Footplates, also known as footpads or base plates, are at the base of columns and serve as anchors to give the rack more stability: anchor bolts are inserted through the base plate’s holes to attach the column to the concrete floor. Footplates are made of thicker steel and in some geographic locations; they must be of a certain size and seismic rating. Footpads increase the pallet rack’s overall stability and weight-bearing capacity.
Shims are used when the uprights are resting on uneven floors; the shims, equal in size to the base of the uprights, are installed beneath the uprights to level the rack.