E-commerce is a huge industry that includes some of the biggest companies in the world, such as Amazon. Without warehouses, the e-commerce industry wouldn’t be able to function as efficiently as it does now. You might be asking yourself, “What are the common tools used in a warehouse?” In this guide, you will learn what warehouse workers use to sort through items and get them to your door.
Table of contents
Dock Equipment
Once a company manufactures a product, that company will put the inventory in a truck and ship it to a warehouse for storage. The docking area is where a truck will connect directly to a warehouse to allow for a speedy transfer of goods.
Some of the equipment that dock workers use to sort through incoming packages include dock boards and plates, lifts, ramps, truck restraints, and levelers. These tools help warehouse workers manage incoming freight in an efficient manner. Dock levelers, in particular, help bridge the gap between the warehouse floor and the truck bed, making it easier to unload or load shipments without damaging goods or causing injury.
In modern warehouses, automatic dock systems are also becoming more common. These systems use sensors and programmable components to align trucks, secure them in place, and raise or lower the dock to match the truck height—further increasing safety and efficiency.
Warehouse Conveyors
Machines that help workers move cargo from one place to the next are conveyors. There are numerous types of conveyors, but all of them can move packages with little to no human interaction, reducing the risk of injury for warehouse workers.
Not only do conveyors make warehouses safer places to work, but they also save time and make the warehouse operate more efficiently. However, conveyors are expensive to replace, so if any damage to them occurs, it can shut down a warehouse for a significant time period.
You may have seen a gravity roller or belt conveyor if you’ve watched videos of a warehouse in operation. Other conveyors include plastic belts, flexible conveyors, vertical lifts, spiral chutes, and chain conveyors. Each type serves a different purpose based on the shape, size, and destination of the items being moved.
Some warehouses even use automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and smart conveyor systems that integrate with inventory software, enabling fully automated order fulfillment with minimal human intervention.
Storage Materials
Warehouses store plenty of items, so they naturally need to possess a great number of storage materials to manage significant inventory. A warehouse will place items into bins and totes and categorize each bin by its contents. Then, they will place the bins on a shelf, rack, or carousel to keep items in check.
There are several types of storage solutions used, including:
- Pallet racking systems – standard in large-scale warehouses.
- Cantilever racks – ideal for storing bulky items like pipes and wood.
- Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) – robotic systems that retrieve items with minimal human input.
- Vertical lift modules – which use computer-controlled systems to retrieve stored trays.
Proper labeling, barcode systems, and digital inventory tools complement these physical storage materials, ensuring accuracy and reducing shrinkage
Lifting Gear
Larger warehouses will have extremely tall shelves for storing inventory. To reach the items on these shelves, workers use lifting equipment, especially when they are transporting heavy items.
The most commonly used piece of lifting gear is a forklift, which runs on fuel or electric batteries. Forklifts make warehouses safer, but if you want to ensure forklift safety, you should learn why lithium-ion batteries make your forklift safer. They recharge faster, have longer life spans, and reduce fire hazards compared to lead-acid options.
In addition to forklifts, other essential lifting equipment includes:
- Cranes and hoists – used for exceptionally heavy or oversized goods.
- Pallet jacks – used for moving loaded pallets across the floor.
- Scissor lifts – elevate workers to higher shelves.
- Order pickers – mobile machines that allow operators to retrieve items from tall shelving units.
3 in 1 Warehouse Trucks
A growing trend in warehouse operations is the use of 3 in 1 warehouse trucks. These versatile machines combine the capabilities of a pallet jack, stacker, and tow tractor in a single unit. This adaptability allows warehouses to save on space and investment costs while increasing operational flexibility.
For instance, a 3 in 1 truck can transport loads across long distances, lift pallets to racking height, and even tow carts—all depending on the configuration. Their compact design also makes them ideal for tight warehouse spaces where maneuverability is crucial. Investing in these multi-purpose tools can significantly streamline labor and reduce the need for multiple machines.
Safety and Personal Equipment
No warehouse is complete without focusing on safety. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for keeping workers safe. This includes:
- Safety vests
- Steel-toed boots
- Gloves
- Hard hats
- Hearing protection
- Eye protection
Additionally, many warehouses have automated emergency stop systems, surveillance cameras, and safety signage to maintain a secure working environment. Employee training is also a critical element of safety culture, particularly when operating heavy machinery or navigating high-traffic areas.
Final Thoughts
Overall, warehouses are the central hub for any e-commerce business. Without them, companies like Amazon, Walmart, or Shopify-based retailers wouldn’t be able to offer the rapid delivery and service that customers have come to expect. From dock equipment to lifting gear, and from storage materials to 3 in 1 warehouse trucks, these tools help warehouses run smoothly and safely.
Now that you know what the common tools used in a warehouse are, you can use this knowledge to start an e-commerce business of your own if you have an entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re shipping from a small garage or scaling a full logistics operation, understanding the warehouse ecosystem is essential for growth and success.
