These modular hand trucks allow users to replace parts of the hand trucks as they become worn or damaged, making them easier to maintain than non-modular hand trucks with welded frames and nose plates. They are used in delivery services and other commercial and industrial settings where the trucks will be used often and their parts may need frequent maintenance. These hand trucks have aluminum frames and nose plates. They weigh less than steel or stainless steel hand trucks and resist rusting when used in damp or wet environments. Aluminum nose plates are more rigid than magnesium nose plates and are best suited for environments with mild to moderate temperatures.

Standard steel general purpose hand trucks have steel frames and nose plates. They are used in warehouses, manufacturing plants, delivery services, commercial buildings, and similar settings.

Easy-load and -tilt steel general purpose hand trucks have foot kicks that operators use to push the bottom of the trucks forward as they tilt the trucks back. This reduces the effort it takes to start the trucks rolling while carrying heavy loads. Sometimes called shovel-nose hand trucks, the trucks have tapered nose plates with a beveled leading edge that can slide under loads more easily than nose plates that do not have those features. They have steel frames and nose plates and are used in warehouses, manufacturing plants, delivery services, commercial buildings, and similar settings.