Commodity characteristic

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.42

load capacity and clear vertical space, full utilization

b. Characteristics of storage facility.

Storage

could not be realized if adequate stacking equipment

space is three dimensional; therefore, facility

were not available.

characteristics must be carefully analyzed. Limitations

such as stacking height, floor capacity, structural

clearance, and other obstacles must be recognized. For

d. Commodity characteristics.

The maximum

example, coils of steel banding are usually stacked in a

stacking height potential is also influenced by the

column that is erected to only moderate storage height.

characteristics of the material or its packaging. These

Although the characteristics of this item with regard to

may not permit stacking to the height available. The

stability would allow a substantially higher stacking

type of commodity being stored must, therefore, be

level, the weight, considering floor load capacity, has

considered in determining whether the gross cube

reached the maximum. Therefore, floor load capacity

available can be filled. This consideration supports the

may influence stacking heights.

idea of categorizing supplies into groups to promote a

constant storing height potential. Some examples of the

effects of commodity characteristics on storage heights

c. Equipment capabilities.

Use of potential

(see fig 2-20) include-

warehouse storage height may be restricted by

equipment capabilities to achieve the vertical utilization.

For example, even though a warehouse provides floor

Figure 2-20. Examples of the Effects of Commodity Characteristics on Sto rage Heights.

this is categorized as being of limited stacking height

(1) Forklift trucks are representative of

potential.

unpacked and unusually shaped items that preclude

stacking. Items of this type, in the interest of efficient

(2) Items which are packed in containers of

space utilization, are normally located in storage areas

substantial strength or items which support the surface

where the least storage height exists. Inventory such as

the

containers

will

ordinarily

lend

2-18