Plastic utility carts are lighter than metal carts. Unlike metal, the thermoplastic that these carts are made from (usually polypropylene) is difficult to dent and doesn't corrode or rust.

Plastic utility carts commonly have maximum load ratings between 200 pounds and 500 pounds, although a few manufacturers offer heavy duty plastic carts with slightly higher load capacities.

Metal utility carts are rugged and durable. Many of them have load capacities that far exceed what any plastic cart can handle, with some metal carts able to support up to 5,000 pounds.  

Wire utility carts have shelves that are easier to keep clean because dust and debris can pass through them. Some wire-shelf carts are nestable or can be folded away. Wire carts are available with angled shelves or adjustable-angle shelves. Basket carts have deeper, basket-like wire shelves. Wire carts are also available with bars for hanging clothing or other items.

The two-shelf cart is a versatile design that allows the lower shelf to accommodate relatively tall things.

• Metal carts with two shelves
• Plastic carts with two shelves
• Wire carts with two shelves

With more shelves, utility carts can more easily hold a higher density of shorter things, but they can less easily accommodate tall things on their lower shelves.

• Metal carts with more than two shelves
• Plastic carts with more than two shelves
• Wire carts with more than two shelves

A flush shelf has no barrier around its edges. You can more easily slide heavy things onto and off of flush shelves, and flush shelves are easier to use as work surfaces.

• Metal carts with flush shelves
• Plastic carts with flush shelves

A lipped shelf has a rim or barrier at its edges, which helps prevent things from rolling or sliding off the cart. A deep-lipped shelf is surrounded by a taller rim and is often used for bulk products and things that are tall or irregularly shaped.

• Metal carts with lipped and deep-lipped shelves
• Plastic carts with lipped and deep-lipped shelves

A shelf that has one flush side and three lipped sides allows for easier loading of heavy things than a fully lipped shelf, and it's better at preventing things from rolling or sliding off than a fully flush shelf.

• Metal carts with three-sided lipped shelves

Some carts have one fully flush shelf onto which heavy things can more easily be loaded, along with another lipped or partially lipped shelf that helps prevent the things on it from rolling or sliding off.

• Metal carts with flush and lipped shelves
• Plastic carts with lipped and flush shelves

These carts have a writing shelf to facilitate inventory or picking tasks. Many of these carts also have a sloped pocket for holding documents.

These carts have lipped shelves with small holes or perforations that allow water and dirt to fall through.

These carts have flush shelves with large slots that allow moisture and debris to pass through, making them suitable for grocery store stockrooms, laboratories, medical facilities and similar working environments.

These carts are designed to help protect sensitive medical or testing equipment from excessive shocks and vibration. They often use pneumatic or semi-pneumatic wheels to absorb shocks, and they often include cushioned shelf-matting that absorbs vibration and helps prevent equipment from sliding on the cart.

These carts have an integrated ladder that allows stock pickers to reach high areas in warehouses and stockrooms.

The top shelf on these carts is lower than on other carts, which makes it easier to load and unload heavy items and provides more stability.

These carts are made from chemical-resistant plastic and have deep compartments to help keep chemical bottles stable and contain any spills.

These wire carts are used in facilities that perform electronics assembly, repair, or manufacturing.