--- title: Why Go With Carton Flow Rack Systems? description: Today's e-commerce environment demands solutions that drive down operational costs. Find out how our carton flow rack systems can help! image: https://blog.unex.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SpanTrackApplication-6.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.unex.com/why-carton-flow-rack-systems#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) - [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) - [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) - [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) # Why Go With Carton Flow Rack Systems? Streamlining product flow is an ongoing challenge in most fulfillment facilities. It’s more than simply having the right product on hand to fill orders, although that is certainly an overriding goal. Product flow affects inventory availability and accessibility, product rotation, replenishment and storage processes, travel time, handling and ergonomics, and picking speed and accuracy. For [order fulfillment operations](https://www.unex.com/solution/space-optimization-for-distributors) that handle large volumes of fast-moving inventory consisting of a wide variety of SKUs, the proven turnaround solution is a well-designed [carton flow rack system](https://www.unex.com/carton-flow/shelf-track/). ## ![carton flow rack system](https://blog.unex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SpanTrackApplication-6.jpg?width=330&name=SpanTrackApplication-6.jpg)Why Carton Flow Rack Systems? In today’s e-commerce environment, distributors are less likely to be handling full pallets; instead inventory is moved to the pick area in individual cartons, where pickers pull items to fulfill the more typical smaller, multi-SKU order. In this type of application, using carton flow racks can increase operational efficiency by as much as 75%, often immediately. ##### See all of our [Carton Flow Solutions](https://www.unex.com/carton-flow/) ## How do carton flow rack systems work? Carton flow rack systems are shelving units consisting of multiple levels of pitched tracks, complete with either [wheel beds](https://www.unex.com/product/span-track-wheel-bed/) or [carton flow rollers](https://www.unex.com/product/span-track-lane/). Cartons are loaded from the rear at the apex of the rack, where gravity propels the carton forward on the rollers toward the picker, in the same sequence in which it was loaded. If there is already a carton in the queue, the newly added carton simply falls in line until it is needed. Related Reading: [Carton Flow 101: The Advantages of a Gravity Flow Rack](https://blog.unex.com/carton-flow-101-the-advantages-of-a-gravity-flow-rack) This first-in/first-out (FIFO) design not only ensures efficient inventory rotation but also allows picking and replenishing operations to take place simultaneously from opposite sides of the rack. Ongoing replenishment means the correct carton is always on hand, within reach, and in clear view. Freed from the need to wait or travel, workers are able to pick more quickly, accurately, and efficiently. For optimized turnaround, carton flow rack systems are the tool of choice. [![Guide to Designing Your Own Carton Flow Solutions](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4747213/d9728023-aabe-4554-8f03-618a0fb88e45.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747213/d9728023-aabe-4554-8f03-618a0fb88e45) ## Choosing the best carton flow system for your operations At the same time, it’s important to choose the best carton flow system for your distinct application and product mix. A robust carton flow rack system will minimize product hang-up, which can result in operational delays, damaged inventory, risk to workers, and costly maintenance issues. Matching the carton flow system’s size and capabilities to your operational needs is important to achieving optimum space utilization and [order picking](https://www.unex.com/order-picking) productivity. The best systems are modular, portable, adjustable, customizable, attractive, and guaranteed by warranty. Your ideal solution will provide flexibility, durability, and smooth product flow. We predict you’ll see a dramatic turnabout. ## UNEX Shelf Track UNEX Manufacturing offers a variety of carton flow systems designed to suit your warehouse application. For example, [UNEX Shelf Track](https://www.unex.com/carton-flow/shelf-track/) is a line of carton flow shelving solutions specifically designed to bring all these benefits to your operation by retrofitting into your existing carton flow shelving. #### For all your carton flow needs, [contact the Space Optimization Experts at UNEX today!](https://www.unex.com/contact/) [![Increase Throughput up to 150% with SpanTrack](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4747213/4490a37f-fc45-4659-ac00-3f7971a318bc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4747213/4490a37f-fc45-4659-ac00-3f7971a318bc) [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" : "2023-05-16T19:29:29.364Z", "datePublished" : "2018-08-23T13:35:58.000Z", "headline" : "Why Go With Carton Flow Rack Systems?", "image" : [ "https://blog.unex.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SpanTrackApplication-6.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.unex.com/why-carton-flow-rack-systems", "@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" } } ```