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In today’s constantly evolving global economy, tariffs can have a significant impact on capital equipment purchases - driving up prices on internationally produced equipment. For warehouse operations leaders and distribution managers, rising costs have the potential to impact budgets, timelines, and day-to-day operations. And with recent tariff actions already increasing the cost of capital equipment, it’s now more important than ever to consider smart procurement alternatives that can help you maintain productivity while protecting your company’s bottom line.

We often receive questions about operating an electric forklift in various weather conditions. Because these forklifts rely on complex electrical components, it is important to know when and where you can run your electric forklift.

Three frequently asked questions we receive about using electric forklifts in the rain are:

1. Are electric forklifts able to operate in the rain?
2. How waterproof are electric forklifts?
3. What safety precautions should I take in the rain?

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.

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 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.

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.

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.”

The best time to replace material handling equipment is not always obvious. If you replace equipment too soon, you may not be getting the full return on your investment. Replace it too late, however, and you may encounter production and capacity issues in addition to unscheduled and unexpected financial costs. Not to worry. We will explain the key factors to keep in mind to help you know when to buy a new forklift or other piece of material handling equipment.

Your operations do not stop once the weather turns colder. During this time of year, it is important to prepare your forklifts and other material handling equipment to ensure continued reliable performance — despite the frigid environment.

Failing to prepare equipment for winter can lead to increased malfunctions and maintenance requirements, as well as damage to machines and components. In the sections below, you will learn about winter forklift maintenance, why it is important and how to conduct it properly.

High-capacity forklifts and heavy-duty equipment serve as the pulse of many manufacturing plants and other major industrial facilities. They enable workers to transfer large parts, products and components from one place to another efficiently and effectively. However, along with the benefits of this equipment come certain challenges for proper operation and usage. Learn how to avoid some of the most common mistakes involved with high-capacity forklifts and heavy-duty equipment.

A forklift is an essential piece of equipment in any warehouse, distribution center or factory. Without it, it would be nearly impossible to efficiently move heavy objects in these environments. The strength and versatility of lift trucks certainly make life easier for the people who work in most industrial settings. However, the power that forklifts provide must be used with a great deal of responsibility.