Hand Trucks and Dollies Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Rising automation in warehousing and material handling: The global hand trucks and dollies sector is driven by integration warehouse automation, fueling demands for hand trucks and dollies that can complement automated systems. For instance, in September 2024, Accio Robots and SCM Champs announced a partnership to revolutionize warehouse automation with SAP integration. Warehouses are adopting hybrid systems where manual hand trucks are used alongside automated sorting systems to improve operational efficiency. Manufacturers are poised to benefit from the emerging trends by developing dollies equipped with tracking technology. Additionally, demands for a seamless transition between manual to automated handling tools necessitate adaptable hand trucks. As smart warehousing continues to gain prominence, the demand for adaptable hand trucks and dollies is positioned for a surge in demand.

• Expansion of cold chain logistics & pharmaceutical distribution: The growth of cold chain logistics in the pharmaceutical and food industries is poised to drive the growth of the hard trucks and dollies sector. Cold chain logistics are driving demand for durable hand trucks that are corrosion-resistant. Pharmaceutical and food industries require moving equipment solutions that can perform in low temperatures and do not require frequent sanitization. Hand trucks manufactured with special coatings are ideal to cater to the growing demands. For instance, in February 2021, the supermarket chain Asda launched trolley handles and in-store surfaces with antimicrobial coatings. The global hand trucks and dollies market is poised to leverage burgeoning demands for hand trucks designed for pharmaceutical and cold storage food sectors and maintain its growth curve.
• Growing infrastructure & construction activities in emerging markets: The rapid growth in infrastructure development projects and construction activities in emerging economies is a significant driver of the global hand trucks and dollies sector. Countries such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia are investing in large-scale construction projects, leading to a surge in demand for durable material handling and moving equipment.  With construction sites demanding rugged hand trucks that can navigate large loads and rough terrains, manufacturers can leverage the opportunities by providing rugged models that can withstand heavy-duty usage in the construction sector.
  
  Additionally, the DIY and home improvement boom in developed markets drives demand for multipurpose hand trucks that can transport bulky items such as furniture, appliances, construction materials, etc. For instance, in August 2024, Clark launched a new electric pallet truck series on the hand market with four new models for pedestrian operation.

Challenges

• Limited advancements in basic models: A large percentage of basic models of hand trucks and dollies have not experienced advancements owing to limited investments. Hand trucks can also be perceived as simple tools that do not necessitate complex engineering, causing manufacturers to not invest in product advancements. This can cause hand trucks and dollies market challenges by creating minimum differentiation in standard models, making it challenging for businesses to establish a competitive edge in the hand trucks and dollies sector.

• Price sensitivity and high competition: The global hand trucks and dollies market can face challenges owing to a saturated market with local and international manufacturers. As multiple manufacturers offer similar products, pricing becomes a critical factor to differentiate products in emerging markets. This can cause customers to value cost over quality leading to the market being flooded with cheap and low-quality products that can drive down prices for all the players involved. The price sensitivity can force premium manufacturers to compromise on quality to reduce prices to remain competitive in the hand trucks and dollies market.