A Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC) is a type of material handling equipment designed to move goods and materials vertically between different levels of a building or structure. VRCs are particularly useful in warehouses, industrial plants, and commercial buildings where space is at a premium and there is a need to transport items between floors efficiently. They are distinct from elevators and other passenger lifts as they are exclusively designed for moving goods, not people. VRCs typically consist of a platform that moves vertically along a guide rail system. They can be mechanically, hydraulically, or electrically powered. The design can vary based on the requirements, including the size of the platform, load capacity, and height to which goods need to be transported.

A Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC) and an elevator both serve the primary function of vertical transportation but differ significantly in purpose, design, and regulatory requirements. VRCs are designed exclusively for transporting goods and materials, not people, and typically feature simpler mechanical designs suited for industrial environments. They are subject to less stringent safety regulations, specifically tailored to material handling, and are generally less expensive to install and maintain than elevators. The design of these lifts often allows for a larger platform and higher load capacity than standard passenger elevators to accommodate heavy or bulky materials. Elevators, on the other hand, are intended for passenger transport, necessitating more complex safety systems, smoother operation, and adherence to stricter building and safety codes. Consequently, elevators are more sophisticated in terms of design and operating mechanism and are equipped with features for passenger comfort and safety, making them more costly in both installation and maintenance.s

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs) are governed by specific safety codes tailored to material handling equipment, rather than passenger elevators. In the United States, the primary safety standard for VRCs is the ASME B20.1 code. This standard provides guidelines for the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of VRCs. It focuses on ensuring that these conveyors operate safely and efficiently, emphasizing aspects like structural integrity, safe loading practices, and the proper installation of safety features such as enclosures and guardrails. Unlike passenger elevators, which are regulated under more stringent codes like ASME A17.1, VRCs are not designed to carry people and therefore the safety requirements are more specific to the risks associated with moving goods between different levels in industrial, commercial, or warehouse settings. The ASME B20.1 code ensures that VRCs meet the necessary safety standards to protect workers and the materials being transported, without the extensive passenger safety measures required for elevators.

A rideable material lift, often considered a variant of the Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC), is a type of lift designed for transporting materials along with a limited number of authorized personnel who are necessary for operation or loading/unloading of material. These lifts are a hybrid solution, combining features of both material lifts and passenger elevators. By allowing personnel to ride with the materials, rideable lifts enhance operational efficiency, reducing the need for separate systems to transport workers and goods. Rideable material lifts include additional safety features compared to standard VRCs. These may include more elaborate control systems, safety enclosures, and emergency communication devices. However, the safety features are typically not as extensive as those found in passenger elevators, so they should only be ridden by trained operators. Rideable material lifts are particularly useful in scenarios where personnel need to accompany the materials for operational reasons, such as overseeing the loading and unloading process.