Stock Carts & Order Picking Carts

How to Choose a Stock Cart

A stock cart, also called a stock truck, is a wheeled frame with two or more shelves, so you can sort and move mixed items on separate levels instead of piling everything on one deck. Start with four questions: how much weight you move per trip, how big your largest carton or tote is, what kind of floor you roll over, and how tight your aisles and doorways are. Compare the narrowest doorway on your route with each cart's overall dimensions, not just the shelf size, since the frame, handle and casters add to the footprint.

Stainless Steel vs. Powder-Coated Steel

The Durham Manufacturing stainless steel stock carts here come in 20 gauge and 16 gauge with a polished finish. A lower gauge number means thicker steel: the 20 gauge stainless carts carry a 600 lbs. overall capacity rating, while the 16 gauge stainless models are rated at 1200 lbs. Stainless is a good fit for areas that get cleaned often or where you want a smooth surface that wipes down easily. The gray carts use 14 gauge steel with a textured powder coat finish and are rated at 1200 lbs, 1500 lbs. or 2400 lbs. depending on the model, which suits general warehouse and industrial work where heavier loads matter more than a polished look.

Shelf Count, Shelf Size and Spacing

You can choose two, three or four shelves. More shelves let you sort picks by order or by destination, but they reduce the clearance between levels. For example, the three-shelf 20 gauge stainless carts have 11.75 in. between shelves, while two-shelf versions on the same footprint have 24.8125 in., leaving more room for taller cartons and bins. The four-shelf 16 gauge carts stand 53 in. tall with 12.5 in. between shelves. Shelf sizes run from compact 15-11/16 x 24 decks up to 30 x 60 and 36 x 48 decks on the larger steel carts.

Most carts in this range have lipped shelves, a raised edge that helps keep boxes and loose items from sliding off when you turn or stop. Lip heights vary by model and include 1, 1.25, 1.5 and 3 in. A flush shelf, available on several 14 gauge steel models, has no raised edge, so you can slide cartons, sheet goods or totes on and off from any side. Choose lipped shelves for loose picks and small parts; choose flush shelves when your team loads by sliding.

Casters, Brakes and Handles

The caster setup decides how a cart feels to push. Four swivel casters, used on the 20 gauge stainless carts with 4 x 1-1/4 polyurethane wheels, let the cart move sideways in tight backrooms. A 2 rigid, 2 swivel layout, used on the 16 gauge stainless and 14 gauge steel carts, tracks straighter down long aisles and steers from the handle end. Polyurethane wheels roll quietly on smooth floors. On the gray steel carts you can also choose pneumatic 8 x 2-3/4 or semi pneumatic 10 x 2-9/16 casters for rougher or uneven surfaces, while the 2400 lbs. models use mold on rubber 8 x 2 casters. To hold a cart in place, look for a side brake, found on many polyurethane-caster models, or a floor lock on the 2400 lbs. steel carts. Handle options include standard, raised and, on a select stainless model, ergonomic. Many 20 gauge stainless carts also have bumpers to help protect walls and fixtures.

Order Picking Carts vs. Stock Carts

An order picking cart is a stock cart built around the picker. The Durham stainless order picking carts in this range add a writing shelf, so pick lists, a scanner or labels stay within reach while you work. They use 16 gauge stainless steel, a 1200 lbs overall capacity rating, 5 x 1-1/4 polyurethane casters in a 2 rigid, 2 swivel layout and a side brake. A warehouse picking cart with a writing surface can cut down on trips to a desk. For picking from high racks, an order picker forklift is a different class of equipment altogether.

When Another Cart Fits Better

A multi-shelf stock cart is not always the right tool. If you move bulky single items or long goods, a single-deck platform truck gives you a larger open surface. If you need to lock up high-value items or keep loads fully contained, look at mesh, security and box trucks. For lighter mixed tasks around a facility, browse service and utility carts; to raise loads to working height, see lift carts; and for doors, panels and sheet goods, see panel carts.

Brand and Care Tips

The stock carts in this collection are made by Durham Manufacturing. To keep any cart rolling well, sweep debris from the casters, check wheels for flat spots or wear, and tighten loose fasteners. Wipe stainless steel with a mild cleaner and a soft cloth, following the grain, and avoid abrasive pads. On powder-coated steel, clean with mild soap and water and keep an eye out for chips. Always stay within the rated capacity and follow the manufacturer's instructions and your site's safety program.