cargon

A cargon is a four-wheeled, open-frame pallet designed to be pushed or pulled by hand across warehouse floors, factory spaces, and loading docks. Unlike a standard pallet, which requires a forklift or pallet jack to move, a cargon has integral wheels and handles that allow a single worker to transport goods without powered equipment. The frame is typically steel, and the deck sits higher than a floor pallet, bringing load centers closer to waist height and reducing bending strain during loading and unloading operations.

The basic cargon comes in several configurations. Four-wheel models are standard, with wheels usually measuring 100 to 125 millimeters in diameter and mounted on fixed or swivel casters. Larger variants may carry 300 to 400 kilograms; lighter versions suit smaller goods in retail or food service. Some cargons feature fold-down sides or removable panels to contain parcels, while others remain open-frame for ease of access. Steel construction is the norm, though aluminum cargons exist for operations requiring lighter weight or corrosion resistance.

Cargons occupy a middle ground in material handling. They cost far less than powered equipment and require no operator certification, making them ideal for short-distance moves within a facility, deliveries to retail shelves, or stock rotation in small to medium warehouses. They work poorly on rough ground, stairs, or over long distances; on slopes they become dangerous. In high-throughput environments, they are slower than mechanized alternatives and tie up more labor per transaction.

The term cargon is most common in Northern Europe and Scandinavia, where the tool saw early adoption in supermarket and warehouse work. Equivalent terms in other regions include hand pallet, push pallet, or simply wheeled pallet. The word itself likely derives from cargo plus wagon, though the exact lineage is unclear. It has not been widely standardized in English technical literature outside European contexts.

Maintenance is minimal: periodic greasing of wheel bearings, inspection of caster mounting bolts, and replacement of worn wheels prevent most problems. Accident risk comes from overloading, poor wheel condition causing the frame to bind, and workers losing control on slopes. Many facilities enforce load weight limits and require cargons to be stored in designated areas to prevent them from becoming obstacles or tripping hazards in aisles.