A rolling utility cart can be a workhorse tool that you may not have in your business. With all the many rolling utility cart types and styles available, you can find one to fit every need. Workers like utility carts because they make a task much easier to do. You can pick rolling plastic utility carts for an office setting or industrial rolling carts for heavy jobs in a factory setting.

And there are all sorts rolling utility cart types and styles in between. As you select rolling carts for you business, always keep the cost in mind. Know what you can afford and shop around until you find a rolling cart within your budget. You should also consider the following factors:

1. The purpose of the utility cart, including how much weight you expect it to carry.

2. The construction of the rolling utility cart. Make sure the utility cart is solid, and that there are no rough edges. Wheel locks and push handles should operate easily.

3. The rolling utility cart should be easy to use and fit down any aisles. The cart should be easy to guide even on carpet.

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Choose resin rolling carts

If you want a lighter-weight cart that still provides a solid work base, resin carts are a good option. They come in a large variety of sizes, shapes and colors.

I recommend: Rubbermaid has a large selection of rolling utility cart types and styles. From parts like utility cart wheels and casters to large industrial rolling carts, you are sure to find a rolling utility cart for your needs. The Global Equipment Company also has a large selection of rolling plastic utility carts.

Consider a metal or stainless steel rolling cart

Utility carts made of metal or stainless steel also come in a variety of configurations. It's possible to also find metal industrial rolling carts that you can configure to meet your needs.

I recommend: Pick a stainless steel rolling cart from Uline. Its rolling wire cart comes in a variety of sizes to fit every need, and you can pick from two- or three-shelf models. The metal rolling carts offered by Gilmore-Kramer have sides that make it easy to haul items without losing them along the way. The small hand rolling carts are easy to maneuver, yet large enough to carry a lot of goods.

Pick industrial rolling carts for heavy-duty jobs

With a heavier cart, you can carry bigger loads. If you want a utility cart capable of doing jobs in an industrial setting, then you need to find carts made to carry the weight.

I recommend: C&H Distributors offers a utility cart with lift capabilities to help you transport heavy items used in your business. Choose one of the heavy duty utility cart models from New Pig to use in your shop. Some models offer storage for your valuable tools.

Many businesses need to move heavy loads from one place to another within the building. To simplify jobs like these, purchase a rolling utility cart that can move loads with ease.

Remember that there are many different types of utility carts on the market today. You can purchase a utility cart to carry loads anywhere from 50 pounds to 1500 pounds.

1. Shop for a utility cart from a distributor that carries a wide range of utility carts, to help you make the best choice for your business.

2. Remember that you can save money by shopping for a utility cart from local retailers.

3. Purchase a heavy duty utility cart for the heavy loads that you can't handle with a small rolling utility cart.

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Shop with a distributor that stocks many different utility carts

If you aren't sure exactly what type of utility cart you need for your business, you may want to shop with a distributor that offers many different types of industrial rolling carts. You can choose from a stainless steel rolling cart, rolling plastic utility carts, a folding utility cart and more.

I recommend: Uline carries a wide variety of rolling utility carts for nearly every business need. Gilmore-Kramer also offers many of the same products, so you can compare prices between the two companies.

Save money by shopping for utility carts from local stores

Shipping can be high for heavy items like utility carts. Therefore, you may choose to save money by shopping locally for a utility cart. Some retailers who stock utility carts also have stores across the country. If you aren't sure what type of cart you need, this may be the best choice for you, because you can try out the carts before you purchase one.

I recommend: Office Depot and Lowe's both carry utility carts. Because both of these retailers will likely have a nearby retail store, you can save shipping costs by shopping for rolling carts locally.

Consider a heavy duty utility cart that can carry heavy loads, unlike a small rolling utility cart

If you need to transport heavy loads in your business, you may need a self-propelled heavy-duty utility cart. In addition, remember that you can purchase a utility cart that can lift heavy loads in addition to carrying them.

I recommend: Lift Products carries battery-operated utility carts that can carry up to 1500 pounds on level ground. Shop with Central Material Handling for a battery-operated scissor cart that can lift up to 1000 pounds.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you purchase your rolling utility cart, remember to purchase replacement utility cart wheels so that you won't have to waste time if a wheel breaks.

A utility cart is a common piece of equipment in a number of industries. For instance, many medical offices and hospitals utilize a stainless steel rolling cart for the easy transportation of medical equipment. Items placed on a cart are also easy to access. The hospitality industry uses rolling plastic utility carts to deliver room service or carry away dishes from dining areas.

Warehouses and distribution sites also use industrial rolling carts for equipment storage and transportation. Saving money on rolling utility cart products is easy if you look for bargains. Many businesses that sell utility carts want to make a deal, especially if you buy in bulk. To save money when buying utility carts, consider companies that:

1. Offer free shipping for rolling utility carts.

2. Provide a bulk discount.

3. Offer prices below the suggested retail price.

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Shop for a rolling utility cart that serves multiple purposes

To find a good deal on utility carts, shop for models that serve a number of purposes. This may not save you money on one particular cart, but it will bring your overall equipment bill down. Many types of utility carts have adjustable shelving, can be converted into different types of carts, and fold for easy storage.

I recommend: Lab Safety Supply sells a variety of materials handling carts that feature an adjustable top shelf. Materials Handling sells a convertible utility cart that turns into a truck platform and can also be folded for storage.

Buy hand rolling carts from companies that provide free shipping

Utility carts are costly items to ship, whether they are sent in pieces or pre-assembled. To save money when ordering utility carts, work with a company that offers free shipping. A free shipping offer may be specific to the item, though many companies offer free shipping on orders above a set amount. This is a good way to save if you want to purchase a large number of utility carts at one time.

I recommend: Restock It sells many styles and brands of utility carts with free shipping available on bulk orders. Ted Thorsen offers a variety of materials handling carts with free shipping options available on many of them.

Look for commercial utility cart suppliers that sell in bulk

To save money on rolling utility carts, you should buy in bulk if at all possible. Three to five carts is typically the minimum order for utility carts; the more you purchase, the better the price per cart will be.

I recommend: Uline sells utility carts in a variety of colors and sizes. It also offers a discount price when you purchase a bulk order of three or more. Factory Supply has a variety of materials handling carts with varying weight capacities, and will give you a quote on bulk orders.

Rolling utility carts are handy for everything, from moving boxes of merchandise to positioning catering and food service equipment to moving computers and multi-media tools for presentations. Learning terminology that pertains to these carts will enable you to order the right models to suit your business. Brush up on language like “audio-visual cart,” “retaining lip” and “lockable trades cart” to choose the rolling utility cart that is right for you.

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Retaining lip

Prevent spills and damaged equipment by purchasing rolling utility carts that feature a raised edge along the sides. The retaining lip will prevent items and containers from slipping off the cart in transit.

I recommend: See models of plastic rolling utility carts featuring retaining lips on all four sides through the Global Industrial website.

Audio-visual cart

If you need a cart to transport multi-media equipment such as a television, DVD player, monitor or overhead projector, try an audio-visual cart. This specialized utility cart has additional features including safety straps to protect costly equipment and an enclosed cabinet to store cables and accessories.

I recommend: Discover the features and specifications of audio-visual cart models through the product descriptions at Rubbermaid Wholesale.

Wire cart

Utility carts with wire shelving provide the added convenience of wires for users to suspend cables and accessories. A wire cart allows debris to fall through the open shelving, simplifying clean up.

I recommend: Learn about stainless steel wire utility carts through the product descriptions on the Uline website.

Lockable trades cart

Organize smaller tools, accessories and equipment safely and securely with a lockable trades cart featuring lockable trays and compartments.

I recommend: See photos and get specifications for lockable trades carts through New Pig.

Removable baskets

If you plan to use rolling utility carts in the office, consider adding removable baskets that will make files and smaller supplies easy to find, organize or deliver. Look for versions large enough to encompass each utility cart shelf or opt for smaller models to organize multiple groups of items.

I recommend: Gilmore Kramer offers a selection of removable wire baskets to suit your office needs.

Three-sided cart

Add stability with utility carts featuring three solid sides to hold items like books, containers and equipment that you don't need to reach from both sides of the cart.

I recommend: See open three-sided carts, along with utility cart models featuring one or two shelves, through the DC Graves website.