UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 05, 2026 / Pallet Truck Shop, the UK’s largest supplier of pallet and sack trucks, is warning that the rapid growth of urban warehousing and micro-fulfilment hubs is challenging long-held assumptions about how materials handling equipment should be specified and used.

As retailers and logistics operators race to position stock closer to consumers, city-based warehouses are becoming smaller, denser and far more constrained than the traditional out-of-town sheds they are replacing. From repurposed retail units to compact industrial spaces, these last-mile hubs play a critical role in meeting fast delivery expectations - but many businesses are still deploying equipment designed for very different environments.

In larger distribution centres, space allows for wide aisles, generous turning circles and heavy-duty equipment built for long runs and high volumes. Urban warehouses, by contrast, must contend with narrow access points, low ceilings, mixed-use layouts and frequent stop-start movement. Using pallet trucks designed for expansive sheds in these settings can create inefficiencies, congestion and unnecessary risk.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop, said the industry is in the middle of a seismic change. “Companies are scaling down their warehouse footprints but often forgetting to scale down or adapt their equipment,” he said. “A pallet truck that works perfectly in a large shed can be completely wrong for a city warehouse. Manoeuvrability, fork length, turning radius and overall footprint suddenly matter much more.”

One of the most common mistakes businesses make when moving into urban sites is prioritising load capacity over control. In tighter spaces, oversized pallet trucks can block aisles, slow picking operations and increase the likelihood of minor collisions or damaged stock. On the other hand compact, responsive equipment – such as pallet trucks, stackers and table trucks - helps maintain flow even when space is at a premium.

Chesworth added that urban warehouses also place different demands on staff. “Last-mile operations are fast-paced and often rely on smaller teams working in close quarters. Equipment needs to reduce physical effort and be intuitive to use, especially when operators are handling high volumes in short bursts. The right pallet truck supports productivity without adding strain.”

Pallet Truck Shop said demand is growing for pallet trucks and stackers specifically suited to tight environments, with features such as shorter forks, improved steering geometry and durable components that can cope with frequent, short distance moves. 

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