BLOG

As we approach the end of 2023, businesses continue to look for ways to reduce operational expenses while investing in areas that support their growing business needs. Many companies experiencing greater customer demand need additional equipment to process more orders through their warehouses, distribution centers, or other facilities. Section 179 of the US Tax Code enables businesses to save money by allowing companies to deduct the entire purchase price of qualifying new and used equipment from their taxable profits.

A pallet jack, also called a pallet truck, lifts and moves pallets of goods around a distribution center, warehouse, or industrial facility. They are available in manual or electric operation, each of which has its own advantages. Read on to learn about the key differences between these two types of pallet jacks and determine which is better suited for your workplace.

Effectively managing a warehouse is all about balance.

When order volume is low, equipment may sit unused for weeks or months. But if you don’t have a big enough forklift fleet during peak season, you won’t be able to keep up with the increase in demand.

If your warehouse falls victim to seasonality, there’s a secret weapon that can keep you ahead of the curve: seasonal forklift rentals.

Many warehouses and distribution centers have limited space, but continue to deal with increases in inventory. This presents a big challenge for facility managers, who are constantly under pressure to optimize available storage space. When a warehouse hits about 85% of its occupancy, it is considered "out of space." Are you getting close to that percentage but want to avoid expensive upgrades?

Demand for electric forklifts continues to increase. According to the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), electric forklifts represent nearly 70% of all factory shipments in the United States. This trend will only continue, as electric forklifts offer greater efficiency, versatility and cost savings when compared to gas forklifts.

Are you debating whether to add electric forklifts to your operation? There are many undeniable benefits that make them a preferred choice over gas powered lift trucks.

When you manage an entire fleet of equipment within a warehouse or distribution center, forklift fleet telematics provide you with real-time information that can dramatically improve how your business functions. These connected devices feature advanced software that allows you to keep track of lift truck operators, manage forklift access, optimize routes, and comply with safety regulations. Telematics can help you manage risks, stay ahead of maintenance and productivity issues before they arise, and create a safer operation for all of your employees. Here are a few things to know about equipment fleet telematics and the benefits they offer your business.

When planning to move into a new warehouse or distribution center, there are many factors to consider beyond size and location. Use the building checklist below to confirm the facility you select will meet your needs today while enabling the possibility for expansion in the future.

When moving materials over rough terrain in outdoor environments, it's essential to have the right forklift for the job. Since some forklifts do not have the durability to work under strenuous conditions, you need to ensure you use a model that can operate efficiently and safely on unstable surfaces while lifting heavy loads. If you're looking for material handling equipment for these types of applications, your best choice is a rough-terrain forklift.

As more companies look for ways to create additional space in their warehouses to meet demand and boost productivity, they need well-designed pallet racks. Pallet racking systems can maximize the capacity and efficiency of a warehouse. With the right storage racking solution, distribution managers can increase their throughput, improve productivity, and ensure their product is safely stored.

When you rely on electric forklifts to run your business, the industrial batteries you select to power your fleet affect your team’s productivity. There are many shapes, sizes, and types of forklift batteries. Each kind offers unique benefits, such as reduced charging time, longer run times, decreased maintenance, or a lower price point.

When it comes to food warehousing and distribution, time is always of the essence. Today’s consumers expect a wide variety of fresh food options available at a moment’s notice. That’s why the benefits of automation are so important.

If your business relies on material handling equipment to transport pallets of goods or other heavy items, you may be wondering which type of lift truck is best for your use cases. In this article, we’ll outline several factors to consider to help you choose between the two most common types of forklifts - liquid propane gas (LPG) forklifts or electric forklifts. 

Heavy duty equipment such as high capacity forklifts, reach stackers, and container handlers are used in a range of industries worldwide to transfer freight containers and other large loads quickly and efficiently. With the increased lift capacity of these heavy trucks, there is an increased need for safety in order to prevent injuries to operators and damage to cargo. While all heavy trucks come standard with select safety features, many other advanced, optional features greatly improve operator, pedestrian and equipment safety, contributing to a more productive workforce. Read on to learn more about the importance of safely operating heavy equipment as well as the features that can help you protect your team and your cargo.

While many businesses choose to purchase equipment outright, leasing may be a better choice for some companies because it frees up substantial capital that can be invested in other ways. When you are leasing forklifts and other equipment, additional funds may be available to expand your business or make building improvements. 

When it comes to warehouse storage, the more you can fit into your existing space, the better. Modern warehouse designs often feature narrow aisles and very narrow aisles between storage racks to maximize pallet positions. To store more products in a finite amount of space, companies are discovering that they need to invest in equipment and racking solutions for these narrow aisles and very narrow aisles, often abbreviated as “VNA.”

It’s been widely reported that the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges to the supply chain. From toilet paper to computer chips, the delay of acquiring essential products and components has caused headaches for consumers and hindered productivity for many businesses. Few industries were immune to these issues, and although 2020 is in the rearview, there is no doubt that supply chain disruptions are still happening. Ongoing problems refuse to go away, creating complications for companies across the globe.