PDF Cover

Order Pickers Market

The market for Order Pickers was estimated at $4.3 billion in 2024; it is anticipated to increase to $6.6 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $9.4 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS2101030
Author:Swarup Sahu - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
Datatree
Movable Heavy Machinery
Lifting Equipment
Order Pickers
Share
Report Summary
Market Data
Methodology
Table of Contents

Global Order Pickers Market Outlook

Revenue, 2024

$4.3B

Forecast, 2034

$8.8B

CAGR, 2025 - 2034

7.5%

The Order Pickers industry revenue is expected to be around $4.6 billion in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 7.5% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. Building on this steady expansion, the order pickers market continues to gain importance as warehouse automation and e-commerce logistics intensify worldwide. Rapid growth in omnichannel retailing, rising SKU complexity, and increasing expectations for faster order fulfillment are driving demand for efficient material handling solutions. Distribution centers are investing in high-density storage systems that require vertical access equipment capable of improving picking accuracy and worker productivity. Additionally, labor shortages across logistics and manufacturing sectors are encouraging the adoption of ergonomically designed equipment that enhances operator safety and reduces fatigue. The integration of advanced fleet management systems, telematics, and warehouse management software further strengthens operational efficiency, making order pickers a critical asset in modern supply chain infrastructure.

Order pickers, also known as Cherry Picker Forklift, are specialized material handling vehicles designed to lift operators to elevated storage racks, enabling direct item retrieval rather than full pallet movement. Unlike conventional forklifts, these machines combine vertical lift capability with precise maneuverability in narrow aisles, making them ideal for high-rack warehouses and fulfillment centers. Key features include adjustable lift heights, advanced safety harness systems, intuitive control interfaces, and energy-efficient electric powertrains. Major applications span e-commerce fulfillment hubs, retail distribution centers, third-party logistics facilities, and spare parts warehouses. Recent trends shaping demand include the rise of automated guided vehicles integration, lithium-ion battery adoption for longer runtime, and smart warehouse ecosystems aligned with Industry 4.0 practices. These developments are positioning order pickers as essential tools in next-generation intralogistics operations.

Order Pickers market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2024-2034
Order Pickers Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Order Pickers market is projected to grow from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $8.8 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 7.5%, reflecting rising demand across Warehouse Management, Retail Operations, and E-commerce Fulfillment.

  • Toyota Material Handling, KION Group, Jungheinrich are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.

  • U.S. and Germany are the top markets within the Order Pickers market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 4.9% to 7.2% between 2024 and 2030.

  • Emerging markets including India, Brazil and South Africa are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 8.6% to 10.3%.

  • Transition like Automation Revolution is expected to add $234 million to the Order Pickers market growth by 2030.

  • The Order Pickers market is set to add $4.5 billion between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Warehousing & Manufacturing Application projected to gain a larger market share.

  • With

    technological advancements in order picking systems, and

    E-commerce Boom, Order Pickers market to expand 106% between 2024 and 2034.

order pickers market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Order Pickers - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Order Pickers

Third party logistics providers are also actively exploring semi automated order pickers integrated with warehouse management systems and fleet analytics platforms. Growing contract logistics volumes require scalable and flexible solutions without the full cost burden of complete automation. Semi automated order picker forklift systems with telematics and pick assist technologies help optimize labor productivity while maintaining operator control. Large scale fulfillment hubs operated by 3PL companies are expected to drive demand for high level and very narrow aisle order pickers, particularly in technologically advanced logistics markets.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific

The North American market for order pickers continues to grow strongly because e-commerce expansion requires better warehouse management systems. The United States market shows rising demand for automated order pickers because e-commerce growth requires faster order fulfillment processes. The North American market faces intense competition because Toyota Material Handling and Crown Equipment Corporation lead the market. The North American market experiences growing demand because order pickers now use IoT and AI technology.
The order pickers market demonstrates promising growth in Asia-Pacific as well as other regions. The market expansion stems from China and Indias fast industrial development and their expanding e-commerce industry. The region experiences rising adoption of automated warehouse management solutions which drives up demand for order pickers. The market competition in this region remains fierce because both domestic and international companies fight to capture market share. The region experiences two main drivers which include better warehouse management systems and growing automation in logistics operations.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Rapid Expansion of E-commerce Networks and High-Density Warehouse Infrastructure

The rapid expansion of global e-commerce networks has also significantly increased the need for faster and more accurate order fulfillment operations. As online retailers manage broader product assortments and shorter delivery windows, warehouses are also shifting toward multi level racking systems that require efficient vertical access solutions. This transition naturally also drives demand for advanced order picker forklift models capable of operating in narrow aisles while lifting operators safely to higher storage tiers. At the same time, the development of high-density warehouse infrastructure is also transforming distribution center design. Facilities are also prioritizing vertical space utilization to reduce real estate costs, which further strengthens reliance on high reach equipment. Consequently, businesses are also investing in order pickers equipped with improved lift stability, digital fleet monitoring, and ergonomic controls to optimize productivity. Together, these parallel growth factors are also reinforcing sustained demand across modern intralogistics environments.
The integration of smart warehouse technologies is also emerging as a decisive driver for the order pickers market. As distribution centers adopt warehouse management systems, IoT enabled sensors, and real time analytics platforms, equipment must also seamlessly connect with digital infrastructure. This requirement encourages the deployment of technologically advanced order picker forklift units equipped with telematics, performance tracking, and predictive maintenance capabilities. These intelligent systems improve picking accuracy while reducing downtime through data driven service scheduling. In addition, lithium ion battery adoption is also enhancing operational uptime and energy efficiency, further supporting automated and semi automated workflows. As warehouses evolve into connected ecosystems, technologically integrated order pickers become essential for sustaining productivity, safety compliance, and scalable fulfillment operations.
02

Restraint: High Upfront Costs and Budget Constraints Limit Adoption in Small Facilities

One major restraint for order pickers is the high upfront cost associated with acquiring advanced models, particularly those with automation features. Smaller warehouses and regional distribution centers may delay or forego investment due to budget limitations, choosing manual picking methods or simpler equipment instead. For example, a mid-sized retail warehouse may opt for traditional forklifts rather than investing in high level order pickers with telematics, which can slow operational efficiency gains. These financial barriers can decrease near-term demand and suppress market revenue growth, as not all potential buyers move forward with capital expenditure despite long-term productivity advantages.
03

Opportunity: Expansion of Tier II and Tier III E-commerce Warehouses in India and Southeast Asia and Adoption of Lithium Ion Powered Order Pickers in Cold Storage and Food Logistics

Rapid growth of online retail penetration in Tier II and Tier III cities across India and Southeast Asia is creating a strong niche opportunity for order pickers. As regional fulfillment centers expand closer to end consumers, operators are investing in compact, electric order picker forklift models suited for medium sized warehouses with vertical shelving. Many facilities in these regions are still transitioning from manual picking systems, leaving substantial untapped potential. Mid level order pickers designed for narrow aisles are expected to witness the highest growth, supported by rising demand for faster last mile delivery and improved inventory accuracy.
Cold storage and food logistics facilities are increasingly adopting lithium ion powered order pickers to enhance uptime and reduce maintenance challenges. Traditional lead acid batteries often underperform in low temperature environments, creating operational inefficiencies. Advanced electric order picker forklift units equipped with lithium ion technology provide faster charging, consistent performance, and lower total cost of ownership. As demand for temperature controlled warehousing grows alongside frozen food and pharmaceutical distribution, high lift order pickers designed for cold chain applications are projected to see strong adoption across North America and Europe.
04

Challenge: Workforce Skill Gaps and Training Challenges Hinder Efficient Equipment Utilization

Another key restraint affecting the order pickers market is the shortage of skilled operators and the complexity of necessary training programs. As order picker forklift systems become more technologically sophisticated, requiring knowledge of digital controls and safety protocols, companies face increased training costs and slower workforce onboarding. For instance, distribution centers transitioning to smart order pickers may experience temporary drops in productivity as employees adapt to connected systems and advanced interfaces. This skill gap not only impacts operational efficiency but can also discourage broader adoption, particularly among logistics providers struggling to recruit and retain qualified personnel.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Raw Material Procurement

Steel DynamicsArcelorMittal
2

Component Manufacturing

Crown Equipment CorporationRaymond Corporation
3

Assembly & Testing

KION GroupToyota Industries Corporation
4

Distribution & Retail

AmazonWalmart
Order Pickers - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Order Pickers in Warehouse Management & Retail Operations

Warehouse Management : In modern warehouse management environments, order pickers play a central role in ensuring accurate and efficient inventory handling across multi tier racking systems. High level order pickers are most commonly used in large distribution centers where goods are stored at significant heights and require vertical lifting capability. These machines allow operators to rise along with the load, enabling precise case and piece picking directly from racks. Their narrow aisle design maximizes storage density while maintaining maneuverability. Integrated barcode scanners and warehouse management system connectivity improve picking accuracy, reduce errors, and support real time inventory updates, enhancing overall supply chain visibility and operational productivity.
Retail Operations : Within retail operations, order pickers are widely utilized in backroom storage areas and regional distribution hubs to support fast replenishment cycles. Low to medium level order pickers are typically preferred in this segment, as they provide easy access to mid height shelving and pallet racks. Retailers benefit from their compact design, which allows smooth navigation through tighter layouts compared to conventional forklifts. These machines enable staff to quickly retrieve mixed product batches for store restocking, promotional displays, and seasonal inventory shifts. Enhanced operator ergonomics and safety features contribute to reduced fatigue and improved workflow efficiency in high turnover retail environments.
E-commerce Fulfillment : E-commerce fulfillment centers rely heavily on advanced order pickers to handle high volume, piece level order processing with speed and precision. High level and medium level electric order pickers are commonly deployed in large scale fulfillment warehouses where rapid vertical access is essential. These machines are often integrated with pick to light systems, wearable scanners, and warehouse automation platforms to streamline order assembly. Their ability to operate in very narrow aisles supports dense storage configurations required for managing extensive product assortments. As online shopping accelerates, order pickers help reduce picking time, enhance order accuracy, and support same day or next day delivery commitments.

Recent Developments

The Cherry Picker Forklift market seen significant advancements, primarily driven by technological innovation and increased demand in the e-commerce sector. The rapid growth of online shopping, coupled with the need for efficient warehouse management, has propelled the adoption of Cherry Picker Forklift. These machines are designed to improve picking accuracy, speed up order fulfillment, and reduce manual labor, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency. One key market trend is the integration of advanced technologies like AI and ML in Order pickers.

December 2024 : Leading provider, KION Group, unveiled its new range of technologically advanced order pickers, promising increased efficiency and productivity for warehouse operations
October 2024 : Jungheinrich AG launched an innovative order picker series with enhanced safety features, setting a new standard in the Order pickers market
August 2024 : Toyota Material Handling announced a strategic partnership with robotics firm, Boston Dynamics, to integrate AI technology into their order pickers, marking a significant shift towards automation in the industry.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Order Pickers Market

As a core segment of the Lifting Equipment industry, the Order Pickers market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Automation Revolution and Adoption of IoT and Big Data have redefined priorities across the Lifting Equipment sector, influencing how the Order Pickers market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Automation Revolution

The order picking industry has undergone a major shift toward automation. Automated order pickers have transformed warehouse operations through their ability to enhance both efficiency and accuracy. The advanced machines utilize AI and ML technologies to execute complex tasks autonomously. The transition has produced noticeable effects in e-commerce and retail industries because they need efficient order fulfillment to satisfy customers and expand their businesses. The implementation of automated order pickers allows these industries to process large orders efficiently while decreasing mistakes and boosting operational efficiency which leads to increased profitability.
02

Adoption of IoT and Big Data

Another notable transition in the order picking industry is the adoption of IOT and Big Data. These technologies have transformed the way order pickers operate, providing real-time visibility into warehouse operations and enabling data-driven decision making. For instance, IoT-enabled order pickers can track inventory levels, predict maintenance needs, and optimize routes, thereby reducing operational costs and downtime. Meanwhile, Big Data analytics can analyze patterns and trends in order picking, facilitating strategic planning and performance improvement.