Wire Carts, Trucks, & Bin Units

Wire Carts, Trucks, & Bin Units

Wire Carts, Shelving Trucks, and Bin Units for Moving and Organizing Stock

Wire carts, also called shelf carts or shelving trucks, are mobile wire shelving units for loading, moving, and storing stock. This collection includes chrome wire utility carts with push handles, 3-, 4-, and 5-shelf wire carts, basket and picking carts, and wire shelving bin units with plastic bins.

Carts come in depths from 12" to 36", widths from 12" to 72", and heights from 38" to 102". The casters largely set how much a cart can carry: 600, 900, or 1,200 lbs total. Most Shelving Inc. carts are NSF certified, ship the next business day, and are available for free local pickup at our Madison Heights, MI warehouse.

Outfitting a facility with multiple carts?

Our team can match sizes, casters, and finishes to your space and quote volume orders. Request a quote or call 800-637-9508.

Comparing Wire Shelf Carts and Shelving Trucks

Most carts in this collection fall into four styles. The right one depends on what you are moving, how high it needs to stack, and how often the cart is pushed.

Cart Style Shelves Sizes (D x W x H) Casters Capacity per Shelf Best For
Utility Carts with Handles 2 or 3 18" or 24"d, 30"–72"w, 40"h 4"–5" rubber with step-lock brakes See product page Frequent moves of supplies, dishware, and tools at work height
3-Shelf Wire Carts 3 12", 14", or 18"d, 12"–72"w, 38"h 3" rubber with step-lock brakes 200 lbs Tight aisles, small stockrooms, and under-counter storage
4-Shelf Wire Carts 4 12"–24"d, 36"–72"w, 60"–102"h 5" polyurethane 300 lbs (12", 14", and 24"d) Moving and storing heavier stock at full height
5-Shelf Wire Carts 5 12"–36"d, 36"–72"w, 54"–76"h 3" rubber See product page Mobile storage with more shelf levels for lighter loads

Capacities are for evenly distributed loads. Check each product page for the per-shelf and total ratings for that size.

Wire shelving bin units: This collection also includes AkroBin, Super-Size AkroBin, and ShelfMax systems from Akro-Mils, which pair chrome wire shelving with plastic bins in several colors for sorting small parts. They are 72"h units that can be made mobile with the addition of casters for wire shelving.

Caster compatibility: The light-duty Standard Duty carts in this collection hold 88 lbs per shelf and suit offices and homes. They use 3/4" posts and are not compatible with Shelving Inc. casters. The two Quantum wire basket carts are also not compatible with Shelving Inc. casters.

Wire Cart Weight Capacity by Caster Type

On a wire cart, the casters usually set the total weight limit, not the shelves. A 5-shelf cart on 3" casters is rated for 600 lbs, while a 4-shelf cart on 5" polyurethane casters is rated for 1,200 lbs. If you are moving heavy stock, choose by caster first and shelf count second.

Casters Total Cart Capacity Carts in This Collection
3" rubber 600 lbs 3-shelf carts, 5-shelf carts, utility basket cart
4"–5" rubber Up to 900 lbs 2- and 3-shelf utility carts with handles
5" polyurethane 1,200 lbs 4-shelf carts, wire basket cart, picking cart, 24"d single-handle utility cart

Rubber casters roll more quietly and absorb bumps over thresholds and rougher floors, while polyurethane casters carry heavier loads on smooth indoor floors. Listed heights include the casters. On 5-shelf carts, the unit is 4" shorter without casters, so check doorway and ceiling clearance against the full listed height.

Choosing Mobile Storage

Complete Wire Carts vs. Stationary Wire Shelving with Casters

A complete wire cart ships with shelves, posts, and casters matched to its load rating. Adding casters to a stationary shelving unit also works, but the unit's capacity is then limited by the casters.

Choose a Complete Wire Cart When:

  • You want a mobile unit in one order, with casters matched to its rating
  • You need push handles and donut bumpers for frequent moves
  • You want a known capacity of 600, 900, or 1,200 lbs
  • You need basket shelves or a picking setup for loose items

Choose Other Mobile Wire Storage When:

If you need to move stock around a dry, indoor facility, start with a complete wire cart. If you already own shelving or need a moisture-resistant finish, add casters to a stationary unit instead.

Chrome Wire Carts Are for Dry, Indoor Use

The chrome carts and bin units in this collection are rated for indoor, dry storage only. Chrome is not the right finish for walk-in coolers, dish rooms, or wash-down areas, where moisture and condensation can cause rust.

For those spaces, use green epoxy wire shelving or rust-resistant wire shelving with casters.

How to Choose a Wire Utility Cart

A cart has to fit its load, its parking spot, and every doorway and aisle along its route. Check these before adding one to your cart.

Check these before you order:

  • Load weight: Choose a caster class that covers it: 600 lbs (3"), up to 900 lbs (4"–5" rubber), or 1,200 lbs (5" polyurethane).
  • Route: Check the narrowest doorway, elevator, and aisle against the cart's width, depth, and full height with casters.
  • Depth: 12"–14" fits small supplies and tight aisles, 18" suits general use, and 24" fits pans, tubs, and cases.
  • How often it moves: For frequent pushing, choose a utility cart with handles and donut bumpers.
  • Contents: Round, loose, or fragile items do better on basket shelves with raised sides.
  • Environment: Chrome carts are for dry, indoor areas. Confirm NSF status on the product page if your facility requires it.

Where Wire Carts and Shelving Trucks Are Commonly Used

Wire carts are a common choice anywhere stock, supplies, or equipment need to move between storage and the point of use.

Food Service and Restaurants

Utility carts that move dishware, dry goods, and prep supplies between dry storage and the kitchen.

Healthcare and Hospitality

Taller 4- and 5-shelf carts that stage linens, supplies, and room restocks.

Warehouses and Order Picking

Picking carts and 4-shelf carts on 5" casters that move cases between receiving and storage.

Mailrooms, Offices, and Schools

Narrow 12" and 14"d carts that roll mail, files, and supplies through hallways.

Parts and Maintenance Rooms

Bin units that keep fasteners, hardware, and small parts sorted in color-coded bins.

Retail Stockrooms

4- and 5-shelf carts that hold back stock and roll out to restock the sales floor.

Wire Cart FAQs

Answers to common questions about assembling, loading, and expanding wire carts and shelving trucks.

Do wire carts come assembled?

No. Carts ship as shelves, posts, and casters and assemble without tools. A rubber mallet helps set shelves securely on their plastic split sleeves and release them when you reconfigure. Instructions are on our assembly guides page.

How much weight can each shelf on a wire cart hold?

It depends on the cart. 3-shelf carts are rated at 200 lbs per shelf and 600 lbs total, and 12", 14", and 24"d 4-shelf carts at 300 lbs per shelf and 1,200 lbs total. Check each product page for that cart's ratings, and keep heavier items on the lower shelves.

Do wire cart casters lock?

Utility carts with handles, 3-shelf carts, the basket carts, and the picking cart include casters with brakes. Check the product page for caster details on 4- and 5-shelf carts.

Can I use a chrome wire cart in a walk-in cooler or wet area?

No. Chrome carts are rated for indoor, dry use, and moisture can cause chrome to rust. For coolers and wet areas, add casters to green epoxy or rust-resistant wire shelving.

Are the wire shelving bin units mobile?

Bin units ship on leveling feet, but they can be made mobile. Their posts are Shelving Inc. brand, so you can replace the leveling feet with casters for wire shelving.

Can I pick up my wire cart order?

Free local pickup is available at our Madison Heights, MI warehouse for most Shelving Inc. carts. For large or multi-cart orders, contact our team for help with sizing and quotes.

Wire Cart Resources

Compare wire shelving options, find casters, and get assembly help for your carts.

Wire Shelving Buyer's Guide

Compare wire shelving finishes, duty ratings, and sizes before choosing a cart or building a mobile unit.

Read the Guide →

Casters for Wire Shelving

Shop replacement casters for carts, or add casters to make a stationary wire shelving unit mobile.

Shop Casters →

Assembly Guides

Find step-by-step instructions for assembling carts, adjusting shelves, and installing casters.

View Assembly Guides →

Need Carts for a Larger Project?

Outfitting a kitchen, hospital floor, or warehouse with multiple carts? Our team can help match sizes, casters, and finishes to your space and quote volume orders.

Request a Quote Or call 800-637-9508
View Assembly Guides
Wire Carts, Trucks, & Bin Units

Let Us Install For You

We don’t just sell stellar shelves. We design custom organized spaces that fit your needs, large or small.

We Can Help You

Let Us Install For You

We don’t just sell stellar shelves. We design custom organized spaces that fit your needs, large or small.

We Can Help You