What are pallet rack load capacity labels and load plaques?

Load capacity labels and load plaques show a rack system’s safe maximum load so forklift operators don’t overload a bay. Both carry the same information; the difference is where and how each is used.

Need to know how much your racks can hold? That’s a different question. See our pallet rack load capacity guide. This page covers how to display and label that capacity once it’s known.

Load plaques — signs posted at one or both ends of a rack system or aisle, for racks with one uniform capacity throughout. They typically list the maximum bay and beam capacity, the manufacturer, and the project date.

Load capacity labels — adhesive labels on the first beam at eye level in each bay, for racks whose capacity varies from bay to bay. Each label states the figure for that location.

Here is an example of a load capacity label: 

​​Do you have to display load capacities?

In practice, yes. ANSI MH16.1-2023, the current rack-design standard published by the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) and referenced by the International Building Code, calls for rack systems to show their rated load on one or more plaques displayed on or near the system. It doesn’t mandate a single display method, and while it’s a voluntary consensus standard, OSHA can enforce safe-loading practices under its General Duty Clause.

Does Damotech put a label on every beam level?

No, usually one label per bay is enough. A single label on the eye-level beam covers every level in that bay. Multiple labels are only needed when levels within the same bay have different capacities (for example, different beam types). After assessing your racks, our engineers place the label on the eye-level beam or the upright, whichever is clearer.

When labels must be updated

A label reflects the rack as it was configured when rated. If the system is later modified in a way that changes capacity — moving beam levels is the common one — the label no longer holds, and new labels are needed after a fresh capacity study. See how rack modifications affect load capacity.

Don’t know your capacities?

Damotech’s engineers calculate your racks’ safe maximum loads on-site and help you display them correctly.

Request a load capacity calculation →

References: ANSI MH16.1-2023, published by the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI).​