height=366&name=UNEX-Presentation-Gravity-Flow-Roller-Rack.jpg)Roller Rack](https://www.unex.com/solutions/flow-racks/roller-rack) is a dynamic storage solution that enhances picking efficiency and maximizes storage space. This system is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for easy reconfiguration as your inventory needs change. Roller Rack provides a smooth, gravity-fed flow that ensures products are always at the pick face, reducing the time it takes for pickers to find and retrieve items. Its durable construction can support heavy loads and withstand the daily wear and tear of a busy warehouse. By implementing [Roller Rack](https://www.unex.com/solutions/flow-racks/roller-rack), you can improve storage density, enhance picking accuracy, and reduce labor costs. ## Optimize Space with Carton Flow Solutions Implementing a well-thought-out strategy using carton flow can provide many benefits to your order picking operation. When your biggest struggle is running out of space and space is super costly, examine your fast-moving inventory to determine if this alternate carton flow solution is right for you. Talk about UNEX carton flow applications with a space optimization specialists. The team at UNEX can help you determine the best way to consolidate your storage space and drastically reduce the footprint of your most valuable inventory. Click here to contact us. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4747213/79236e02-843e-4520-aead-2b2a0cdf40fe.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747213/79236e02-843e-4520-aead-2b2a0cdf40fe) [Carton Flow](https://blog.unex.com/tag/carton-flow) [SpanTrack](https://blog.unex.com/tag/spantrack) ## Related Blogs ![spantrack carton flow for cold storage operations and fulfillment](https://blog.unex.com/hubfs/carton%20flow%20racks%20for%20cold%20storage.jpg) ### Why Temperature-Controlled Operations Are Turning to SpanTrack Carton Flow [Read More](https://blog.unex.com/why-temperature-controlled-operations-are-turning-to-spantrack-carton-flow) ![speedcell expands warehouse space for Goodwill](https://blog.unex.com/hubfs/UNEX-Goodwill-1071.jpg) ### How Operations Are Increasing SKU Capacity Without Expanding Warehouse Space [Read More](https://blog.unex.com/how-operations-are-increasing-sku-capacity-without-expanding-warehouse-space) [![UNEX-logo](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UNEX-logo.png?width=154&height=48&name=UNEX-logo.png "UNEX-logo")](https://blog.unex.com/) - - [Applications](https://www.unex.com/applications) - [Storage](https://blog.unex.com/applications#storage) - [Order Picking](https://blog.unex.com/applications#picking) - [Packing & Assembly](https://blog.unex.com/applications#packing) - [Solutions](https://www.unex.com/solutions) - [Carton Flow](https://www.unex.com/solutions/carton-flow) - [Flow Racks](https://www.unex.com/solutions/flow-racks) - [High-Density Storage](https://www.unex.com/solutions/high-density-storage) - [Conveyors](https://www.unex.com/solutions/conveyors) - - Industries - [Manufacturing](https://www.unex.com/industries/manufacturing) - [Order Fulfillment & Warehousing](https://www.unex.com/industries/order-fulfillment-warehousing) - [Retail](https://www.unex.com/industries/retail) - [Logistics](https://www.unex.com/industries/logistics) - [About](https://www.unex.com/about) - [Find a Distributor](https://go.unex.com/find-material-handling-distributor) - [Distributor Portal](https://go.unex.com/distributors) - [Careers](https://go.unex.com/careers) - - [Build a Solution](https://www.unex.com/configurator) - [Contact Us](https://www.unex.com/contact) - [Resources](https://www.unex.com/resources) [800-334-8639](tel:8003348639) 691 New Hampshire Ave Lakewood, NJ 08701 [Privacy Policy](https://www.unex.com/legal/privacy-policy)|[Terms of Service](https://www.unex.com/legal/terms-service) [Sitemap](https://www.unex.com/sitemap)|[Warranty](https://www.unex.com/legal/warranty) © UNEX Manufacturing. 2026 All Rights Reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "UNEX", "url" : "https://blog.unex.com/author/unex" }, "dateModified" : "2024-07-23T16:02:39.403Z", "datePublished" : "2020-08-25T14:48:51.000Z", "headline" : "Warehouse Space Optimization: Carton Flow for Fast Movers", "image" : [ "https://blog.unex.com/hubfs/UNEX-spantrack-carton-flow-system.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.unex.com/carton-flow-for-fast-movers", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.unex.com/hubfs/unex_logo_061013_RGB_Medium-1.jpg" }, "name" : "UNEX Manufacturing Inc" } } ```