I honestly would lean towards option 2, with the idea to set nodes of production. Keep the haulers working within a small area. Pick things within a small radius of the depot and put them elsewhere within that small radius. Then have bigger carts move things between depots. Keeping hauling trips short is key to efficiency IMO. Here, I made a picture to illustrate my point. Regular citizens could still be able to help with hauling, but only for short trips.
Although, for this to work, you'd need a way to set item needs for each depot. Like "This one needs 100 food in its area at all time". Basically creating tiny settlements within settlements. Maybe a bit complicated...