Abstract: A method for converting an existing racking system into a double pallet vehicle-loadable racking system. A plurality of primary upright posts are isolated from the pre-existing racking system, and are each bound to a secondary upright post to form a plurality of bound upright posts. These bound upright posts are formed into a grid having at least one row and at least two columns. A cantilevered support is attached to each interior side edge of each column. The grid and the support arms are configured such that pairs of palletized cartons may be stored on or under the cantilevered supports and a lift truck can pass its body underneath the cantilevered supports and its extendable mast between any two opposing cantilevered supports.

Abstract: A plurality of racking systems are adapted to store palletized cartons in a refrigeration unit or the like prior to shipment of the cartons to market. Each racking system comprises laterally spaced overhead support platforms having their inner ends suitably spaced apart to provide a clearance accommodating the entrance of an extended mast of a lift truck therein. Upper groups of palletized cartons are loaded and stored on the platforms, next followed by the depositing of lower groups of palletized cartons within a lower storage space located at ground level.

Abstract: A method for transferring filled lettuce cartons from a field to a loading dock for shipment to an end user or buyer includes filling the cartons with head lettuce at a field site, closing and stacking the filled cartons in layers to a predetermined composite height on a plurality of adjustable pallets to form palletized carton stacks, and moving the stacks to a cooling facility and subsequently to the loading dock whereat the widths of the stacks are adjusted to fit the width of the cargo space of a transport vehicle. The stacks are then transported to the end user. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the filled cartons are uniquely stacked on the pallets in a compact and fully supported manner whereby they remain intact on the pallets for ease of handling by lift trucks for loading and unloading purposes.