The Warehouse Cart Buyer’s Guide

A warehouse cart is a simple piece of equipment, but on the floor, every second counts. If material handling equipment (MHE) isn’t suited to the task — or not capable of handling the load — productivity suffers.

Warehouse carts are the true workhorses of your facility. When outfitting, it’s important to choose solutions that will provide a return on investment. Here’s what you need to know.

Warehouse Carts: Types and Features

1. Stock Picking Carts

Stock carts are ideal for moving merchandise, gathering parts, and order picking. Typical units have multiple shelves and a slim profile, which allows the cart to be maneuvered through tight aisles. Shelves may have edges or lips to contain contents during transport.

Options from BHS Include:

Order Picking Carts (OPC) 

With a load capacity of up to 3,000 lb (1361 kg), OPCs are durable options for all types of warehouse operations. Each unit is equipped with two rigid and two swivel casters (poly or phenolic), with edged shelves and a powder-coat finish. 

Standard OPCs feature a depth of 36" and an overall width of either 48" or 60". Custom options are available to meet the needs of specific applications.

Stock Picking Carts (SPC)

Stock Picking Carts feature ergonomic handles and an integrated step ladder. Ideal for order-picking and stock put-away tasks, the SPC features three lipped shelves and a 1,000 lb (463 kg) load capacity. 

Standard models are available with an overall depth of 36"-48"  and an overall width of 22" or 28". 

Angled Shelf Cart (ASC-3672)

In certain applications, angled shelves can improve throughput and reduce ergonomic strain for workers. The ASC-3672 is designed for high-volume use, with three high-capacity shelves in a mesh-enclosed frame. 

Optimized for bin picking and package handling, the Angled Shelf Cart features easy-steering casters and a 2-degree rearward grade that keeps contents secure. The two top shelves can carry up to 500 lb (226 kg) each, while the bottom shelf supports up to 1,500 lb (680 kg). 

2. Bulk Quantity Warehouse Carts and Trucks

High-capacity units typically have larger surfaces and more casters than standard stock carts. They may be configured for specific applications (such as manufacturing or construction) or for certain types of loads. 

Options from BHS Include:

Flat Deck Carts (FDC)

As the name implies, Flat Deck Carts are low-profile platforms designed for bulk transport. Six heavy-duty casters minimize friction and ensure a high weight limit (variable by model). The wheels can be braked when not in use, and integrated fork pockets enhance maneuverability.

Flatbed Cart (FBC)

The FBC is also designed for large, heavy items. A unique caster alignment allows operators to move loads wherever they need them: Four 6" casters support loads of up to 2,000 lb (907 kg), while two central 8" casters allow for center-steer maneuverability. 

Flat Stacking Carts (FSC)

Flat Stacking Carts offer adaptable material handling solutions for various industrial settings. Featuring four detachable steel posts, these carts enable stacking to save space between uses.

3. Security Carts

Security carts are designed for the transport of tools and other high-value items. Excellent for outdoor and publicly accessible job sites, they’re constructed with heavy-duty materials for years of dependable use. 

Options from BHS Include:

BHS High Value Carts

BHS manufactures a range of High Value Carts (HVCs) to meet the needs of common applications. As with our other material handling solutions, the features of each unit can be fully customized. 

The Bifold High Value Cart (HVC-3060-65-BF-VC) opens along a central seam into a single 10-foot long shelving unit. Its clamshell design provides plenty of room for storage, while the smooth-rolling casters allow for easy positioning. 

The High Value Cart, Heavy Duty (HVC-HD) features three steel shelves that are adjustable in 3-inch increments. Its doors open to 180 degrees, providing convenient access to up to 5,000 lb (2,267 kg) of high-value supplies.

4. Utility Carts

Utility Carts are ideal for order picking, janitorial equipment, manufacturing components, and any task that requires the movement of bulk materials. They’re typically smaller than order picking carts, but may be more appropriate for general use. 

Options from BHS Include:

 BHS Utility, Service, Material Cart (USC)

The low-profile USC rolls smoothly and easily, even when loaded. An ergonomic angled handle enhances maneuverability, and each unit has a 1,000 lb (463 kg) capacity. Various configurations are available to serve different applications.

5. Panel Carts and Cantilever Carts

Industrial carts can also provide mobile storage for awkward materials — sheets of drywall, rigid conduit, and other products that cannot be safely transported with flatbed carts. 

Options from BHS Include:

Panel Carts (PC)

Panel Carts have a 1,000-lb (463 kg) capacity and are ideally suited to moving drywall, plywood, folding tables, and other flat materials. A carpeted deck protects products from damage. Removable handles make loading/unloading much easier, and the length/width can be customized to meet the needs of your facility. 

Cantilever Cart (CCA2.5K-3974-86-5) 

Cantilever Carts are designed to hold rigid conduit, pipes, bars, and other long, narrow materials. This steel-framed rolling rack features four sets of cantilever shelf arms, each adjustable within 2-inch (50-millimeter) increments.

Add additional shelf arms, or remove them to accommodate taller products. With 39-inch (991-millimeter) arms and a carrying capacity of 500 pounds (227 kilograms) per shelf (total unit capacity: 2,500 pounds [1134 kilograms]), this Cantilever Cart handles high volumes to maximize operational throughput.

Vertical Material Racks (VMR)

Vertical Material Racks are also optimized for bars, pipes, and similar materials, but the VMR is engineered for long-term storage. The varying height of the crossbars allows a single unit to store up to 3,000 lb. (1361 kgs) of materials of different lengths.

Using Custom Warehouse Carts to Optimize Throughput

While standard warehouse carts can suit the needs of most facilities, a little customization can go a long way. BHS provides extensive customization options for all material handling equipment, including the warehouse carts and trucks listed above. 

To start designing the ideal custom material handling cart for your use case, request a quote to start the conversation with our engineering team. We’ll propose a design, then make necessary iterations to match the equipment to your workflow.

All BHS warehouse carts feature heavy duty, powder-coated steel, reliable casters, and ergonomic designs. View our full selection of Industrial Carts or call 1.800.247.9500 to speak with a member of our sales team.