In high-volume warehouse operations, managers continually seek ways to optimize operations and increase productivity. Although forklifts and conveyor systems often receive primary focus, numerous managers overlook the tangible benefits of burden carriers: compact, versatile vehicles purpose-built for horizontal material handling.

What Are Burden Carriers?

Burden carriers are electric vehicles that have flat cargo decks. As opposed to forklifts, which are designed for vertical lifting, burden carriers are utilized in swiftly moving bulky or heavy loads across expansive warehouse facilities. Engineered for maneuverability, they can traverse narrow aisles and busy environments with ease, making them particularly useful for urban warehouses where space is at a premium.

Most burden carriers offer impressive capabilities:

• Payloads that range from several hundred to several thousand pounds
• Towing capacities that can surpass most pickup trucks
• Adaptable configurations for carrying materials, tools, or workers

Key Advantages for Warehouses

1. Improved Productivity

In the rapidly moving logistics sector of Lathrop, time is money. Burden carriers minimize transit times for materials, enabling operators to move multiple items in one trip while decreasing reliance on slower manual methods. Through far less walking and fewer trips necessary, workers can dedicate time to value-added activities.

2. Efficient Use of Space

Rising real estate costs make every square foot in Lathrop warehouses count. The small footprint and responsive handling of burden carriers help you use narrow aisles and crowded docks more productively, increasing storage density without reducing safety or productivity.

3. Economical Solution

When compared with investing in additional forklifts, which could be unnecessary for some tasks, burden carriers provide a more affordable alternative that's specifically designed for horizontal movement. They're also usually simpler to keep operational, with electric power resulting in fewer moving parts and reduced operating expenses.

4. Safer, Greener Operations

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

Typical Applications

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

Implementation Insights

Success with burden carriers starts with a clear picture of your operation's unique needs. Assess:

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

Integration is simple, but planning for charging stations and operator training will serve to maximize uptime and ROI.

Why Consider Burden Carriers Now?

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

Ready to explore how burden carriers can transform your operation?

Reach out to Raymond West to explore your specific requirements. Our team knows the challenges confronting warehouse and logistics managers and can recommend the best burden carrier solutions to help you achieve your goals.

Raymond West's Spokane branch services Spokane, Airway Heights, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Coeur d'Alene, Medical Lake, Cheney, Pullman, Moscow, Moses Lake, Yakima, Wenatchee, Lewiston, Clarkston, Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, Walla Walla and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Spokane Material Handling Equipment Supplier

11002 E Montgomery Dr #100
Spokane, WA 99206
(509) 728-6000