Pallet mover is a generic term for any equipment used to move pallets, including jacks, forklifts, and AGVs.
Detailed Definition
Pallet mover is a broad term for equipment that moves pallets, from a manual pallet jack to electric walkies and riders, forklifts, stackers, conveyors, and AGV and AMR systems that move pallets without a driver. The right choice depends on load weight, travel distance, lift height, floor conditions, aisle space, how many moves are made per shift, and budget. Because the term is so general, specifications and quotes should name the specific equipment type instead.
Matching the mover to the move
- Short, occasional moves on smooth floors: a manual pallet jack.
- Longer runs, ramps or frequent moves at floor level: an electric walkie or rider pallet truck.
- Lifting into rack or onto stacks: a forklift, reach truck or stacker.
- Fixed, repetitive routes: conveyors or automated guided vehicles.
- Changing routes in mixed traffic: autonomous mobile robots.
Pallet condition and automated movers
People can work around a broken board or a pallet sitting slightly askew; automated equipment usually cannot. Conveyors, AGVs and AMRs often need consistent pallet footprints, heights and bottom deck designs, and some systems reject pallets with missing boards, overhanging loads or loose wrap. Before automating pallet moves, define which pallets the system must handle and check that incoming pallets, including recycled and customer pallets, meet that definition.
Safety and training
Powered pallet movers driven by an operator are powered industrial trucks under OSHA's 29 CFR 1910 rules, so operator training and evaluation apply. Automated vehicles have their own safety standards, such as ANSI/ITSDF B56.5 for driverless guided industrial vehicles in the US, and need clear traffic rules where they share space with people and forklifts.
Authoritative Sources
- Material Handling Institute (MHI): the largest US trade association for material handling, logistics, and supply chain technologies.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pallet mover the same as a pallet jack?
Not exactly. Some sellers use pallet mover as another name for a pallet jack, especially an electric one, but the term can cover any equipment that moves pallets, including forklifts, stackers, conveyors and robots. When buying or requesting quotes, use the specific type and key specifications, such as manual or electric, lift height, fork length and capacity, so everyone is talking about the same machine.
When does an AGV or AMR make sense for moving pallets?
Automated pallet movers suit operations with repetitive moves along predictable routes, such as from production lines to staging or from receiving to storage, and enough volume to keep them busy. They work best with consistent pallets and clean, well-maintained floors. Operations with many irregular moves, mixed pallet types or tight, cluttered spaces may find manual or operator-driven equipment simpler. Pilot the system with your actual pallets before committing.