Conveying & Material Handling RFQ template & spec checklist

Conveying and material handling moves product between process steps: belt, roller, and chain conveyors for cases and containers, vibratory and bucket systems for loose product, screw conveyors and pneumatic lines for powders and granules, and the accumulation, merging, and elevation equipment in between. Plants buy here to debottleneck a transfer, connect a new machine, or replace worn framework. The right answer depends on whether the conveyor carries a sealed package or exposed food, how gently product must be handled, and the washdown regime. Because layouts are site-specific, quotes differ in framing, drive placement, and cleanability, which makes three comparisons worthwhile.

What to include in your request

• ▢ What is conveyed: sealed cases or containers versus exposed product, with weight and dimensions
• ▢ Throughput in units per minute or mass per hour, plus the required elevation change or transfer distance
• ▢ Product fragility and orientation control needs (single-file, no tumbling, back-pressure limits)
• ▢ Environment and cleaning: dry, washdown, caustic, or high-pressure, and the IP rating for drives
• ▢ For exposed-product contact surfaces, open-frame hygienic design and EHEDG cleanability expectations
• ▢ For powders: bulk density, flowability, abrasiveness, moisture, and dust explosion (Kst) class
• ▢ Floor space, overhead clearance, and utility drops for drives and controls

What drives the quote

• Total length, elevation, and the number of drives
• Frame material and finish: painted steel, stainless, or washdown-rated construction
• Belt or chain type, and any cleats, sidewalls, or low-friction surfaces
• Controls, VFDs, accumulation logic, and integration with adjacent equipment
• Dust containment, pressure rating, or explosion protection for pneumatic and powder systems

Common spec mistakes to avoid

• Specifying peak instantaneous rate rather than sustained throughput, oversizing the whole line
• Choosing painted steel framework for a wet area that corrodes within a year
• Ignoring product back-pressure and accumulation, which crushes product or jams transfers
• Overlooking abrasiveness or moisture in powders, so screw flights and pneumatic bends wear through
• Not verifying overhead clearance and column locations before the layout is fixed

Lead time

Lead time depends on how much of the run is standard modular conveyor versus custom stainless framework, and on motor and gearmotor availability. Sanitary open-frame construction and specialty belting push it out.

How to use this template

Fill in the bracketed parts, delete what doesn't apply, and send the same version to every supplier so the quotes come back on the same terms. Or start a request and our agents send it for you.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get quotes for Conveying & Material Handling?

Start a request and describe what you need once. Our agents shortlist Conveying & Material Handling suppliers that list it, email each one your request from a PostRequest address, follow up once, and line up price, minimums, lead time and terms side by side. No account or password needed.

Are the suppliers on this page vetted?

They're directory listings from public sources, not endorsements. Before our agents send your Conveying & Material Handling request, they check that each supplier actually offers what you need. During early access, a person on our team reviews every comparison before it reaches you.

Can I include suppliers I already use?

Yes. Add them and we'll request quotes from them alongside new options, so you see how they compare.

Do suppliers see who I am?

No. When our agents send your Conveying & Material Handling request, suppliers see the spec and roughly where it ships. Your name, company and contact details go to a supplier only after you choose to connect.

What does it cost?

Free during early access. No card needed.