Price promise
Buy from us safe in the knowledge you've paid a great price.
If you find the same item online at a cheaper price, we'll match it. Just get in touch with a link to the item you've found.
0% financing · Made in Johnson City, TN since 2009 · Trusted by 7,500+ funeral homes & 1,200+ ME/coroner offices · 1-888-792-9315
Side-Load Mortuary Racks for Tight Prep Rooms and Low-Clearance Coolers
When a prep room is short on ceiling height or a cooler doorway is narrow, end-loading a rack becomes a two-person fight. Side-load mortuary racks solve that: the tray slides in from the long side, so a single operator can load any tier without backing a cot into a tight aisle. This guide covers when side-load is the right call and how to size it.
Why side-load beats end-load in tight rooms
End-load racks need clear runway in front of the rack equal to the tray length. In a cramped prep room you rarely have it. Side-load racks need only side clearance, so they fit against a wall and load from the aisle. Browse configurations in side-load racks or the full cadaver storage racks range.
Pick your tier count by clearance
The 3-Tier Side-Loading Rack (Model 2000-03TSL) is the go-to for standard prep rooms; step up to the 4-Tier Side-Loading Rack when you have the height and need more bodies per footprint. Not sure which fits? Our 3-tier vs 4-tier guide breaks down the math.
Single-operator loading and casters
Side-load units are built for solo loading and roll on heavy-duty casters so you can reposition the whole rack for cleaning or layout changes. If the top tier still sits above comfortable reach, pair it with a mortuary lift.
Build and compliance
Welded stainless, USA-made in Tennessee, rated for embalming-fluid exposure and repeated decon. New to rack sizing? Start with the mortuary storage racks guide.
Coming soon: the HALO system. Track every body and tier from one screen. Preview HALO →
Frequently asked questions
How much side clearance does a side-load rack need?
Roughly the tray width plus working room on the loading side. Send your room dimensions and we'll confirm the fit free.
Are side-load racks mobile?
Yes — they roll on locking casters so you can reposition for cleaning or reconfiguration.
Tight room? Send us the dimensions.
A technician will spec a side-load rack that fits free.
