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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?

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. 

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. 

Companies purchase used lift equipment for a number of reasons. Newer companies with limited cash on hand may prefer the lower up-front costs of used equipment. Companies with cyclical handling needs, or with unexpected spikes in production, also may find used equipment useful as a stopgap measure. And in other cases, the features of a brand-new piece of equipment may not be desired or required for the application at hand.

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.

An optimized warehouse is an efficient warehouse: one which maximizes the value and utility of every resource it uses and every process it undertakes. Warehouse optimization requires effort and investments to identify and implement the most efficient mix of people, systems and equipment. It is also critical to establish the right processes, so you can take full advantage of your most finite resource — time.

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.

When it comes to optimizing your material handling equipment fleet, visibility and planning are key. You would not operate a lift truck with obstructions blocking your view. So why do many operations managers approach fleet management and cost-projections without reviewing critical information?

Accidents involving forklifts and other material handling equipment are common and can cause significant injuries to both operators and workers. In addition to the detrimental physical impact, the costs associated with any accident can be astronomical.

Manual pallet jacks, used to lift and move pallets and other loads, are a great alternative to forklifts. They are smaller, require less upkeep plus operators are not required to be OSHA certified to use one. Although you may not need an official certification, it is important that everyone who uses a pallet jack is familiar with the safest ways to operate the equipment.