The powered hand truck has a chassis supported at one end by a single axle with two independently operable drive wheels. A prime mover is provided generally medially on the chassis, driving the drive wheels and powering the forklift mechanism. An operator console extends from the end of the chassis opposite the wheels, with an operator platform extending beyond the base of the operator console. The forklift mechanism has a pantograph arrangement supported by a pivotally mounted column. The forklift mast remains parallel to the column at all times and includes a manually actuated upper extension. A storage rack and dolly may be installed upon a suitable transport vehicle for transporting the powered hand truck. The hand truck forks engage the storage rack dolly, with the dolly translating along the rack to allow the truck to be deployed from, or loaded onto, the transport vehicle.