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Small load carrier
From order picking in e-commerce to spare parts supply in the automotive industry, standardized containers ensure a smooth flow of materials. Find out what standard sizes are available, how VDA standards regulate their use, and why these containers have become indispensable in modern warehouses.
What is a small load carrier?
A small load carrier (SLC) is a standardized, reusable plastic container with a maximum base area of 600 × 400 mm, which is used in warehouses, production, and logistics for the manual or automated transport, storage, and picking of small parts and piece goods. As a reusable system, the small load carrier forms the basis for efficient material flow in numerous industries.
Structure and material of an SLC
Small load carriers are mainly made of polypropylene (PP), a robust and lightweight plastic. This material makes the containers temperature-resistant in a range from minus 20 °C to plus 100 °C. The containers have ergonomic lifting handles for manual transport and a special base structure that enables safe stacking.
The walls of a SLC are smooth or reinforced with stiffening ribs. Thanks to their standardized dimensions, small load carriers can be used in racking systems, on conveyor technology, and in automated small parts warehouses. They are among the most commonly used load carriers in warehouse management.
Designations and synonyms
There are various names for small load carriers. In German-speaking countries, the terms Eurokiste, Euronormbehälter, Eurobox, and SLC-Behälter are commonly used. Internationally, the English term Small Load Carrier (SLC) is often used. The abbreviation SLC has established itself as the standard designation across all industries.
What are the dimensions of small load carriers?
The dimensions of small load carriers are clearly defined by VDA and DIN standards. This standardization ensures that SLC containers from different manufacturers are compatible with each other.
VDA standards for small load carriers
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has defined a small load carrier system for bulk goods with the VDA 4500 standard. The supplementary VDA 4504 standard regulates specifications for electrostatically dissipative containers, which are primarily intended for electronic components. Both standards specify requirements for dimensions, material, color, and labeling.
The SLC base areas are designed to fit perfectly on Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm). This allows the pallet surface to be used completely without waste.
Standard sizes at a glance
The VDA standard provides for three base areas, each of which is available in different heights.
| Designation | Base Area (L × W) | Height | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLC 3214 | 300 × 200 mm | 147 mm | Very small parts, screws |
| SLC 4314 | 400 × 300 mm | 147 mm | Small components, accessories |
| SLC 4321 | 400 × 300 mm | 213 mm | Medium parts, electronics |
| SLC 4328 | 400 × 300 mm | 280 mm | Larger individual parts |
| SLC 6414 | 600 × 400 mm | 147 mm | Flat parts, packaging |
| SLC 6421 | 600 × 400 mm | 213 mm | Standard order picking |
| SLC 6428 | 600 × 400 mm | 280 mm | Large-volume small parts |
What types of small load carriers are there?
In addition to standard sizes, small load carriers also differ in their design. Different types are used depending on the intended application.
Overview of VDA container types
The R-SLC has a composite base with distributed stacking feet. This design ensures that the containers are stable and secure when stacked together. R-SLC containers are particularly suitable for automated conveyor systems and high-bay warehouses.
The RL-SLC has a smooth base and is preferred for use where products are sensitive to base structures. Foldable small load carriers can be folded up when empty to save space. This significantly reduces the transport volume for empty runs. VDA-compliant small load carriers are standard equipment in spare parts management in the automotive industry.
ESD small load carriers for electronics
The VDA standard 4504 defines special ESD (electrostatic discharge) small load carriers for the transport of electronic components. These containers are manufactured to be electrostatically dissipative and protect sensitive components from damage caused by static discharge. ESD small load carriers are usually black in color and comply with the requirements of the DIN EN 61340 standard.
Small load carriers and large load carriers in comparison
Small load carriers and large load carriers (LLC) together form the basis for material flow in warehouses and production. Both container types fulfill different tasks.
Small load carriers are designed for the manual or automated handling of small parts. Their maximum base area is 600 × 400 mm, and their maximum weight is around 20 kg. Large load carriers, on the other hand, start at a base area of 800 × 600 mm and are moved using industrial trucks or forklifts.
In practice, both systems complement each other. Small load carriers are often consolidated in large load carriers to enable the transport of larger quantities. This multi-level container hierarchy ensures continuous material flows from small parts to pallets.
| Feature | Small Load Carrier (SLC) | Large Load Carrier (GLT) |
|---|---|---|
| Base area | Max. 600 × 400 mm | From 800 × 600 mm |
| Load capacity | Up to approx. 20 kg | Up to several hundred kg |
| Handling | Manual or automated | Industrial truck/forklift |
| Application | Small parts, order picking | Large parts, pallet transport |
| Typical material | Polypropylene | Plastic, metal, wood |
Small load carriers in fulfillment logistics
Small load carriers are an indispensable tool in fulfillment logistics. Fulfillment service providers use SLC containers in almost every step of the process, from storage and picking to shipping.
Small load carriers really come into their own in pick & pack order picking. Individual orders are assembled in SLC containers before being packed and shipped. The standardized dimensions enable efficient use of shelf space and quick allocation of items.
With a capacity of over 100,000 small load carriers and more than 20,000 square meters of storage space, we can respond flexibly to different order sizes. Whether picking individual items or creating sets from several SLCs, our processes are geared towards efficient small parts logistics. If you are looking for a logistics partner with a high-performance SLC infrastructure, contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
Frequently asked questions about small load carriers
What is a small load carrier?
A small load carrier (SLC) is a standardized plastic container with a maximum base area of 600 × 400 mm. It is used in warehousing, production, and logistics for the storage, transport, and picking of small parts and piece goods.
What are the dimensions of a small load carrier?
The VDA standard defines three base areas for small load carriers: 300 × 200 mm, 400 × 300 mm, and 600 × 400 mm. Depending on the base area, heights of 147 mm, 213 mm, and 280 mm are available. All dimensions are compatible with the Euro pallet (1200 × 800 mm).
What does the abbreviation SLC stand for?
SLC stands for small load carrier. The term refers to standardized plastic containers that are used as a reusable system in warehousing and logistics. Other common names are Euro crate, Euronorm container, or Eurobox.
What is the difference between SLC and GLT?
The small load carrier (SLC) has a maximum base area of 600 × 400 mm and is handled manually or automatically. The large load carrier (LLC) starts at 800 × 600 mm and is moved with forklifts or industrial trucks. KLTs are suitable for small parts, GLTs for larger goods and pallet transport.
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