In busy warehouse operations, managers regularly look for ways to enhance operations and boost productivity. Although forklifts and conveyor systems frequently receive primary focus, numerous managers fail to recognize the real-world benefits of burden carriers: compact, versatile vehicles designed specifically for horizontal material transport.

What Are Burden Carriers?

Burden carriers are electric vehicles featuring flat cargo decks. As opposed to forklifts, which specialize in vertical lifting, burden carriers are applied in rapidly moving heavy or bulky loads across large warehouse complexes. Built for maneuverability, they can traverse narrow aisles and busy environments easily, making them especially useful for urban warehouses where space comes at a premium.

Typical burden carriers provide impressive capabilities:

• Payloads spanning several hundred to several thousand pounds
• Towing capabilities that can exceed most pickup trucks
• Versatile configurations for carrying materials, tools, or people

Key Advantages for Warehouses

1. Increased Productivity

In the fast-paced logistics sector of Lathrop and surrounding areas, time is money. Burden carriers minimize transit times for materials, enabling operators to transport many items in a single trip while minimizing reliance on slower manual methods. Through significantly less walking and fewer trips necessary, workers can dedicate time to value-added activities.

2. Optimal Use of Space

Increasing real estate costs make every square foot in Lathrop warehouses count. The space-efficient design and nimble handling of burden carriers allow you to use narrow aisles and crowded docks more efficiently, increasing storage density without compromising safety or productivity.

3. Budget-Friendly Solution

As opposed to buying additional forklifts, which might be excessive for some tasks, burden carriers offer a lower-cost alternative that's specifically designed for horizontal transport. They're also typically simpler to maintain, with electric power resulting in fewer moving parts and lower operating expenses.

4. Safer, Greener Operations

With electric power comes zero local emissions and quieter operation, promoting a safer, healthier environment for your team. Lower operating speeds and improved visibility decrease collision risks, promoting a strong safety culture.

Typical Applications

• Material Transport: Haul parts, packaging, or finished goods quickly between storage, docks, and production areas.
• Order Picking: Optimize order fulfillment by allowing pickers to load and collect items directly onto the carrier.
• Personnel Transport: Transport supervisors or maintenance staff across large sites to save time and minimize fatigue.

Implementation Insights

Success with burden carriers begins with a clear understanding of your facility's specific needs. Consider:

• Load weight and size
• Aisle width and turning clearances
• Necessary travel distances

Integration is uncomplicated, but planning for charging stations and operator training will help maximize uptime and ROI.

Why Consider Burden Carriers Now?

Labor shortages and rising operational costs are creating the need for more efficient solutions in Lathrop warehouses. Burden carriers deliver a flexible, cost-effective way to transport people and materials, allowing your team stay productive and competitive in a demanding market.

Want to discover how burden carriers can transform your operation?

Get in touch with Raymond West to discuss your unique requirements. Our team recognizes the challenges confronting warehouse and logistics managers and can recommend the best burden carrier solutions to help you achieve your goals.

Raymond's Portland service operation includes all of Western Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Oregon City, Gladstone, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Gresham, Troutdale, Woodburn, Salem, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Longview, Kelso and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Portland Material Handling Equipment Supplier

3148 NE 181st Ave
Portland, OR 97230
(800) 675-2500