UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / September 11, 2025 / The rise of urban logistics hubs is reshaping the warehousing landscape in Britain, with more facilities being built closer to city centres to meet the demands of rapid e-commerce and last-mile delivery. But with this change comes a new challenge: space. 

Pallet Truck Shop, the UK’s largest supplier of pallet and sack trucks, is urging logistics operators to recognise the role of compact, versatile equipment in helping them maximise efficiency within these tighter environments.

As new-build last-mile warehouses and fit-outs spring up in and around cities, operators are under pressure to do more with less square footage. Traditional warehouse layouts are giving way to multi-storey and smaller-footprint designs, where floor space is limited and larger machinery can be impractical. In these scenarios, compact pallet trucks, stackers and table trucks prove invaluable.

“Urban logistics hubs are all about flexibility and speed, but they are also defined by limited space,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Truck Shop. “In facilities where every square metre matters, choosing the right manual handling equipment is critical. Smaller, manoeuvrable equipment does more than just saving space: it keeps goods moving and ensures workers can operate safely in close quarters.”

Pallet Truck Shop has seen increasing demand for equipment tailored to these conditions, with many operators prioritising compact models that can easily navigate narrow aisles, sharp turns, and confined loading areas. This demand mirrors the growth in city-based logistics hubs, where faster delivery expectations and high land values drive a need for smarter, leaner solutions.

Alongside efficiency gains, Chesworth notes the importance of safety. In dense warehouse layouts, reducing the risk of accidents or strain injuries is paramount, and equipment designed for tight manoeuvring plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe, productive working environment.

“Every business wants to get goods to customers quickly, but they can’t afford bottlenecks or injuries caused by attempts to make oversized equipment work in undersized spaces,” Chesworth added. “Compact pallet trucks and stackers are both cost-effective and perfectly placed to meet the realities of modern, urban warehousing.”

To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk.